What to Look for when Choosing a Colocation Provider?
Posted by WebJivesGuy in 
If you are going to entrust your data center servers to a colocation provider, it is important to ensure that you get the best person for the job. Otherwise, they may end up messing your business big time. There are important considerations to make when choosing a colocation provider. Here are the most important:
Do not Go for a Reseller
The reselling business in the cyber space is booming. When choosing between colocation providers, ascertain for a fact that they are they own and run the colocation facility. Ask for registration documentation if you have to, to be sure. You can also talk to clients who have used the services before to find out whether the person you are registering with is the owner or a reseller sub-letting space. This is crucial because in case of any problem with your network, only the colocation owner can help you. Real owners are also more likely to ensure high standards of operation than resellers, who have little to lose should a customer decide not to renew the hosting contract.
Reliability
This is one of the most important factors to consider. Your colocation provider must be reliable, with a proven track record to show for it. If they have a high turn-over and frequent downtimes, you want to steer clear of them. If not, get ready to be unavailable most of the time and inconvenience your clients. Look for providers with proven uptime above 99%.
You should also check how long they have been in operation. Colo companies come up all the time and most disappear just as fast. To avoid this inconvenience, choose a provider who is stable, preferably one who has been around for at least three years. Ger references to cross-check what the overall service with the provider is like.
Check their Security Plan
Do not assume that just because someone has colocation facilities, their security arrangement is great. Check out their security arrangement, right from the physical security. Be sure that your server cannot be stolen or data compromised in any way.
Check the Quality of Equipment they Use
You have every right to know the specifications of the hardware they have in the colocation facility. Their cooling system should be good; they should have redundancy in place and uninterruptible power supply (UPS). Importantly, the UPS should be connected to all other equipment, including the cooling system. Get their preventive and maintenance contracts on cooling and power supply. If the colocation provider is located near where you are, take a physical tour of their facility.
Accessibility and Availability
The colocation facility should be running 24/7 and accessible over that same period. Check how accommodating and helpful their customer service is. Are the quick in responding and helping? Are they even available at odd hours? The only way to find out is by calling late at night or very early in the morning.
Cost
Choose a provider with reasonably priced packages. After all, one of the reasons you are outsourcing to colocation is because you want to save some money. Choose between bandwidth packages and the 95th percentile, whichever will be cheaper for you.