From time to time we come into contact with smb (small & medium-sized businesses) that have their own ‘data center’ / server room / closet with a computer that vaguely resembles a server. We often ask them why! 9 times out of 10 they answer with at least two of the three following responses: a) because they want control over what goes on, b) they tried working with an outsourcing colo provider but they could not meet their needs or c) they can do it cheaper than anyone else can.
Here are my responses:
a & b) While I agree that most colo providers offer ‘their solution’ and if your needs don’t fall in line – there are going to be problems. You need to find PEOPLE that are easy to communicate with, PEOPLE who are not boxed in by their own lack of understanding / imagination, PEOPLE who want to help. PEOPLE that do not try to sell you a full rack colo when you only need one server running. You get the point.
Many colo / data center solution providers push their technology. Let’s face it the technology is basically the same once you get to a facility that has redundant systems at every turn. Technology doesn’t solve problems. Technology doesn’t save or earn money. SOLUTIONS do all that. Solutions come from people who use technology as tool. To enable the solution. AS IT IS meant to be used — a tool!
If your ‘technology partners’ don’t get this concept, start looking for someone who does (or email me at sales@cera.net and I’ll help you find someone).
c) Anyone that has ever taken an economics class has heard the term ‘economies of scale’ – let me show you how it applies: if you have a rack of equipment that runs your businesses’ technology with the same infrastructure redundant infrastructure behind it (multiple power utility power feeds, generators, redundant UPS systems, multiple redundant HVAC systems, multiple redundant high-speed fiber connections coming out of your building in different directions, etc.) and I have 50, WHO DO YOU THINK PAYS MORE PER SERVER? We can sell you a slice of the infrastructure with all the benefits, at a fraction of the cost.
Most businesses that save money by having their server in their own server room are saving by removing pieces of the puzzle. Low speed cable Internet connectivity vs multiple redundant high-speed 10gb fiber connections, a 5 minute retail battery backup vs enterprise UPS with power conditioning, on site generators, and multiple utility power feeds, etc. Then they say they are going out business because their e-commerce site doesn’t work half the time OR spend 20 hours a week fighting with their cable company because they will not let them send out a bulk email to their customers instead of building their business or watching their kids play soccer.