As the digital landscape evolves, businesses in Australia and New Zealand are increasingly turning to colocation facilities to manage their IT infrastructure. Colocation offers a compelling alternative to traditional on-site data centres, providing access to advanced infrastructure, enhanced security, and significant cost savings.

Insight

Colocation facilities have rapidly become a strong alternative to large, on-site data centres. Recent projections indicate that the global colocation market will increase by more than 14% annually through 2030. Users that migrate their IT infrastructure to a colocation facility can reduce operating costs and generate greater ROI by essentially renting IT server racks and computing space. Additionally, colocation facilities can reduce the potential for computing and data processing downtime by leveraging state-of-the-art infrastructure to power and cool their applications.

However, colocation centres face several challenges in scaling their operations based on demand. Fortunately, solutions are available to help overcome these hurdles. Here are three significant challenges and how Rittal colocation solutions can assist.

Challenge 1: Long Deployment Cycles

Colocation facilities often offer customised IT infrastructure with the right amount of server racks and computing space, leading to increased lead times and prolonged deployment cycles. These extended cycles can significantly hamper a colocation's ability to scale quickly and efficiently.

Solution: Rittal’s modular approach to colocation solutions helps reduce deployment cycles by simplifying the installation and configuration process. For example, the Rittal enclosure’s offers more internal volume to support the highest cable density without internal obstructions, making high-density wiring and cable configurations quick and easy. This reduces the time and resources required to customise IT infrastructure for various applications.

Challenge 2: Lack of Standardised Solutions

Colocation centres can struggle with accommodating standardised solutions that can also be modified to match specific IT footprints. Specifying standardised IT solutions designed with flexibility in mind and pre-configured to meet most colocation requirements is essential.

Solution: Rittal’s enclosure utilises a comprehensive, standardised design featuring full-depth adjustable front and rear EIA rails, a full-size slide-in removable partition, and a standard hardware kit allowing quick baying. This approach provides greater flexibility within the cabinet to support the highest cable and component installation densities, maximising the customisation of internal configurations.

Challenge 3: Harsh or Demanding Installations

As the colocation market continues to grow, facilities will need to optimise their infrastructure footprint while controlling operating costs and maximising revenue. This includes moving server racks into more harsh, uncontrolled environments.

Solution: Rittal’s CS Toptec outdoor enclosure offers a reliable IT solution that supports high-performance computing in various environmental conditions, including heat, cold, and moisture, as well as in harsh environments containing airborne contaminants. The double-wall design increases passive heat dissipation and reduces the impact of exposure to harsh UV light, while UV-resistant paint finishes and aluminium construction provide exceptional durability.

Partner with Rittal

Partnering with Rittal can help colocation centres in Australia and New Zealand overcome these challenges and create flexible, versatile, and powerful IT computing centres. Take the first step towards optimising your IT computing infrastructure and learn more about our colocation solutions.

For more information download our brochure on Colocation.