How data centers can improve your business
In 2022 alone, it’s estimated that the world would produce and consume 94 zettabytes worth of data—or ninety-four billion Terabytes of information. And with the rampant digitization of businesses across the globe, data usage is expected to grow even more.
As more company operations are handled online, this presents a dilemma for firms of all sizes: what’s the best way to store, manage, and secure all of this data?
The answer is data centers.
Data centers are purpose-built facilities designed to store, manage, and protect data. These are dedicated structures that are usually equipped with the latest in security and climate control technology. And because they’re designed specifically for data storage, they offer several advantages compared to in-house data storage solutions.
Here are a few reasons why your business would benefit from a data center.
1) Increased security
Data center facilities are one of the most secure places to store confidential company information. These buildings are typically equipped with state-of-the-art physical security features to prevent outsider access, including CCTV cameras, biometric scanners, and access control systems. They also have limited entry zones to control the flow of people in and out of the facility.
On top of that, data centers are strategically placed in areas that make them less susceptible to environmental disasters, such as earthquakes, floods, and fires. Fences and physical barriers that separate the data center property from the rest of the city also add an extra layer of security.
In addition to these physical security measures, data centers also have robust cybersecurity systems in place to prevent phishing and network exploits. Password encryptions, security protocols like SSH or HTTPS, and up-to-date security systems ensure that only authorized personnel can gain access to the data stored inside the facility. Firewalls and micro-segmenting traffic also help to keep the data center network safe from external threats.
2) Cuts down on expenses
As businesses start to scale, they will have to rely on more robust data storage and management solutions. This is where data centers can offer big financial benefits.
Instead of shouldering the cost of building and maintaining an in-house data center, businesses can rent space in a facility that’s already been set up and has a specialist IT team in place. This can help save on operating costs, as well as reduce the need for a dedicated in-house IT staff.
What’s more, data center providers often offer pay-as-you-go models, which can be more affordable for businesses that are still growing and don’t have a large budget for data storage. Once you’re able and willing to scale, these data centers can also offer the flexibility to do so quickly and easily.
3) 24/7 monitoring and maintenance
Data center providers like Macquarie Data Centres offer around-the-clock monitoring of their facilities to ensure that the data stored inside is always safe and accessible.
In the event of an issue, such as a power outage or equipment failure, data center staff are on hand to resolve the problem quickly. These specialists are also always a call away if you need any assistance with managing your data or troubleshooting any issues.
These facilities are also designed to stay operational during disasters due to backup generators, so you can be confident that your data will always be available when you need it. This is unlike in-house data storage solutions, which are often at the mercy of power outages and other external factors.
4) Improved performance and uptime
Of course, one of the most important benefits of a data center is the improved performance and uptime it can offer.
Data centers are designed to provide optimal conditions for data storage and management. This includes features like climate control to protect against extreme temperatures, humidity, and dust particles, as well as vibration-dampening to protect against equipment failure.
And with more sophisticated data center infrastructures, businesses can enjoy even better performance and uptime. Uptime, for instance, can be as high as 99.999%, which means that your data will always be reachable wherever you are in the world.
5) Reliability and backup
In the event of an unforeseen disaster, such as a power outage or equipment failure, businesses can rest assured that their data is always safe and sound.
This is thanks to data center providers’ robust backup systems, which often include features like backup generators and redundant power supplies. This means that even if one power source fails, the data center can continue to run on backup power until the issue is resolved.
What’s more, data server facilities often come into agreement with clients through an SLA contract. This guarantees the data center to fulfill its end of the bargain. And if they fail to do so, you can be compensated financially if the data center fails to meet its obligations.
6) Scalability
Lastly, data centers can offer businesses the scalability they need to grow quickly and easily.
As your business expands, you’ll likely need to increase your data storage capacity and add more data servers. Data center providers can offer you the space and resources through ports and servers already in place.
This not only saves you the effort of having to set up your own server, but it also means that you’ll have the flexibility to downsize or expand your data center usage as needed.
