1. A GUIDE FOR CHOOSING THE RIGHT DATA CENTRE One of the reasons it is difficult to choose a data centre is that every data centre has their own packages, service and pricing structure, which makes it difficult to compare like for like. However, when you take a step back and look at the bigger picture they all start to look very similar. WHY IS IT HARD TO CHOOSE A DATA CENTRE? We have put together some key factors you should consider when looking for a hosting provider. Location Security When it comes to choosing a hosting provider you want to rest assured knowing that your data is protected to the highest possible standards. Peace of mind, knowing that someone isn’t just able to walk in and turn off your equipment or even steal your data can be critical. A good hosting provider will ensure they invest in the security of their data centre which can include the following: manned on- site security, controlled access and extensive monitoring. Flexibility If you intend to use a data centre for colocation then location is probably one of the most important factors.  It is important that you are able to gain access to your server in a reasonable time for maintenance, upgrades and even if something was to go wrong. Location may also be important if you need to have particular types of connections. Reliability/Uptime Flexibility is important as you want your infrastructure to grow with your business. This can be both in terms of space and utilities.  For example, if you wanted to add additional server rack space, you want to make sure the data centre has the space to meet your business requirements. It is important that when choosing a hosting provider you choose one that can scale with your business, where necessary. This is an essential part of a good data centre – after all, who wants to use a hosting provider that can’t provide reliable uptime. Data centres should provide power and network uptime of at least 99.9%. You can look at other considerations as well, which can give you an idea  of how reliable a data centre is such as: level of on-site support, industry recognised certifications and customer reviews. Support Customer service and support is an essential factor that can be a key driver when considering an appropriate data centre. You never know when a problem could arise and when something could go wrong (they often do). So having a hosting provider you can trust, provide quick response times when issues arise, with plenty of communication should be high on your list of considerations. Information provided by : www.datacentreplus.co.uk