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| 01 | 2007 |
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| IT Gets Its Own Address |
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“Companies typically spend 80% of IT budgets on maintenance,” according to a recent article in InformationWeek. That leaves precious little time for IT departments to take on those new innovative ideas the management has been demanding. With the continued reliance on technology for both company efficiency and the storage of nearly all company data, the IT Department runs into a vicious cycle of securing past information while maintaining network speeds with the continuous accumulation of new data. The result is typically an array of servers (none of which are used to full capacity) which all contain a variety of incompatible software programs, and a network in dire need of an upgrade. Your server room has become much like that tangled ball of holidays lights you put in the attic last week. What should your New Year’s resolution be? Colocation.
What is colocation?
Colocation is the next step in technology efficacy. It entails renting space in a data center to house your servers, and comes neatly packaged with all the top technology tools. You’ll typically get extensive security, a rigidly climate-controlled environment, full backup system (sometimes two), higher bandwidth, and many other features depending on the data center and the package you choose.
What are the advantages?
First, you’ll get all the top technology tools at your fingertips for much less than it would cost you to purchase and maintain it on your own. Having your own dedicated T-1 line, for example, is an expensive proposition. Data centers typically have multiple internet connections, which means your data is sent over the fastest route and results in greater network redundancy. If you’re considering or have already switched to VOIP, this means no more worrying about the struggle between voice and data on the network.
Second, colocation facilities understand that your data is the most vital component of your company, so they provide the highest forms of protection. Colocation environments are climate-controlled for both temperature and humidity. In addition, physical security typically includes 24/7 surveillance, a network of security cameras, secure entrances, state-of-the-art fire protection, as well as individual protection for your rented space. Data centers also have extensive data backup and recovery services with most generating disaster recovery sites, which means virtually no downtime during an outage or disaster. These features play a crucial role in your business continuity plan.
Finally, you’re likely to save anywhere from 20 – 70 percent by colocating, not to mention the amount of time freed up for your tech department to work on core company projects instead of worrying about maintenance and day-to-day operations. Colocations offer the ultimate in flexibility and scalability to easily expand as your company grows without constantly buying new hardware and expanding your server room.
In effect, colocation can offer your company much more reliable, flexible, scalable computing power at a lower cost than maintaining it yourself. So, for that 2008 New Year’s resolution, start dreaming up possibilities for that empty server room. For additional data center information, click here to read “A Virtual Data Center Tour.”
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About The Brookfield Group
The Brookfield Group has become a leader in IT, ISP, ASP and web solutions by providing next level technology solutions managed by experts who give you peace of mind without the tech-talk. The company's services are customized to fit any enterprise-size businesses and include: IT project management; hosting solutions and maintenance; systems security and patches; telecommunications services, server and desktop setup, repair and applications; network infrastructure design; audio visual products; surveillance and security solutions; as well as a variety of other software, hardware, services and accessories. Located in Carmel, Indiana, more information about The Brookfield Group products and services is available at www.thebrookfieldgroup.com or by calling 317.524.6000.
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