Why Interconnection Is the Key to Digital Business Success

As digital businesses continue to experience increases in data storage demands, their need for flexible, secure, and scalable solutions grows.  By providing colocation, applications management, networking support, and managed hosting, interconnectivity gives growing businesses the resources they need to maintain seamless storage and integration while protecting the critical infrastructure.

What is interconnection?

Interconnection refers to a network of data systems whose linkage, both physical and Internet-based, allows enterprises to share digital information and resources across multiple servers and locations.  

Data center connectivity and networking services facilitate the expansion of enterprises’ abilities to handle increased user traffic while keeping costs to a minimum.  On-site storage solutions are expensive, and they are often constrained to scaling when more space is needed. Connecting multiple systems over a network allows flexibility and security for enterprises whose growth and data requirements are dynamic.  

There are five key benefits to utilizing a connective network for data storage and colocation:

1. Shared Resources.  By leveraging a network of multiple data centers, information can be shared quickly and securely, no matter the level of demand on the system.  These systems can respond dynamically by offering expandable space within a network.
2. Scalability.  Cross-connected data centers offer fully scalable hosting and bandwidth, providing businesses with crucial resources as the need arises (at a fraction of the cost of on-site hosting).
3. Reliability.  The nature of third-party storage and network systems allows easy creation of backups and redundancy protocols.  Carrier-neutral facilities offer the additional benefit of ensuring uninterrupted service in the case of the primary carrier facing new regulation, management changes, or other unforeseen circumstances.
4. Monitoring. Cross-connected services ensure optimal traffic flow management through system monitoring tools.
5. Data security and recovery.  By using multiple providers and servers concurrently, businesses can expect these systems to limit their risk of a complete data loss after a system failure or disaster.

Not All Interconnection Is Equal.

The expanding market for data centers has led to a growing number of providers around the world.  Speed and reliability should be at the forefront of every data system provider’s goals, but there are other factors in finding a reliable interconnected data system. Maximizing IT benefits from the services offered by one of these centers means it is essential to choose an organization with the remarkable technology, security, equipment, and relationships with carriers.  The criteria for selecting a provider should also include:

1. Compliance.  Data centers that are trusted by many agencies will be more reliable.  Some examples of compliance certifications are HIPAA, SSAE16, NIST, and SOC 2 Type II.
2. Security.  Advanced technologies and disaster mitigation systems separate top quality data centers from those that expose clients to more risk.  A responsible data center will have military-grade security and surveillance, Category 5 Hurricane resistance, reliable, redundant power infrastructure, gas-based inert fire suppression, and advanced Smart-Grid redundant cooling systems.
3. Support.  On-site IT professionals and executives need to rely on customer support that never sleeps.  Data centers that provide industry-leading support teams can be trusted to respond at a moment’s notice, no matter the severity of your issue, 24/7/365.