Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions.
Why GotColo.com
What is GotColo.com?
What services does GotColo.com offer?
How much does GotColo.com's services cost?
there are no costs for using GotColo.com. Our services are completely free for customers, allowing you to benefit from our expertise and resources without any additional cost, unlike other services where you might incur fees or commissions.
Why should I use GotColo.com?
GotColo.com offers a comprehensive and detailed database of colocation facilities worldwide, saving you time and effort. We provide all the information you need in one place, streamlining your decision-making process. In addition, GotColo.com is free to use and provides access to our team of experts who can help you navigate your colo journey whether you’re just starting out or have been leveraging colo facilities for years.
How does GotColo.com simplify the colocation selection process?
We simplify the selection process by offering personalized support from industry experts. Our team guides you through each step, ensuring you find the optimal facility that matches your specific needs, making the process easier than navigating it on your own.
What are the benefits of GotColo.com’s extensive colocation facility database?
Our database is the most thorough and up-to-date resource available, covering every aspect of colocation facilities, including power and space availability. This level of detail is hard to achieve through independent research, saving you significant time and resources.
How do GotColo.com’s industry relationships benefit customers?
Our established relationships with colocation providers give you access to exclusive deals and preferential terms. These connections enable us to negotiate the best pricing and service agreements, ensuring you get the most value for your investment.
Can GotColo.com obtain better pricing for colocation services than I could on my own?
Yes, most of the time, we can negotiate better pricing for colocation services due to our strong relationships with providers and deep market knowledge. We leverage these connections to secure competitive rates, often better than what you could negotiate independently.
How does GotColo.com save customers time and reduce frustration in the colocation search?
Colo is our business! We save you time and reduce frustration by consolidating all necessary information and providing expert assistance throughout the process. This eliminates the need for extensive independent research and multiple negotiations, making the search for colocation services much more efficient.
How does GotColo.com ensure all customer requirements are met?
We work with you and your team to ensure all your needs are met by understanding your specific requirements and leveraging our industry expertise to find the best fit. We work closely with you to ensure that every aspect of your colocation needs is considered and addressed effectively.
Colocation Fundamentals
What is colocation?
A colocation data center, often referred to as a “colo”, is a facility where businesses can rent space for servers and other computing hardware. These data centers provide power, cooling, and security, enabling companies to house their IT infrastructure without managing a data center themselves.
What are the benefits of using colocation?
Using a colocation facility offers benefits such as enhanced security, reliable power and cooling, scalability, and cost savings. Companies can leverage state-of-the-art facilities without the high upfront costs of building their own data centers.
How do I choose the right colocation provider?
When choosing a colocation provider, consider factors like location, uptime guarantees, security measures, scalability options, and customer support. Evaluate your specific needs and compare them with the services offered by different providers. GotColo.com can help you with all these factors and enable you to make the best decision for your business.
What is the difference between colocation and cloud computing?
Colocation involves renting physical space for your hardware in a third-party data center, while cloud computing delivers computing resources over the internet. Colocation provides greater control over hardware and flexibility, while cloud computing can offer greater scalability at a cost.
How secure are colocation data centers?
Colocation data centers are highly secure, with measures such as biometric access controls, 24/7 surveillance, and fire suppression systems. Providers also implement stringent security protocols to protect against cyber threats.
What kinds of power options do colocations offer?
Colocation data centers offer redundant power options, including uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), backup generators, and diverse utility feeds. These features ensure continuous power availability and high uptime. GotColo.com can help source the right data center based on your power requirements for today and for the future.
Can I scale my colocation services as my business grows?
Yes, colocation services are highly scalable. You can easily add more space, power, and connectivity as your business needs evolve. Many providers offer flexible contracts to accommodate growth.
What is the typical cost of colocation services?
The cost of colocation services varies based on factors like location, space, power requirements, and additional services. It’s essential to get a detailed quote from providers to understand the total cost of ownership. At GotColo.com we are uniquely positioned to help you find the right data center for your needs since we work with locations across the globe.
How do colocation data centers handle cooling?
Colocation data centers use advanced cooling systems, including hot/cold aisle containment, liquid cooling, and HVAC systems. Efficient cooling ensures optimal performance and longevity of your hardware.
What types of businesses benefit most from colocation?
Businesses with significant IT infrastructure needs, such as SaaS companies, AI firms, financial services, and e-commerce platforms, benefit greatly from colocation. It provides reliability, scalability, and security crucial for their operations.
Can I access my equipment in a colocation data center?
Yes, most colocation providers allow customer access to their equipment. Access protocols vary, but typically include 24/7 access with strict security measures to ensure only authorized personnel can typically enter.
What kind of network connectivity do colocation data centers offer?
Colocation data centers offer diverse network connectivity options, including high-speed internet, direct cloud connections, and carrier-neutral interconnections. This ensures low latency and reliable connectivity.
Do colocation data centers provide disaster recovery solutions?
Many colocation data centers offer disaster recovery solutions, including data backup, redundant systems, and geographically diverse locations. These features help ensure business continuity in case of an outage or disaster. GotColo.com also partners with most disaster recovery industry leaders and can help you find the right provider to meet your requirements.
How environmentally friendly are colocation data centers?
Many colocation data centers prioritize sustainability with energy-efficient designs, renewable energy sources, and advanced cooling technologies. Look for providers with green certifications and sustainability initiatives.
What are the typical uptime guarantees of colocation data centers?
Uptime guarantees, often expressed as Service Level Agreements (SLAs), typically range from 99.9% to 99.999%. These guarantees ensure minimal downtime and reliable service for your critical applications.
Can I use colocation for my hybrid cloud strategy?
Yes, colocation can complement a hybrid cloud strategy by providing a secure and reliable environment for your hardware while seamlessly connecting to public and private cloud resources.
What kind of support do colocation providers offer?
Colocation providers offer various support services, including remote hands, technical support, and monitoring. It’s important to understand the level of support included in your contract and any additional costs. GotColo.com will help capture your requirements and negotiate with data center providers to ensure you have the support you need.
How do I migrate my equipment to a colocation data center?
Migrating to a colocation data center involves planning, equipment transport, and setup. Many providers offer migration assistance, including logistics, installation, and testing, to ensure a smooth transition. At GotColo.com we can help you with this process by pairing you with providers that are experts in data center migrations.
What is edge computing, and how does it relate to colocation?
Edge computing involves processing data closer to the source to reduce latency. Colocation data centers can serve as edge locations, providing the infrastructure needed for low-latency applications like IoT and autonomous vehicles.
Can colocation support high-density deployments?
Yes, many colocation data centers are equipped to support high-density deployments with advanced power and cooling solutions. This capability is essential for businesses with demanding compute and storage needs, such as AI and big data analytics.
Security & Compliance
How do colocation data centers ensure data security?
Most data centers implement comprehensive security measures, including physical security with biometric access controls, 24/7 video surveillance, and manned security personnel. They also enforce strict cybersecurity protocols, such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and regular vulnerability assessments.
What compliance standards do colocation data centers adhere to?
Many colocation data centers adhere to industry standards and certifications such as SSAE 18, SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, and PCI DSS. These standards ensure that the data center meets stringent requirements for security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy. GotColo.com can source the right data center based on your security requirements.
How does a colocation data center protect against data breaches?
The facilities protect against data breaches by implementing multi-layered security strategies, including physical barriers, access controls, encryption, and continuous monitoring. They also conduct regular security audits and penetration testing to identify and address vulnerabilities.
Can colocation facilities help with GDPR compliance?
Yes, most colo facilities can assist with GDPR compliance by ensuring data protection through robust security measures and providing transparency regarding data processing activities. Providers often have dedicated compliance teams to help customers meet GDPR requirements.
What is the role of encryption in colocation data centers?
Encryption plays a critical role in protecting data at rest and in transit within colocation data centers. Providers often offer encryption services and ensure that data is encrypted using industry-standard protocols to prevent unauthorized access.
How do colocation facilities manage access control?
Access control in colocation data centers is managed through strict protocols, including biometric authentication, keycard access, and multi-factor authentication. These measures ensure that only authorized personnel can access the facility and specific areas within it.
What is the importance of a Service Level Agreement (SLA) for data security?
A Service Level Agreement (SLA) outlines the security commitments of the colocation provider, including uptime guarantees, incident response times, and compliance with industry standards. An SLA provides customers with assurance that their data is secure and that the provider is accountable for maintaining security standards.
How do colo data centers handle incident response?
Colo facilities have detailed incident response plans to address security incidents promptly. These plans include steps for detection, containment, eradication, and recovery, ensuring minimal disruption and rapid resolution of security issues.
Are colo facilities audited for security and compliance?
Yes, they undergo regular audits by third-party organizations to verify compliance with industry standards and certifications. These audits assess the effectiveness of security controls and ensure continuous improvement in data protection practices.
Do colocation data centers support HIPAA compliance?
Yes, most support HIPAA compliance by implementing stringent security measures to protect sensitive health information. This includes physical security, access controls, encryption, and regular security audits to ensure compliance with HIPAA regulations.
What measures do colocation facilities take to ensure data privacy?
They prioritize data privacy by enforcing strict access controls, using encryption, and adhering to privacy regulations such as GDPR and CCPA. They also implement data masking and anonymization techniques to protect personally identifiable information (PII).
How do colocation data centers ensure business continuity during a security breach?
Data centers ensure business continuity during a security breach by having robust disaster recovery plans, redundant systems, and backup power supplies. These measures help maintain operations and protect data integrity even in the event of a security incident.
Geographic & Environmental
How do colocation facilities protect against natural disasters?
These data centers are designed to withstand natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, and hurricanes. They are often built in geologically stable areas, elevated to prevent flooding, and equipped with reinforced structures and disaster recovery plans to ensure continuous operation.
What measures are in place to prevent fire hazards?
Colocation data centers implement advanced fire prevention and suppression systems, including early smoke detection, fire-resistant materials, and automated fire suppression systems like FM-200 or water mist systems. Regular fire drills and safety audits are also conducted to ensure preparedness.
How do these colocation facilities handle power outages?
Generally, they are equipped with multiple layers of power redundancy, including uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), backup generators, and diverse utility feeds. These measures ensure continuous power supply and protect against outages caused by environmental factors.
What strategies do data centers use to mitigate flooding risks?
To mitigate flooding risks, these facilities are often located in elevated areas or equipped with flood barriers. They also use advanced drainage systems, water sensors, and moisture detection systems to prevent water ingress and ensure quick response to potential flooding incidents.
How do colocation facilities prepare for extreme weather events?
Most prepare for extreme weather events by conducting risk assessments, implementing robust infrastructure designs, and maintaining emergency response plans. They also have agreements with local authorities and utility companies to ensure rapid support and recovery.
What role do environmental monitoring systems play?
Environmental monitoring systems in in these data centers track temperature, humidity, air quality, and other critical parameters. These systems provide real-time alerts and data analysis to ensure optimal operating conditions and prevent environmental threats from impacting the facility.
How do data centers address seismic risks?
Facilities in seismically active regions are designed with earthquake-resistant features, such as shock-absorbing foundations and reinforced structures. They also conduct regular seismic assessments and drills to ensure preparedness for potential earthquakes.
What are the benefits of redundant cooling systems?
Redundant cooling systems ensure that data centers maintain optimal temperatures even if one cooling unit fails. This redundancy helps prevent overheating and equipment damage, protecting against environmental threats related to temperature fluctuations.
How do data centers ensure continuous operation during a regional disaster?
These facilities ensure continuous operation during regional disasters by having multiple geographically diverse locations, robust disaster recovery plans, and redundant systems. These measures allow data centers to shift operations and data to unaffected locations, maintaining service continuity.
What role does site selection play in mitigating environmental risks?
Site selection is crucial for mitigating environmental risks. Colocation data centers are often located in areas with low risk of natural disasters, stable power grids, and reliable infrastructure. This strategic placement helps minimize the impact of environmental threats on data center operations. GotColo.com’s experts can help you find the best location for your business based on a number of predefined criteria.
