IO Blog

IT technologies and practices are continuing to evolve and transform, presenting new opportunities for data center owners, particularly those using colocation services. Here’s a quick look at four top emerging trends:

Storage Virtualization

With server virtualization now in full swing, a growing number of enterprises are turning their attention toward storage virtualization. Storage virtualization is the pooling of multiple physical storage resources into what appears to be a single, centrally-managed storage resource.

Storage virtualization allows adopters to automate tedious and extremely time-consuming storage administration tasks. In a colocation setting, the technique enables resource consolidation and improves device utilization levels, a couple of benefits that should sound familiar to server virtualization adopters. The approach also reduces storage management complexity and overall costs, facilitates interoperability and allows the use of “open” storage systems.

Cloud Computing

You’re no doubt tired of reading stories about cloud computing’s potential to reshape IT and the way employees and others will access and use a wide range of applications and services. Well, the good news is that these stories are about to go away. The even better news is that cloud computing is now emerging into the business mainstream, meaning that the technology’s long promised potential is finally becoming reality.

Cloud computing and colocation are a natural match. Cloud computing is comprised of resources that are accessed via the Internet, making reliability a key requirement. As it turns out, 24×7 service dependability is the hallmark of a top-notch colocation provider. Since cloud computing is highly vulnerable to threats like power outages, faulty or sub-par data links and lax security, it’s important to look for a colocation vendor that offers quantifiable guarantees in these areas.

Preconfigured Systems

Just as colocation makes IT systems safer, easier to manage and more reliable, preconfigured systems are designed to take most of the pain out of designing, acquiring and configuring a basic server-software combo.

Energy Efficient Data Centers

More organizations are striving to use energy more responsibly and reduce the overall amount they use for their IT operations. Colocation provides the best, easiest and least expensive way of accomplishing this goal. Organizations that turn to colocation immediately benefit from state-of-the-art power, lighting and cooling technologies that are designed to minimize energy consumption. Look for a colocation provider that offers advanced energy efficient  systems, such as motion activated LED lighting systems, ultrasonic humidification and variable frequency drives in chillers, pumps, cooling towers and air handlers.