There are several advantages to using colocation data centers for businesses, and there are options available for companies of all sizes. If you already have a data center, want to add redundant connectivity, or are looking for reliable colocation services, here’s what you need to know.
The Benefits of Colocation Data Centers
Managing your data and equipment in an off-site data center provides several significant advantages, including:
- Reliability. Colocation data centers offer redundant power, cooling, and communication to provide more resiliency.
- Performance. Electronic equipment functions best in environments with tight temperature controls. Colocation centers maintain optimal temperatures and air filtration for optimal performance.
- Scalability. Organizations can quickly scale up or down. This allows you to pay for what you need and offers you the flexibility to grow.
- Connectivity: Most colocation data centers allow you to use different internet connectivity partners for redundant connectivity.
- Monitoring: Colocation data centers monitor and track security and performance.
Colocation Data Centers for Every Size Business
There are different options for colocation services depending on your needs and the size of your business. Data center services are categorized by tiers. Here is a breakdown of the different tiers according to the Uptime Institute:
Tier 1 Data Center – Basic Capacity
Tier 1 infrastructure provides the power and cooling capacity needed. However, there is only a single path, so critical systems have no redundancy. Therefore regular maintenance and emergency repairs may require temporary shutdowns. Tier 1 data centers offer 99.671% uptime.
Tier 2 Data Center – Basic Redundancy
Tier 2 data centers add additional protections against downtime. While they provide a single path for power, there is partial redundancy due to enhanced failsafe precautions such as additional chillers, pumps, power sources, and UPS power. Tier 2 infrastructure offers 99.741% uptime.
Tier 3 Data Center – Comprehensive Redundancy
Tier 3 data center services provide a more comprehensive solution for redundancy by adding redundant paths for backup power with automatic switchover in case of failure. With this extra protection, Tier 3 data centers offer 99.982% uptime.
Tier 4 Data Center – Fault Tolerant
A Tier 4 data center has all the components of the other tiers but is fault tolerant for the highest levels of redundancy. There is no single point of failure. In other words, there is a backup system on standby for every component, including multiple power suppliers, backup generators, UPS systems, cooling systems, and power distribution. Each path is independent to prevent the failure of one component from impacting another. Tier 4 data centers offer 99.995% uptime.
This chart breaks out the key differences.
| TIER 1 | TIER 2 | TIER 3 | TIER 4 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uptime | 99.671% | 99.741% | 99.982% | 99.995% |
| Downtime | Up to 28.8 hours | Up to 22 hours | Up to 1.6 hours | Up to 26.3 minutes |
| Redundancy | N/A | Partial power/cooling | Full | Fault Tolerant |
| Costs | $ | $$ | $$$ | $$$$ |
| Staffing | None | Typically, one shift | Multiple shifts | 24x7 |
| Used By | Small businesses | SMBs | Large companies | Large enterprises, government agencies |
| Reason for Use | Most affordable | Additional protections at a lower cost | Balance affordability and performance | Highest level of redundancy and uptime |
Which Data Center Tier Is Right for Your Business?
The more redundancy you build into your system, the more expensive your colocation data center will be. So, smaller businesses will want to evaluate the costs versus what they get.
Small businesses and start-ups often choose Tier 1 services because they do not require 24/7 operations and can tolerate some downtime. Tier 2 services are preferred by small and medium-sized businesses that want a cost-effective and more reliable solution. Medium-sized firms often use Tier 2 data centers for backup or non-critical assets.
Larger companies opt for Tier 3 or Tier 4 data center services that require more robust redundancy. Large companies, government agencies, and organizations that require complete redundancy for every component for uninterrupted service choose Tier 4.
If you want to discuss your data center options, reach out to the experts at LOGIX Fiber Networks. We operate data centers in:
If you are evaluating data centers, you may also want to download our complimentary Data Center Request for Proposal template to ensure you ask the right questions and get the information you need to evaluate providers thoroughly.
Data Center Connectivity
LOGIX provides colocation data center service to 80+ third-party data centers throughout Texas.
LOGIX is the largest independent provider of fiber business internet in Texas, with more than 300,000 miles of fiber throughout the state. LOGIX connects 3,000 enterprise buildings and can provide the reliable internet connectivity you need for your data center.
LOGIX monitors business internet connectivity 24x7 at a Texas-based network operation center (NOC), provides diverse Tier-1 peering points, and has multiple fiber rings in major Texas markets to offer the most reliable business internet with 99.999% uptime.
Whether you need a solution for your primary connectivity or want to add reliable backup connectivity, LOGIX Fiber Networks has the data center solution you need, such as Business Internet, Ethernet, Cloud Connect, or Wavelength.
Data Center Services for Every Budget
LOGIX has colocation data center options to fit every budget and requirement, whether you need colocation data center services or more reliable internet connectivity.
Are you looking for colocation services for your business? Contact LOGIX at 281-688-6283 or request a quote.