Looking for a data center? This article is designed to provide you with some useful tips to consider when choosing a site to meet your colocation needs. Specific requirements may vary from organization to organization however, the following information includes helpful and important items that everyone should bear in mind.

When it comes to making a decision about outsourcing your data, there is more to consider than just bandwidth, space and cost. Choosing a site that will house your equipment in a safe, secure environment that has temperature and humidity control, reliable power and uninterrupted access is critical to the needs of your business.

We encourage you to be proactive when it comes to keeping your important data safe and secure. Chances are, you are considering colocation due to the high costs associated with downtime. After having spent a considerable amount of time and money building your organization, why risk it all? Your critical data and documents should be protected from risk, disaster or a disruption in service that can lead to downtime and potential loss.

Use the following tips as a guideline for choosing the right colocation site:

Choose a location that is risk free. A colocation site should be geographically and environmentally free from the threat of natural and/or man-made disasters. Settings known to be free from natural disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes, coastal flooding and tornadoes are best. You should also assess the risk of man-made disasters such as terrorist attacks, riots or explosions due to high-profile mega city politics and economics.

Choose a location with a dependable infrastructure. The utilities that power a data center site should be equipped to provide 100% reliability in service. Make sure the facility has enough power to meet your organization's current and future requirements. A reliable colocation site will have power conditioners and surge suppressors on all incoming power lines, all of which are backed by generators that can keep the entire facility running in case of long-lasting blackouts. Water used to regulate temperature should be available from more than one source.

Choose a location that is physically secure. Secure data centers prevent unauthorized access by monitoring the premises with security mechanisms like biometric access control systems and CCTV cameras both in and outside of the building. A 24-hour staff that is available seven days a week can also be critical to providing impenetrable security. State-of-the-art fire detection and suppression systems, and temperature and humidity monitoring systems should be in place.

Choose a location with a disaster recovery plan. All colocation facilities should have a disaster recovery plan that ensures clients complete business continuity. Office space can be made available or pre-designated for your IT support staff and/or disaster recovery team in case of an emergency. In addition, operational staff should be available and onsite 24/7/365.