What is colocation and how does it apply to Credit Unions?

Credit Union colocation, Credit Union workspace

Credit Union colocationIf you don’t think you can ever get over the idea of not owning your infrastructure or trusting a partner to provide your data center as a service then don’t read this post. However, if you are interested in looking at ways to get out of the business of owning and operating your own data center – than this post is for you.

What is colocation?

Generally Credit Union co-location is the concept of outsourcing your data center. Instead of building your own data center and providing the generator, UPS, cooling, fire supression etc. you purchase a rack of space, a cage or some custom space from a colocation provider. Then the Credit Union, or business, puts its equipment (servers, switches, SANs, etc.) in the colocation providers data center and runs it remotely. The services from the colocation provider will usually need to include the following items:

  • Power
  • Ethernet Connection
  • Block of IP space or IP Addresses
  • Cross Connect (to a private mpls or some other third-party connection)
  • Remote Hands
  • Physical Security
  • Better Disaster Recovery

Why is Colocation different than cloud or other Web-hosting services?

Unlike other services, colocation enables your IT Department to continue to completely control all other aspects of your solution. All of the server configuration, performance, software, maintenance remains your responsibility. Even when something breaks on a server or other component it will still be the responsibility of your IT Department to arrange a solution.

Distance to Colocation Provider

Since the Credit Union or your IT Department will still be responsible for the maintenance of the solution it is key that you pick a data center that is within driving distance. Things will break and you will still occassionally need to go the data center to fix them.

What are the key benefits of Credit Union Colocation?

While there a variety of benefits and they really differ for every organization the following is a short list of the most common ones:

  • Get much better data center uptime and infrastructure for much less money
  • Probably better security than you can provide on your own
  • Access to much cheaper bandwidth and a much greater variety of telecom providers
  • Avoid infrastructure or capital costs related to building your own
  • Focus on running the solution – not running a data center

Who are the main colocation providers for Credit Unions?

  • Ongoing Operations has data center facilities in Colorado, Maryland, and Arizona.
  • All of the major us Telecom carriers (Century Link, Savis, Verizon, Level 3, AT&T, etc. provide co-location services)
  • Some of the cores offer some limited colocation services

Are you concerned about how far away your hot site should be? Are you looking for which applications are best to move to the cloud?

Have questions or comments? Contact Us:

Cost-Effective Solutions for Your Credit Union

Simply fill out this form and select the topic(s) that you would like more information for, and our team will reach out shortly.

Medium

Role
I agree to receive marketing communications from Ongoing Operations regarding news, updates, products, etc.(Required)

blank
modal close button

Welcome to the Ongoing Operations blog archive.

For our most up-to-date information, please visit ongoingoperations.com.

HOME