VAZATA knows the value of operating enterprise quality data centers designed for mission-critical colocation. Our colocation data centers are Tier 3, with some Tier 4 attributes, as classified by The Uptime Institute.
Investing in IT infrastructure takes more deliberate consideration, planning and research to ensure you make the right choice. Ideally, if you partner with a data center such as VAZATA — one that offers a comprehensive suite of solutions that grow with your business, then you’re off to the best possible start.
Here are 5 attributes that can contribute to maintaining a successful data center:
1. Space and Capacity Efficiency
The best data centers offer the most compute, storage, and networking power with the smallest footprint. By increasing the number of servers per rack, data centers can decrease the number of racks and power circuits to reduce capital expenses and improve utilization of existing hardware.
2. Scalability/Flexibility
Scalability and flexibility are essential in IT. A must-have for data centers is a flexible infrastructure that has the capability to support simple, quick upgrades and sustain a rapid growth in performance. Businesses must be able to conveniently address and adapt to growth and other changing business conditions. There will always be unanticipated disruptions which demand immediate attention. Scaling on demand is imperative for enterprise requirements.
3. Cooling Efficiency
Energy efficiency is critical in data centers. There are a variety of methods used in cooling infrastructure. For instance, hot aisle/cold aisle architecture reduces energy consumption for cooling, provides the ability to pack equipment together more densely and increases the life of components in racks by assuring inlet air temperatures are within ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers) standards.
4. Procedures for Documentation and Planning
Successful data centers have well-documented procedures and monitoring to assure policies are followed. Aside from direct observation via live data center tours, this is evident in the center’s emphasis on training, communication, collaboration and continuous improvement. For example, check to see if the data center is certified for management and operational standards. Operational effectiveness determines the quality of service, helping to mitigate risk and improve performance.
Employees should have access to current, well-organized information about the data center operations and procedures available to them at all times. Policies and procedures aren’t beneficial if they’re not followed, but with well-trained staff who are committed to adhering to the standards and methods, the success of the data center is best ensured.
5. Security
Multi-level security of mission-critical facilities such as data centers must be able to fully guarantee prevention of unauthorized access. Besides the most obvious and crucial cybersecurity functions, most secure data centers have ballistic building construction, perimeter protection, adaptable design with secure cabinets or caged environments and other multi-tier access control measures including mantraps, keycards, biometrics, 24/7 monitoring of security and video surveillance with adequate archiving.
Deciding on a data center for your business is an important decision. Consider how colocation enables you to save the cost, time and bother of an on premise data center. If you can avoid constant maintenance and the power and cooling needed to support your IT equipment, colocation is an obvious and smart decision.
VAZATA data centers provide enhanced security features, accessibility, and fiscal viability in solutions designed to grow with organizations of all sizes. Visit VAZATA.com to learn more.