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Top 10 Benefits of Housing Your Server in a Good Data Center
A data center is a room, building, or one or more floors of a building where critical computer equipment is kept. Typically, the data center is environmentally controlled with redundant power and internet connections. The purpose behind a data center is to create one central area for servers, connectivity and communications, and have that area be as safe as possible for the equipment in it.
A business has two options for a data center: create your own or outsource. With either option, the data center should have raised floors to allow for air circulation, temperature and moisture controls, fire prevention/extinguishing measures, and redundant power supplies.
From the perspective of outsourcing, the following are the top 10 benefits of housing your server in a good data center:
1. Cost
Designing, building and maintaining a data center can be quite expensive. The average data center typically costs around $15 million to build and takes about 5 years to plan. That estimate does not include all of the accessories, like fire suppression and bandwidth, that is required to keep a data center operational. By utilizing a good data center to house your server, you can take advantage of having a facility that is specifically designed to be the perfect environment for a server, but you are not required to cover the expense of making it perfect.
2. Personnel
Housing your server in a good data center gives you the advantage of having qualified personnel taking care of maintenance and making sure the center is fully compliant with industry best practices standards. Of course, you are not required to hire them or commit your current IT staff. This allows your staff to focus on innovation and driving your business forward, rather than performing functions required to maintain the status quo.
3. Time
By opting to house your server in a good data center, you and your staff can focus on running your business, rather than spending your time dealing with the responsibilities of maintaining a data center of your own.
4. Security
Server security includes more than just firewalls and strategies to prevent intrusion. Security also includes protecting the physical server against damage and disaster. This includes features like closed-circuit television, secure server cabinets, limited access to server rooms, and on-site security. Housing your server in a good data center provides you with around-the-clock security.
5. Carrier access
Most data centers offer the ability to purchase bandwidth as part of your server housing package. For many data centers, there is a variety of carriers, which not only results in competitive pricing, but also in more options for you. Even if there is only one carrier available, you are not forced to spend time, energy and money locating a bandwidth provider for your server's connectivity. At the same time, if you have a preferred carrier other than what is offered through the data center, most data centers will accommodate your use of that carrier.
6. Control
You are still in control of your server. By using a data center, rather than a managed server solution, you retain control of your server, but you are not required to deal with the responsibilities of the data center itself. This means that your money can be spent on quality server equipment and quality staff to maintain it.
7. Technology
By housing your server in a good data center, you can take advantage of the technology available. Typically, data centers have the latest and greatest in technological advancements because it is necessary to keep the data center running at peak performance.
8. Guaranteed performance
Most data centers offer guaranteed levels of service, many backed up with Service Level Agreements. The levels of service include a minimum network throughput, as well as a minimum availability. This guarantees that your network is up and running, which means that your business can be, too.
9. Best practices
Best practices include HVAC for air delivery and water systems, power systems and distribution, equipment, and even the little items like lighting. Industry standards are very specific as to what is necessary for optimum environment, safety and power controls. Industry standard best practices are utilized in data centers, making it possible for your business to take advantage of them without the cost of implementing them.
10. Scalability and upgrades
When using a data center to house your server, you are still able to upgrade your equipment as necessary. In addition, because data centers are designed to hold a large amount of servers, you have the ability to include more servers, as needed, without the need to handle expanding the location or finding a new one.
When choosing a data center for housing your server, be sure to check the features and options available, as well as reading the details of the contract prior to signing. Housing your server in a good data center is a cost-effective resource for your business, and one that frees up your staff to focus on developing, maintaining, and growing your business.