Data centers now play an integral role in the success of almost every business, and are therefore becoming an increasingly influential factor in a company's decision to purchase services from a hosting provider. Customers, especially large corporations with much at stake— want to know their websites aren't just operating on high-performing servers or receiving an unlimited number of data transfers and disk space. They also want to know their servers—their website's lifeline—will provide exceptional up-times, all the time. That's why as a hosting provider, presenting your data center as a cut above the rest is critical.
That your data center is adequately secured against external threats is perhaps the most important point to communicate to potential customers. Information about the types of security measures in place should be made highly transparent and easily accessible (if not prominently displayed) on your hosting company's website. In other words, visitors shouldn’t have to dig for information about your data centers. Though some data centers understandably shy away from offering too much information about their specific security protocols, it's important to be as transparent as possible with potential customers. Talk about the quality of your video surveillance system, your security staff that's onsite 24/7, your high-level access controls, and whatever other physical security measures you implement on premise to prevent unauthorized entry.
You already know that a data center should be prepared for power outages, which is why you likely already have diesel generator backups and other redundancy measures in place. However, customers are also looking into what data centers are doing to protect servers against inclement weather or unsuitable temperatures. What types of fire prevention and fire retardant systems do you use? Does your data center have hurricane shutters? What about seismic isolation technology? As always, the more specific details you can provide about these systems, the better.
Investing in customized shelving and computer server cabinets is another way data centers can stand out from the competition. These specialized housing units for servers are now available from companies that exclusively manufacture accessories for data centers, and can include standard server racks, wall mounted racks, computer cabinets and more. This equipment is customized to afford adequate server cooling, provide server stability in case of an earthquake, effectively manage cables, and are built to last longer than other alternative options for shelving and cabinets. In short, this customized equipment provides servers with both an additional layer of protection and an optimal operating environment.
Has your data center joined IPv6? If not, doing so could afford your customers access to a better internet protocol and provide your data center with a new selling point. According to Tech Republic, less than 15% of data centers rely on networks that use IPv6 , even though this internet protocol offers increased efficiency and security measures for those that use it. Joining sooner rather than later could allow your data center to attract more customers.
How will your data center stay competitive in 2015?
That your data center is adequately secured against external threats is perhaps the most important point to communicate to potential customers. Information about the types of security measures in place should be made highly transparent and easily accessible (if not prominently displayed) on your hosting company's website. In other words, visitors shouldn’t have to dig for information about your data centers. Though some data centers understandably shy away from offering too much information about their specific security protocols, it's important to be as transparent as possible with potential customers. Talk about the quality of your video surveillance system, your security staff that's onsite 24/7, your high-level access controls, and whatever other physical security measures you implement on premise to prevent unauthorized entry.
You already know that a data center should be prepared for power outages, which is why you likely already have diesel generator backups and other redundancy measures in place. However, customers are also looking into what data centers are doing to protect servers against inclement weather or unsuitable temperatures. What types of fire prevention and fire retardant systems do you use? Does your data center have hurricane shutters? What about seismic isolation technology? As always, the more specific details you can provide about these systems, the better.
Investing in customized shelving and computer server cabinets is another way data centers can stand out from the competition. These specialized housing units for servers are now available from companies that exclusively manufacture accessories for data centers, and can include standard server racks, wall mounted racks, computer cabinets and more. This equipment is customized to afford adequate server cooling, provide server stability in case of an earthquake, effectively manage cables, and are built to last longer than other alternative options for shelving and cabinets. In short, this customized equipment provides servers with both an additional layer of protection and an optimal operating environment.
Has your data center joined IPv6? If not, doing so could afford your customers access to a better internet protocol and provide your data center with a new selling point. According to Tech Republic, less than 15% of data centers rely on networks that use IPv6 , even though this internet protocol offers increased efficiency and security measures for those that use it. Joining sooner rather than later could allow your data center to attract more customers.
How will your data center stay competitive in 2015?