Data is arguably one of the most essential commodities companies have in today’s digital landscape. Therefore, how companies collect, control, and manage data is a top priority. Typically, companies of all sizes house their data in off-site data centers. But what is a data center, and what benefits can it have for your business? 

In this blog post, we explore everything you need to know about data centers.

What Are Data Centers?

Data centers are secure facilities where numerous companies house copious amounts of business-related data and their network. While the main function of a data center is to store, manage, and process large amounts of data, these centers rely on physical infrastructure components like networking equipment, storage devices, and servers to ensure flawless data storage and processing. 

Types of Data Centers

Enterprise Data Centers

These data centers are built, owned, and operated by organizations to meet their needs. They are custom-built to meet the needs of the companies that own them and are housed on-site. 

Managed Services Data Centers

Managed services data centers are owned, managed, and monitored by third-party service providers. Companies choose a leasing model and can access data center functions and features on a managed service platform. These data centers are an excellent option for companies with limited space, staff, and expertise to build and operate an on-prem data center. 

Colocation Data Centers

Colocation data centers let companies rent space off-site to host the infrastructure, including cooling systems, power supplies, and security. The business provides and manages its components like servers and computing hardware. 

Why Should You Use a Data Center?

Below are some of the benefits of using a data center.

Enhanced Security

Data centers are intended to be very secure. They have strong digital and physical security measures to protect data from unauthorized access, theft, and other disasters. 

Reliability

Data centers are designed to be operational around the clock. With advanced cooling systems, multi-layered security, and backup power, you can trust that you will always be able to access your data. 

Scalability

As companies grow and evolve, so do their needs. Data centers are like expandable travel bags. You can boost processing power, increase storage, and strengthen network capabilities without starting from scratch. 

Cost Savings

Setting up an in-house data center can be expensive. However, data centers are a more wallet-friendly alternative. Instead of investing in cooling systems, servers, and security staff, companies can channel their money to more critical areas. 

Energy Efficiency

Modern data centers are designed to be energy-efficient, employing advanced cooling systems, power management techniques, and sustainable energy sources, which can help reduce operational costs and environmental impact.

Regulatory Compliance

Many data centers are designed to meet specific compliance standards and regulations, such as HIPAA, PCI-DSS, or SOC, depending on the industry’s requirements. This can help ensure your data and systems adhere to relevant security and privacy standards.

What Should You Look for in a Data Center?

Location

Factors like natural disaster susceptibility, proximity to a fire department, the facility’s structural integrity, and whether your staff can easily access the building are all essential considerations you should not overlook. 

Security

Data centers should utilize technology, software, and physical measures such as surveillance, locks, and on-site security staff to ensure data safety.

Scalability

As your company’s operations evolve, you need a data service with the flexibility necessary to grow with you. 

Reputation

Read online testimonials and reviews. Examine the negative and positive reviews left by past and current customers. You can even ask fellow business owners which data storage service they use. 

Disaster Recovery 

The data service provider you choose should have disaster recovery professionals on board to evaluate and frequently test numerous disaster recovery protocols. 

Learn More About Data Centers from Our Experts

Data centers allow companies to manage, store, and process data securely and efficiently. These complex facilities house the servers, networks, and infrastructure enabling our modern digital lives, from streaming entertainment to online business. Without the scalability, reliability, and security data centers provide, the digital world as we know it would grind to a halt.

To better understand the services data centers provide, speak with the professionals at Kelly Telecom. We are ready and willing to answer any questions you may have.