To stay resilient, businesses must ensure that their operations can withstand any disruption and recover swiftly, whether they’re facing natural disasters, power outages, or cyberattacks. Fortunately, colocation services provide a practical solution for bolstering business continuity and disaster recovery (BCDR) with secure, reliable infrastructure outside your business’s primary site. This article will explore how colocation can strengthen your company’s BCDR strategies, enabling you to protect critical systems and data while reducing the risk of downtime.
What is colocation?
Colocation is a service that allows businesses to store their important computer equipment — such as servers and data storage — in a secure, professionally managed facility. While businesses still own and control their equipment, they no longer have to manage the complex physical environment needed to keep it running smoothly. The colocation providers assume responsibility for critical tasks such as managing power and cooling systems, performing maintenance on the equipment, and implementing security measures.
The role of colocation in business continuity
Colocation provides a more robust approach to business continuity, offering several key advantages compared to on-premises solutions:
- Backup power and network connections: Colocation centers have backup power generators, additional power sources, and multiple internet connections to keep systems operational even during local power or internet outages. This setup means that even if your main business site loses power or internet, clients, partners, and employees can still access your systems and data.
- Strong security measures: Colocation providers protect valuable equipment and data with strict security protocols including controlled access, video surveillance, and around-the-clock monitoring. These safeguards prevent unauthorized access and keep your critical systems safe.
- Off-site location: Keeping your equipment and data at a separate, secure location lowers the risks posed by threats local to your business, such as severe weather or city-wide blackouts.
The role of colocation in disaster recovery
If a disruption drastically affects your main business site, colocation enables faster recovery thanks to a variety of features, including:
- Off-site data storage: The same feature that benefits business continuity similarly assists with disaster recovery. Information kept on servers hosted in colocation facilities is safe from any disasters that may affect your business’s primary site. Relying on off-site storage enables you to restore critical business data and systems without the risk of loss or damage from the event.
- Faster recovery times: A colocation facility’s hardy infrastructure, featuring redundant components and expert support, accelerates recovery efforts, so your company can resume its operations with minimal downtime.
- Scalable resources: Disasters often create unexpected changes in a company’s IT needs as it adapts to the impact. Colocation offers the flexibility to quickly scale resources up or down, accommodating fluctuations in workload or unexpected surges with adjustable storage, bandwidth, and the like. This helps your business adapt and recover without having to invest in new equipment or infrastructure.
What to consider when looking for a colocation provider
With a clear view of how colocation strengthens BCDR strategies, you can determine if it’s a fit for your business. However, when choosing a colocation service for BCDR, you should consider various factors that ensure the provider meets your business needs.
Location of the colocation facility
The geographic location of your colocation facility directly impacts your BCDR plan. It should be distant enough to avoid local risks such as natural disasters, but close enough for convenient access in an emergency. Account for the likelihood of any potential hazards — including power outages, flooding, hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes — in the facility’s region when selecting a provider.
Service level agreements (SLAs)
SLAs detail the specific level of service the provider commits to, including guarantees for uptime and response times in the event of a disruption. Make sure the provider’s SLAs align with your objectives. And to gauge the provider’s reliability in meeting SLAs, consider checking their reputation on review sites and customer testimonials.
Security and compliance standards
Ensure the colocation facility has comprehensive security protocols in place to protect your infrastructure from physical threats and cyberattacks. Additionally, verify that the provider meets industry standards and complies with regulations relevant to your business. For instance, if you handle sensitive healthcare data, choose a colocation provider that adheres to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.
Support services
Consider the level and quality of support offered by the colocation service. See if they offer 24/7 customer support and managed services to help with the disaster recovery process. Rapid, expert support is essential for restoring your systems quickly during an emergency.
Colocation is a powerful solution for maintaining business continuity and effective disaster recovery. By selecting the right provider, you can protect your data, minimize downtime, and ensure your operations stay resilient during disruptions. Contact Liberty Center One today to learn how our colocation services can strengthen your BCDR strategy and keep your business running smoothly.