THE ULTIMATE COLOCATION CHECKLIST
Use this colocation checklist to compare data center providers on power, cooling, security, compliance, and connectivity before you sign a contract.
Colocation Checklist: Finding the Right Provider
A colocation contract ties your hardware to one facility, so check every provider against the same list before you sign.
The checklist covers these 13 areas:
– General Information
– Power System
– Cooling
– Compliance
– Audits
– Certifications
– Physical Security
– Energy Efficiency
– Physical Structure
– Environmental Controls
– Network Connectivity
– Support Services
– Customer Amenities
How to Use the Checklist on a Site Visit
Bring the checklist to every facility tour and ask the provider to show you each item instead of describing it. For example, ask to see the generators, the UPS rooms, and the cooling plant, and ask how often the team load tests them. When a provider says it meets HIPAA or PCI DSS requirements, ask for the audit report behind the claim. A current SOC 2 report is a good place to start. Also ask which network carriers are already in the building, because that decides your connectivity options on day one. If two providers score the same, compare support: who answers at 3 a.m., and how fast someone can reach your cabinet.
LET US HELP YOU MIGRATE TO VOLICO DATA CENTER
What is a Data Center Migration?
A data center migration is the process of moving an existing data center environment into a new facility. Because downtime is expensive, a good plan maps out every step, from the equipment inventory to the final cutover. Some teams call it a data center relocation.
Many businesses will need to migrate to a new data center at some point. Moving from one colocation facility to another can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be a traumatic experience. When the provider brings a proven process and an experienced team, the move can run smoothly.
Book an in-person tour with one of our data center engineers. You’ll see the generators, cooling system, and data center floor yourself, so you can check each one against the list.
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