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Navigating the complex landscape of server management and data storage? You’re in the right place. You’ve likely encountered colocation as an option to scale data storage. Really, colocation has proven time and again the power (and necessity) of data security and scalability. And what if you could expand that reach across the globe with a global colocation provider?
“Colocation is not just about renting space—it’s about providing businesses with a secure, reliable, and scalable environment that empowers them to operate seamlessly on a global scale,” said John Unger, President of Vaultas. “It’s the backbone that supports your technology needs today and prepares you for the challenges of tomorrow.”
In this blog, we’ll explain colocation and global colocation services, helping you make an informed decision for your business. We’ll also delve into the offerings of top global colocation providers, and make recommendations as to which you should choose. Let’s get started.
What is Colocation?
In the intricate landscape of business operations, managing your servers and the dedicated spaces housing them can be both intricate and costly. This is where colocation emerges as a strategic solution.
Within a colocation facility, you have the opportunity to lease rack space and benefit from safeguarded power services to accommodate your servers. Plus, gain direct access to a robust fiber network ecosystem encompassing local, regional, national, and global providers.
What’s the real value for your business? Firstly, a cutting-edge facility meticulously designed to ensure the secure and reliable housing of your servers. These facilities are purpose-built, equipped with redundant cooling systems that meticulously regulate the temperature, safeguarding your hardware from common risks like overheating.
Not only that, but you also enjoy an unwavering and backup power supply. Power disruptions can spell disaster for your data and operations, but with colocation centers, you have the assurance of Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) coupled with backup generators, guaranteeing uninterrupted operation 24x7x365.
Unleash the potential of enhanced network connectivity. Access a multitude of high-speed bandwidth providers, empowering your servers with redundant, high-speed networking. This ensures your servers can seamlessly handle the traffic they encounter, precisely when they need to.
Security is paramount. Colocation centers implement rigorous physical security measures to thwart unauthorized access to your servers. Rest easy knowing your data is ensconced within a facility boasting 24x7x365 security, complete with visual surveillance using HD cameras and secure video storage for 60 days.
Looking ahead, it’s no surprise that the adoption of data centers by businesses is on a trajectory of substantial growth. Projections indicate a steady 10% annual increase in data center demand, extending all the way to 2030. While not all data centers are earmarked for colocation, this surge underscores a significant shift in how businesses approach data management.
So, if you’re seeking to unburden yourself from the complexities of managing your servers and their environments, colocation emerges as the ideal solution, offering the resources and security essential for your business’s success.
Keep Data Secure—No Matter the Outage or Incident
Mastering the Global Game: Colocation vs. Global Colocation Unveiled
At the heart of every tech-driven enterprise lies a critical decision: standard colocation or the far-reaching realms of global colocation?
Both serve the fundamental purpose of furnishing businesses with a cost-effective, secure, and reliable haven for their servers, while facilitating direct access to the expansive global ecosystem of fiber optic networks and data centers worldwide. Let’s delve into the nuances that set these services apart.
In the realm of standard colocation, businesses secure space in a data center facility equipped with essential amenities like power, cooling, bandwidth, and robust physical security. These facilities, typically localized or regionalized, cater to businesses with operations confined to specific geographic areas.
The focus here is on delivering the pivotal network and infrastructure required to ensure your servers remain seamlessly connected, efficient, and secure.
Now, shift your gaze to the grandeur of global colocation. This transcends borders, offering a dynamic network of data centers strategically dispersed across multiple countries or even continents.
The result? A seamless bridge connecting companies with users and customers globally. Beyond the core benefits of cost-effective colocation and 24x7x365 operational support, global colocation services elevate the game.
Picture this: extensive reach, a wealth of networking expertise, public and private network peering, and an expansive array of technology services. Global colocation not only safeguards your hardware within secure and reliable environments but also propels your business into a realm of unparalleled connectivity and technological prowess.
In the grand tapestry of colocation, the global variant emerges not just as a service but as a strategic enabler of global connectivity, networking finesse, and a tech ecosystem that knows no boundaries.
It’s the choice that transcends limits and propels businesses into the future. The question then becomes not just colocation or global colocation but rather, how far do you want your business to go?
What to Look For in a Global Colocation Provider
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What to Look For |
Why |
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Global reach |
Look for a provider with data centers in multiple countries or continents to ensure consistent and seamless business operations and expansion opportunities. |
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Access to the technology ecosystem |
A comprehensive range of current technology services, including cloud, network connectivity, and next-gen security solutuons, can be a significant advantage. This allows for a one-stop solution for all your technology needs. |
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Networking expertise |
Given that networking can consume a significant portion of your IT budget, and is critical in providing employees and customers a seamless experience, network expertise is crucial in meeting today’s expectations. The provider should offer a range of networking services, partners, and solutions. |
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Flexibility and scalability |
The ability to adapt to your needs at a moment’s notice is vital. Look for options like scalable networking, custom cage space, private suites, and various cabinet configurations to ensure the provider can grow with your business. |
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Security measures |
Robust security protocols, including 24x7x365 video surveillance and multiple layers of physical and digital security, are non-negotiable. The location is also key to controlling operating costs and access to redundancies. |
The Top 4 Global Colocation Providers in 2024
Equinix
Equinix offers global colocation services through its International Business Exchange™ (IBX®) data centers. Customers have the option to choose between complex, customized private cages or simple single cabinets for their deployment needs.
Security features can be standard or customized to exceed operational requirements, and facility access is designed to accommodate both local and remote management.
Equinix promises over 99.999% uptime and optimized power circuits for reliability. Sustainability goals can also be met without compromising on service quality. In terms of interconnection, Equinix provides low-latency direct access to services and a broad ecosystem of partners and providers.
Digital Realty
Digital Realty offers a secure and dynamic platform where technology and connectivity merge to foster collaboration, innovation, and growth. This service operates on the world’s largest data center platform, providing a robust environment for enterprises and service providers to accelerate their operations.
Central to Digital Realty’s offering is PlatformDIGITAL®, a global network that transforms data into actionable intelligence, leading to insightful innovations. This platform caters to the possibilities of data, making it an asset for businesses aiming to leverage their information to its full potential.
Understanding the demands of artificial intelligence (AI) and the explosive growth of data, Digital Realty has engineered a data center solution that is AI-ready. This means optimizing IT infrastructure for efficient data exchange, which in turn, empowers businesses to focus on innovation and expansion.
| Learn more about Vaultas’s technology ecosystem: Data Storage & Backup Remote Hands Cloud Colocation |
3. NTT
NTT offers a variety of data center solutions, ranging from secure cabinets to build-to-suit data centers. Their design approach includes modular construction for capacity expansion and customization to meet organizational needs.
The types of solutions they offer include turnkey cabinet solutions, custom cages for enhanced security, private suites for large-footprint deployments, and powered shell and build-to-suit options.
NTT has a global presence with data centers in over 20 countries, offering 600,000m2+ of current and planned global data center service space and a critical IT load of 2,100MW globally. They provide network, cloud, and data center services in over 190 countries.
4. You Could Get Access to These Incredible Resources and More With Vaultas
In 2024, Vaultas firmly established itself as the premier global colocation provider, a distinction earned for a multitude of compelling reasons. Let’s start with our expansive global footprint.
Vaultas proudly presents a robust network of data center partners, including some of the excellent companies mentioned above. This ensures that Vaultas becomes your steadfast ally, facilitating seamless business expansion, regardless of your current location or future plans.
Now, let’s go into the realm of networking—a pivotal element crucial to operational success, often consuming over 30% of your IT budget. Vaultas transcends the role of a mere service provider—we position ourselves as your dedicated networking expert and partner.
Vaultas has firmly established itself as the premier global colocation provider, a distinction earned for a multitude of compelling reasons. Let’s start with our expansive global footprint.
Vaultas proudly presents a robust network of data center partners, extensively discussed earlier. This ensures that Vaultas becomes your steadfast ally, facilitating seamless business expansion, regardless of your current location or future plans.
What further sets Vaultas apart is our comprehensive technology ecosystem. We offer a diverse array of services, including colocation, cloud solutions, connectivity, UCaaS, CCaaS, security, and SD-WAN.
Our commitment to providing a holistic suite of technology solutions ensures that Vaultas becomes your one-stop destination for all your IT needs.
These are just a few areas where we can provide the expertise required to guide your organization through your business transformation.
Let’s not forget about flexibility and scalability. Vaultas offers access to anyone’s technology stack that can adapt at a moment’s notice, ensuring you’re always prepared for any scenario. Moreover, Vaultas is carrier and vendor-neutral, giving you the freedom to choose the best solutions for your specific needs. Our services also include:
- Remote hands and technical support
- Disaster recovery services and solutions
- IaaS and more
- And much more
Add to this the robust infrastructure features like over 365,000 sq. ft. of colocation space in MN, lockable racks, fault-tolerant facilities, and round-the-clock security, and it becomes clear why Vaultas is the global colocation provider you can trust.
Rely On One of the Leading Global Colocation Providers
Ready to take your business to the next level with global colocation services? While there are several providers to choose from, Vaultas stands out as one of the best global colocation partners of choice. With an extensive network of over 60 providers in more than 1,600 locations worldwide, Vaultas offers unparalleled global reach.
Add to that a comprehensive technology ecosystem that covers everything from cloud to connectivity, and you have a one-stop solution for all your technology needs.
With upwards of 365,000 sq. ft. of colocation space in MN, complete with lockable racks and a diverse array of services ranging from 1-RU to custom cage and suite spaces, we deliver personalized solutions capable of adapting to your dynamic requirements on demand.
With state-of-the-art facilities, fortified by 24x7x365 video surveillance, monitoring, and fault-tolerant systems, guarantee the perpetual security and accessibility of your invaluable data.
