Businesses exploring the shift of their IT infrastructure from on-site data centers to colocation facilities have a new choice to consider: Telx Cloud Connection Centers. Let’s delve into the offerings of a cloud connection center that surpass traditional colocation or carrier hotel services.

Traditional colocation provides cost reductions and service improvements due to economies of scale. The underlying concept is that a single, large, environmentally controlled, highly secure, and well-connected data center is more efficient than numerous individual private data centers with similar requirements. This makes sense considering that a server in a colocation facility is fundamentally similar to a server in a private data center, but with the advantage of scale. Resources such as backup generators, fire suppression equipment, HVAC, and 24/7 staffing are much more cost-effective in a shared environment.

Another benefit of colocation centers is connectivity. It’s improbable for multiple carriers to establish a presence at a single company just to provide connectivity options. However, carriers are drawn to colocation centers due to the high concentration of potential customers requiring high-bandwidth WAN connections. This setup allows for simple cross-connections between users and carriers, streamlining connectivity.

This, in itself, presents a compelling argument for migrating to a colocation center. Even with a satisfactory infrastructure and technical staffing, bandwidth acquisition can pose challenges. While well-situated businesses may have ample choices, those in remote locations might face limited or expensive fiber optic service options. Moving high-performance servers and bandwidth-intensive public-facing applications to a colocation facility offers a strategic advantage, enabling communication with the server farm using more economical bandwidth.

Telx elevates this concept further with their Cloud Connection Centers. As a major player in colocation services and carrier connectivity, Telx has introduced a novel service called cloudXchange. This global network of cloud service providers and users colocate within Telx facilities, leveraging Telx’s cross-connects and interconnections for seamless connectivity.

While the cloud is often perceived as an abstract, cost-effective, pay-as-you-go solution, larger organizations have encountered challenges with this simplistic model. Latency and bandwidth limitations in cloud connectivity are significant concerns. Additionally, the need for both private and public clouds arises to balance security, performance, and cost considerations.

The widespread shift towards cloud-based solutions is undeniable, prompting Telx to rebrand their 15 colocation and connection centers as Cloud Connection Centers. These centers offer easy access to cloud computing, storage, and Software as a Service (SaaS) resources, providing a spectrum of options from managing internal equipment to complete outsourcing to cloud vendors.

This cloud adoption trend is so significant that Telx is investing in a new 215,000-square-foot data center in Clifton, N.J., to enhance their existing Clifton facility and the New York City center at 60 Hudson St. A dedicated fiber ring will link 60 Hudson and Clifton to minimize latency.

For businesses evaluating private, public, and hybrid cloud options alongside traditional colocation and private data centers, it’s opportune to explore the additional options provided by a Cloud Connection Center for a comprehensive cost/benefit analysis.