Many companies continue to operate with On-Premise data centers, either out of inertia or due to the perception that the costs of migrating to an external center are excessive. However, technological evolution and growing security and efficiency demands have highlighted the advantages of switching to professional data centers. What are the main reasons for taking this step? We analyze six key factors that could make your organization consider this option.
1. Capacity and scalability
One of the most common issues with On-Premise data centers is the lack of flexibility to grow. As companies expand their operations, their technological needs also increase. However, many times, these data centers are not prepared to scale rapidly. A professional data center offers the possibility to add servers and storage space almost immediately, allowing for the adaptation to business demands without delays or expensive expansion projects.
David Carrero, co-founder of Stackscale (Grupo Aire), comments: “Scalability is crucial for any growing company. A professional data center can provide additional capacity in a matter of days, something that would be unfeasible with an On-Premise data center that requires, for example, construction to increase electrical or cooling capacity.”
2. Security and reliability
Security is a fundamental pillar when managing a data center. It is not just physical security, although it is essential that server access is restricted and monitored 24/7. Data security is also vital, especially in an environment where cyber threats are constantly evolving. A well-managed external data center ensures compliance with all current security regulations, thus protecting the organization’s critical information.
Carrero adds: “A data center without strict security measures is not viable for companies handling sensitive information. Video surveillance, controlled access, and redundancy in electrical systems are some of the essential aspects to ensure protection.”
3. Reduced costs
The cost of maintaining an On-Premise data center can be considerably higher than it seems at first glance. Apart from the energy cost, which can skyrocket if the cooling system is inefficient, hidden costs must also be taken into account. For example, maintaining uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems, fire suppression systems, and managing personnel for technical interventions. All these expenses tend to be higher when managed internally.
“The savings in operating costs can be significant when migrating to an external data center. Additionally, an efficient center has a better PUE (Power Usage Effectiveness), reducing consumption and environmental impact,” highlights Carrero.
4. Geographical location
The location of data centers can also make a difference in service quality. For companies operating in Spain, for example, having servers in other countries such as the Netherlands can be problematic, as this can increase latency in the service, affecting the end-user experience. Additionally, there are regulations that require data to be stored within the European Union, which can limit geographical options.
5. Disaster recovery and business continuity
A good data center should be prepared to ensure business continuity in case of any contingency. This includes redundancy in power supply, connectivity, and cooling systems. A data center located in an area with a high risk of natural disasters can pose a significant risk to the company. Therefore, it is essential that the selected center offers guarantees in terms of quick recovery from any incident.
6. Regulatory compliance
Depending on the industry and geographical location, it may be mandatory to comply with strict regulations related to data security, such as ISO 27001 or PCI DSS standards. External data centers often comply with these regulations, something that is often not achieved with an On-Premise center.
Carrero points out that “professional data centers are audited and have all the necessary certifications to ensure regulatory compliance, offering peace of mind to companies handling sensitive information, such as financial or medical data.”
Is the switch profitable?
Migrating to an external data center may seem costly initially, but long-term savings in energy, maintenance, and security outweigh the investment. According to calculations, a server can consume between 70 and 100 € per month just in energy, not counting other maintenance costs. In addition, external centers have the capability to offer more efficient and scalable solutions than an On-Premise center.
In conclusion, for many companies, the decision to migrate their data center is marked by the pursuit of greater security, efficiency, and scalability. A professional data center offers solutions that adapt to the business needs, allowing to focus on what matters most: growth and innovation.