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Data center colocation services are rapidly evolving as the global need for connectivity, access, and especially energy continues to rise. Currently, data centers consume roughly 1-2% of all overall power. However, according to recent research from Goldman Sachs, this is expected to potentially double to 4% by the end of the decade,
This increase – and the reason cutting-edge colocation data center providers are concentrated on future-proof colocation services – is generally tied to the rise of AI. With generative AI applications and platforms becoming a normal cornerstone of organizations across all industries, the energy required to power these new tools is skyrocketing. For example, a ChatGPT query needs roughly 10 times as much electricity to process as a Google search. AI is a technological advancement that will continue to grow in complexity and use.
So, what does the future of colocation look like, and how can your organization make a smart choice when it comes to cloud and colocation services? The answers start with understanding the pillar of colocation, data centers, and service providers like DartPoints that are staying ahead of future challenges.
What is colocation in a data center?
Also known as “colo,” data center colocation is a business service model in which multiple organizations use space in a data center provided by the data center provider. The third-party provider manages the space, security, connections, and infrastructure, while the organizations supply their servers, data, and other hardware or software.
Colocation is generally the best choice for small to mid-sized organizations that want a reliable IT infrastructure with ample room to grow. Colocation eliminates the expenses required to build and maintain data center facilities on-site while offering the best services possible in terms of reliable power, connectivity, and security.
Cloud technology and its alliance with colocation
Cloud computing is an important technology that saves organizations from having to build and house their IT infrastructure. However, relying strictly on a private or public cloud for all infrastructure and data can have drawbacks.
In a public cloud environment, users rely on the cloud provider for all connectivity and access and have no control over the backbone hardware and systems that power this access. Private clouds are generally too expensive for many mid-sized organizations, although they do offer some of the best levels of security and reliability.
Essentially, the cloud can meet the needs of many enterprises and businesses due to its impressive computing and operational space. However, there are drawbacks, including reliability and cost. Even without a private cloud model, the costs associated with the cloud can quickly accumulate, with unpredictable pricing models and data egress fees.
They can hinder an organization’s ability to grow and predict costs.
This is where cloud colocation becomes a solid solution. Many companies trying to cut costs but also expand their capabilities are adopting a hybrid model, where certain workloads are moved to on-premises data centers.
Combining on-site data storage and processing capabilities with the best benefits and elements of the cloud ensures constant uptime, as well as the ability to move data, and handle fluctuations in data needs.
Sustainability trends in colocation
In our current moment, there is a movement by innovative data center service providers to adopt more sustainable practices to keep up with the expected surge in power, and there are many interconnecting ways to achieve this goal.
- New cooling systems – Advanced liquid cooling systems, like immersion cooling and direct-to-chip cooling systems, significantly remove heat better than traditional air-cooling methods and are sometimes less expensive and more sustainable, as these systems reduce energy consumption
- AI-driven energy management – AI is also helping to power cooling systems by using machine algorithms to monitor, predict, and optimize cooling systems based on real-time data.
- Data center design – Data centers are also rethinking their inherent design to ensure maximum airflow management and integrate cooling systems into the building architecture for more efficient cooling distribution.
- New power sources – Data centers are also examining new ways to use more sustainable energy to power their operations, including solar, wind, and geothermal energy sources.
The Importance of security in colocation
Ensuring sustainability is a cornerstone of the future of colocation, but so are enhanced security measures, as the threat of cyberattacks and other emergency issues like natural disasters continues to rise.
Modern data center colocation service providers like DartPoints are launching new and advanced steps in this vein as well, such as the following:
- Improved physical security – Surveillance cameras, biometric access, and other modern measures ensure data centers are physically protected from potential on-site threats.
- Improved environmental security – Modern colocation data centers are taking steps for ironclad environmental controls like fire suppression systems, HVAC systems, and flood detection sensors to protect against natural disasters.
- Improved redundancy – Colocation data centers also enlist multiple power sources and cooling systems to ensure that servers and infrastructure remain operational, no matter what.
- Improved cybersecurity- Using the most advanced technology, including AI-driven tools, data centers have a heightened focus on cybersecurity and protecting all IT infrastructure within their facilities
- Better compliance – The best colocation data center providers ensure that all industry standards are met and exceeded, like ISO 27001, GDPR, and SOC 2.
The future of colocation is already here at DartPoints
When building, maintaining, and growing your IT infrastructure, you need a future-proof colocation data center provider that has already taken multiple steps to ensure future challenges are mitigated.
This is especially essential given the rise of artificial intelligence, and the vast amounts of energy that will be required as the systems and data that organizations rely on every day become more complex.
At DartPoints, we are already ahead of the trends when it comes to more reliable and sustainable colocation services. We can help you identify colocation and hybrid solutions that will seamlessly maintain your workload now and years into the future as your needs shift and grow over time.
Reach out to our team of experts today to start the conversation. Together, we will ensure that your organization can continue uninterrupted operations and grow and expand at your own pace no matter what the future brings.