What is colocation and do enterprises need it?

Colocation refers to the practice of housing company servers and other computing equipment in a data centre facility. Colocation has developed into an essential business service in today's digital age of big data, where enterprises are generating and storing vast amounts of information.

It can help businesses maintain cost-effective security, reliability and scalability for their critical IT infrastructure. Companies can save money by using a colocation facility instead of building and maintaining their own data centres, which can be very expensive. They benefit by having access to cutting-edge technology, robust connectivity options and 24/7 support from trained professionals.

What is colocation?

Multiple customers can rent space in a colocation facility for their servers, storage and networking equipment. Colocation facilities provide physical security, connectivity, power and cooling. The expense of maintaining and operating these data centres is covered by service providers.

Although the concepts of colocation and data centres are related, they are not the same. A data centre is a facility that houses numerous servers and other computing equipment, typically belonging to a single company or organisation. Mission-critical applications and services that require high availability, scalability and security are often supported by data centres.

The practice of renting space in a data centre facility to house a company's own servers and computing equipment is known as colocation. Colocation is a way for a company to outsource the physical infrastructure required for its IT operations while retaining control of its servers and data.

Servers and other computing equipment are housed in both data centres and colocation facilities, but their primary distinction is ownership. While multiple businesses share the same physical infrastructure in a colocation facility, only one organisation owns and operates the equipment in a data centre.

Which types of enterprises need colocation?

Many enterprises in various industries can benefit from colocation. Companies that rely on IT infrastructure to run their business can benefit from these services as colocation can provide them with access to enterprise-grade infrastructure without the high upfront costs.

Colocation is particularly well-suited to enterprises in financial services and e-commerce. To support online sales platforms, e-commerce requires high-performance, reliable and scalable infrastructure. Similarly, enterprises that offer financial services depend on the functionality and security of their IT systems to carry out transactions, manage risk and comply with regulatory requirements.

Healthcare providers must ensure customer confidentiality and data integrity, just like financial services do. Colocation can offer these providers a secure and compliant environment to host their electronic health records and other sensitive data. Data security is essential for any digitally enabled business' success. The reputation of a company can be seriously damaged by a data breach.

Another data-intensive industry is gaming and online entertainment. For a seamless user experience, online streaming requires low latency and high-bandwidth connectivity. Colocation can provide these companies with access to high-speed network connections and low-latency routes to end-users.

SEACOM provides colocation services to Kenyan enterprises. Our facilities are purpose-built in line with global standards and best practices. To ensure consistent peak performance, we ensure high availability power and cooling. Our services deliver highly efficient connectivity and traffic flow, with flexible options and open access. For more information or to get a quote for colocation, email us at marketing@seacom.com or leave us a message.

SEACOM owns Africa’s largest network of information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure, including fibre optic networks and subsea cables. We offer a wide range of industry-leading scalable ICT solutions for large companies that operate throughout the region.

SEACOM is privately owned - making it adaptable to the needs of the client. We are the preferred ICT and internet connectivity supplier for African enterprises. We can guarantee fast, reliable and secure internet and networking services at affordable prices.

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