Colocation datacenters require a plethora of infrastructure like a properly designed room with fewer windows, hardware like data storage facilities, servers, properly installed power systems, smoke and fire alarms, climate control measures, security systems like CCTV etc to be optimally useful throughout. Any breakage in links or connectivity can result in irreparable harm to the business prospects of tenant companies.
Here it becomes highly essential to scrutinize the authenticity of the colocation hosts before finalizing your deal with them. There are many factors to be seen for the benefit of your business – whether the Internet network is a Tier-1 fully redundant and internationally acclaimed one, if excellent connectivity is possible without fail etc. Other factors include fool-proof security devices, continuous power backups, technical assistance etc. You should also seek whether the colocation hosts ensure remote hand service for free.
It is important for the colocation host to provide onsite technical assistance throughout the day. For this, skilled technicians with enough experience should be stationed even during the nights to sort out all problems immediately. A fresher in the field may not be able to give such a quality of service as the field requires lots of experience.
Other points to ponder are about the business practices of the colocation hosts, like how profitably they are running this service, do they charge extra monthly fees for cross connections etc. Make a thorough inquiry about the size of Internet connections that the colocation facility uses, the security systems installed, whether redundant power is available etc.
Most importantly, check whether your colocation hosts are specialized colocation service providers, or they provide phone service, web hosting or dedicated services as parallel services. If so, you may be getting much less service for what you are paying. Even the back-up generators, air conditioning systems and other paraphernalia should be put under intense scrutiny before you put your eggs there. Secure, lockable cabinets, are invaluable components of colocation facilities in order to secure your hardware and data. Last, but not least, give a thought about how the colocation hosts can handle future improvements and upgrades without affecting the connectivity and discuss the costs of such upgrades before hiring the space.
colocation Services USA has been in the field of Dallas colocation for a long time and maintains a website about colocation hosting where you can get answers to the rest of your questions.