F E A T U R E

use continues to grow , colocation can expand to support its considerable requirements for computing , data processing and real-time analysis .

Additionally , colocation facilities ' on-site expert engineers address downtime or other problems very swiftly , providing a level of responsiveness that cloud services may not match .

Security , customisation and control

Customisation and control are sometimes more challenging in public cloud environments , but colocation provides enhanced capabilities in this regard , covering hardware and software configurations , and catering to industries with diverse security needs and specific requirements . This is reinforced by the presence of skilled engineers on-site at colocation centres , bridging any skills gaps and ensuring adherence to stringent security protocols .

Regulatory compliance , data sovereignty and environmental considerations

The ability to meet specific regulatory and data sovereignty requirements is an essential consideration for companies needing to ensure data processing within specific geographical boundaries . This is where colocation has the edge on in-house set-ups . Rather than having to access external expertise on ever more complicated regulations , colocation operators have employees steeped in compliance requirements .

Increasingly linked to compliance is sustainability . With an appetite for innovation in cooling technologies and hyper-efficient energy use , colocation facilities help reduce the environmental impact of businesses . Leading facilities operate with 100 % green energy sources and are equipped with on-site generators and Uninterruptible Power Supply ( UPS )

Scalability , network connectivity and hybrid solutions

Colocation provides not just storage , but also scalable computational resources and connectivity options that allow businesses to match their available budget to their service requirements and keep a lid on costs .

Crucially , colocation enhances Business Continuity , providing access to leading cloud services and applications vital for seamless operations during critical periods , such as the shift to hybrid working models .

Colocation enables businesses to create hybrid environments , combining the strengths of both colocation and cloud models . This approach allows for the use of colocation for stable , critical workloads , while leveraging the cloud for its scalability and flexibility , optimising the IT infrastructure for diverse needs .

Accessibility and ecosystems

One of the big drawbacks of on-premises infrastructure is the absence of cuttingedge connectivity with networks and ecosystems . Colocation , by contrast , ensures immediate accessibility and bespoke infrastructure , critical for certain workloads . It opens a much more connected digital ecosystem of partners , including leading cloud providers like AWS and Microsoft Azure .

The presence of various ISPs and interconnection services at colocation centres facilitates high-bandwidth , low-latency connections and enables quick interactions with partners , suppliers and customers .

What we can see , then , are many solid business reasons for making a strategic switch from on-premises data centres and indiscriminate use of public cloud services towards a more bespoke approach centred on colocation . Each business is unique with its own requirements , but colocation offers the most efficient and cost-effective way of entering the faster , more agile future , leaving the burdens and drawbacks of onpremises infrastructure well behind . �

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