Choosing a Colocation Provider
Selecting your datacenter is as much about the partner you choose as the city or specific building you choose to be in. Not all colocation providers are created equal. What should a business be looking at during the selection phase?
Network redundancy and carrier availability
A good network is critical. Businesses need a colocation provider with diverse connections and a key tickbox should also be; diverse carriers. You may have existing relationships with some carriers or you may need redundancy – or both.
Here are some key connectivity factors:
- How many carriers does the facility support?
- Are they carrier neutral? (Can you bring your own carrier without extra charges?)
- Are there multiple entry points for the fiber?
- Is there failover for Internet access within the building?
Environment / Infrastructure
If the provider has low redundancy, your business could be left vulnerable. The more diversity there is, the better for you.
- How redundant is the network infrastructure?
- How scalable is the network infrastructure?
Physical Security and Accessibility
You have mission critical data. Look at security (keeping people out) but don’t forget that accessibility (letting people in) is super-important too. You want to get your own team in immediately, without finding there are imposed time restrictions.
Companies should evaluate:
- 24/7 On-Site Security Personnel – A big must
- Biometric Access Control – Fingerprint, iris, or facial scans
- Mantraps & Airlocks – To prevent tailgating/unauthorized physical access.
- CCTV Surveillance – Continuous high-resolution video monitoring with long-term storage.
- Perimeter Fencing & Barriers – Secure fencing, bollards, and anti-vehicle measures.
- Visitor Management System – ID verification, logging, escorted zones, and time-limited access
- Fire Suppression & Detection – Inert gas or mist systems that protect without damaging equipment (VESDA)
- Redundant Power & Network Systems – To ensure data integrity
- Cybersecurity Measures – Firewalls, DDoS protection, network segmentation, and regular penetration testing
- Secure Loading Docks – Controlled and monitored delivery zones
- Seismic & Environmental Monitoring – Sensors for floods/earthquakes
Some industries come with legal compliance requirements. Make sure your datacenter doesn’t make you non-compliant.
Compliance with industry standards (e.g. HIPAA, MPAA amongst others)
Your potential location is not just about today’s needs. It’s also about the future. Businesses must balance immediate requirements and future growth plans.
For expandability look for:
- Rack space with availability for growth
- Power per rack
- Expansion within the facility
If a provider and lacks flexibility businesses might find themselves faced with a costly migration before they were expecting to.
Because investing in a colocation provider is a long-term investment, making this choice carefully is critical. Businesses should take time to evaluate potential providers to avoid pitfall and set themselves up for scalable future growth.
See Yomura’s flexible colocation services here
