Chicago Colocation: How To Choose The Best Facility

Choosing your Chicago colocation facility can be one of the most important decisions you will ever make as an IT professional

. Considering any associated contract terms as well as the expense of having to move, the choice can have repercussions for your business years down the road. Yet how do you tell the difference in the services available without being a facilities professional yourself? It comes down to asking the right questions. Consider these tips in making your decision.

Location

Even in the age of the Internet, there are still certain things you have to do in person. Your Chicago colocation may provide your business with global access, but there still are some nuts and bolts issues involved. You just can't run a network cable SSH. Having your data center close by can be critical in emergencies, especially when you lose remote connectivity and must push an emergency button in person. While remote controllers are getting better and better, if they should go out, you'll want to be close by to fix the problem in person.

Also make sure your Chicago colocation facility has good access to airports and freeways. Look into the local accommodations that are available near the facility in case you have out of town contractors working on the facility. How is the parking lot of the building? Does it cost you extra to park there? It is somewhere you'd feel safe leaving your car in the middle of the night?

Do you have a line of sight to the data center? If you can get a wireless link to the data center, you've got a cost effective option for high speed Internet access. Consider the landscape of where the data center is housed and what sort of Internet access issues this might poise.

Staffing

Do they provide 24-7 emergency staffing? If not, what is their on-call policy? How long does it take them to respond to a power failure, a transformer that catches fire, a UPS exploding or other emergency?

What level of professional services do they provide? Is it enough to meet your data center needs? Do they offer more advanced troubleshooting services? Are they or you responsible for the backup? Get the low down on the details of the Chicago colocation package. Compare it against other companies to see what best meets your needs.

Connectivity Options

Do they provide the connectivity themselves, or do they get it through other providers? If the Chicago colocation provides connectivity, it's a much more affordable option than running your own routers with multiple ISPs. Make sure they have good upstream providers, good quality routers, and a competent staff to keep them working effectively.

Be proactive about pricing with your Chicago colocation company. Don't just go for the lowest price service, but consider the complete details of the package offered. The power of your data outsourcing determines your connection to the world and place in the web. The decision can affect many aspects of your company for years down the road. Choose a company that can be a reliable partner for a long lasting commitment.

by: Rick Crutchley

POST COMMENT

Wicked Back In Chicago Chicago Hyundai Sonata dealer hopes to see big things from mid-sized 2011 Elantra Turbo Props –A Great Charter Option to Fly Around Chicago NASCAR in Chicago: LifeLock.com 400 Odds Favor Johnson Chicago Escort Agency Chicago Maps of Union Station and Downtown Area: Three Unique Maps of the Chicago Loop Chicago, Il - I Still Remember You May Be A Locally-based Company, But Its Reach Is Worldwide And Th Where can I get the Liposuction/Lipo Procedure in Chicago? NFL – Mark Sanchez will play against Chicago on Sunday Chicago Chevrolet Price Quote: The Chevy Cruze Is A Steal Enjoy City Break in Chicago Find Chicago Chiropractor That Perfect For You Explore Chicago in a Limousine