Colocation – Why and How?

Why:
Why do organizations colocate server capacity at a third party site? The following are some reasons to consider colocation:

1)You need access to a very high speed internet connection on the Internet backbone. content providers, VoIP, streaming video, and gaming companies use a lot of bandwidth.

2) Redundancy – it is very expensive to create a truly redundant server environment – it is much cheaper to collocate your equipment in a data center facility to get redundant clean power with built in UPS and redundant backup generators, redundant HVAC and huge redundant pipes to the internet.

3) Disaster recovery – especially in gulf coast areas like Houston you might want to collocate backup servers or hot spares in data centers such as Dallas. That way if Houston loses power and everyone evacuates the city, you can still theoretically check your email and have your website and other services up and running remotely.

4) Security – it can also be more secure to keep your equipment at the data center since it requires badge and biometric (palm scan) access to enter the facility. There are also cameras throughout the facility and combination lock cabinets. Customers can also get enclosed suite space and add additional levels of security if necessary.

5) You can run private lines from the facility to their offices so that they can access their data remotely, without going over the internet.

How?
We have worked with iLand Internet Solutions here in Houston and feel as though they are an excellent colocation resource.  To provide some information on the advantages of colocation we have excerpted here some information provided by iLand as typical of colocation offerings :

iLand offers colocation in forty-one IP-enabled Level 3 Gateways across the US and Europe, giving you a choice of shared colocation, cabinets or suites, custom or pre-built configurations, AC or DC power.  Look for a colocation environment where customers have the freedom to network on their terms, not the vendors.  The iLand "Gateways" - offer connectivity to an average of eight telecommunications carriers just a cross connect away.

State-of-the-Art and Secure
Every iLand colocation facility boasts premium space built according to uniform environmental and security standards.

Security: Multi-layer security control procedures, biometric palm readers, and 24 x 7 closed-circuit video and alarm monitoring

Power: Uninterruptible redundant AC and DC power solutions that are flexible and upgradeable - meeting all types of customer needs

Cooling: HVAC redundant design with air distribution under raised flooring for maximum temperature control

Fire Suppression: Smoke detection system above and below raised floor; double-interlock, pre-action, dry-pipe fire suppression

Overhead Cable Management and Ladder Racking: Provides easy access to all cabling while deterring obstructions from under the raised flooring.

HELP: For help with Disaster recovery, Storage and Backup or Security Issues, give us a call or email EBS and we will be glad to be of assistance: 713.522.3480

Worst Security Risk May Work For You

When it comes to information security, your biggest vulnerability is not necessarily your computers. It’s your users. Every day, employees make glaring errors such as posting their passwords where others can see them, downloading and opening e-mail attachments that contain viruses, and failing to shut down their computers at night. Human error, not system weaknesses, is the leading cause of serious security violations ....

3311 Richmond Ave. Suite 317
Houston TX 77098
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Tel: 713.522.3480
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