Operating a data center is serious work. You’d have to worry about the server room’s cooling system, security protocols, logistics, energy efficiency, etc. The initial setup of data centers is the easiest part of the work. Maintaining the structure is where the work truly lies.

Data center colocation is more popular than ever. However, finding the right colocation provider to soothe your server needs is still not as easy as you’d expect. Well, that’s understandable. Not every provider can keep up with the demands of a data center. But don’t worry. It gets easier once you know the qualities to look for.

Challenges of Data Centers.

To help you better understand how data centers work, we’ll walk you through the two prime challenges every data center deals with, irrespective of its size and brand.

1. 24/7 Data Center Monitoring

Running a data center is quite like performing surgery. The facility staff can trust computer programs to point out issues. Still, they need a God’s eye view to pick up on minute problems that could easily turn major. It’s impossible to keep track of the stats without a 24/7 monitoring team.

The monitoring team is tasked with knowing everything in the facility in real time. If the cooling system falters, it’s their job to catch it before it causes any real damage. They also keep track of server traffic, software updates, and data analyses.

As stated earlier, computer programs are integral to running a real-time monitoring program. And the most important one is the Data Centre Infrastructure Management (DCIM).

DCIM is the core of every data center. Amongst other amazing features, the software runs a database that records every unit of service dispensed within the facility in real time, including power usage, bandwidth, support tickets, and IT resolutions.

2. Data protection

Cyber security threats are endless. New threats emerge quicker than security upgrades, and data centers must work around them to protect their client’s data.

Data centers are the prime targets of cyber criminals due to their diverse categories of clients. Fighting that influx of security threats requires 24/7 cyber security teams and high-tech security programs. There are also physical security threats. While the physical threats are not as persistent as the cyber ones, it also takes a 24/7 security operation to protect the data center.

Security breaches could also come from the inside. That’s why some data centers operate on a clearance basis. That way, only operators with the right clearance can access the server rooms.

Are you ready to choose a high-performance colocation partner? You can do no wrong with Coloco.