Interconnection
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Data center interconnection is one of the most important qualities to look for in a data center provider. As massive amounts of data are managed, distributed and exchanged across the globe, the nature of a successful business often relies on the stability of its IT infrastructure. However, not all data centers are created equal. The element of interconnection can add incredible value to a colocation provider, creating a tailored solution for each customer and their business’ requirements.
Benefits of Interconnection
Access
Data center interconnection provides access to multiple ISPs – which are especially crucial if the customer is selling globally. By having access to many service providers, international customers are able to exhibit a strong presence both domestically and worldwide, and in turn are able to expand their customer base and enhance business operations.
Additionally, data centers with an array of connectivity options often allow direct access to their servers – which is instrumental in the case of an outage or maintenance window for hardware and/or software.
Convenience
Data center interconnection providers also offer the benefit of a direct, physical contact point between servers, providers, and customers. This advantage is important because it allows the customer to not only navigate from point A to point B, but to do so more quickly and with more flexibility than a traditional provider. These qualities are essential for the execution of everyday business operations.
Additionally, the flexibility of an interconnected data center allows providers to continually improve their services and offerings in order to meet customer expectations. By eliminating data bottlenecks, interconnected providers are able to establish a solid IT infrastructure that can be scaled indefinitely, and – perhaps most importantly – can accommodate the consumer demand for flexible, cost-efficient growth.
Carrier-Netrual
Carrier-neutrality is one of the most significant advantages of an interconnected data center provider. By offering the ability to choose from multiple carrier options, customers are able to cultivate one of the most critical components of the purchasing journey – choice. No two customers are the same, so the opportunity to select between many colocation and interconnection providers in order to suit different business needs is essential. Carrier-neutral data centers are not confined to any one service provider, and as such are able to provide the diversity and flexibility to cater to each unique business’ goals, and outsource accordingly.
Interconnection
In a traditional or non-carrier-neutral environment, a customer is only allowed one service option. This fixed structure can reap negative consequences for the customer as they become subject to a variety of similarly defined factors including limited bandwidth, high pricing, and a lack of competition.
Interconnection provides added value to your business in its affordance of choice; however – this value does not necessarily reflect in a higher pricing structure. The risk mitigation that multiple carrier options provides will benefit customers’ business operations in the long run and will remain affordable as carriers vie for business and are therefore incentivized to offer cost-efficient, high-quality bandwidth.
Location
Facility location affects data center interconnection more than you might expect. High-performance interconnects and access to quality networks are two of the most vital considerations when selecting a colocation provider. However, without a strategic location, these benefits can be compromised. Internet exchange points overlap across the globe and different locations yield different connectivity offerings depending on their positioning in these pathways.
Similarly, businesses often have a target audience for their product or service, and those looking to integrate colocation into their customer strategy often have IT assets located in an area that enables these goals. Selecting a facility that is located in an interconnection hub will not only support your business goals, but will offer additional advantages such as fiber diversity, extensive network choice and the ability to interconnect to partners and clients across the world.