If you're involved with administering and managing a small business' website, it is prudent to identify a hosting solution which is affordable, efficient, and safe. Large corporations have the upper hand in this area as they can put together an in-house department that is focused only on information technology. For small to mid sizes businesses, an option that should be looked into is that of choosing a collocation solution. This type of hosting involves the placement of a server in a facility that houses other people's hardware. Prior to making the decision to avail of such a service, you should find out about how good is physical security at a co-location centre.

One of the most important dynamics of colocation services is security. All businesses which have an online presence need to ensure that their digital data is fully secure. When choosing a colocation provider, you need to discuss with possible vendors the measures that would be used to protect data as well as the physical equipment.

The building in which your hosting equipment is to be housed should have been designed in a way to make it safe and intruder proof. The physical access to the facility should be monitored and controlled at all times of the day and night. Before you choose a vendor, it is vital that you are aware of the surveillance level of their building, as well as issues pertaining to building access.

Alongside the securing of important data, there is also the theoretical risk of hardware and equipment being physically stolen. The cost of a modern server is not cheap, this has made them a target for criminal gangs. All colocation facilities should be monitored professionally by guards who would be able to stop an intruder gaining entry.

When requesting information from different service providers, it is useful to be given the details of the back up systems which are available. For example, each facility should have additional power lines as well as emergency generators that can be used should there be a problem with the mains electric. Moreover, the building's alarms should be fail safe, they should function adequately even when there is a power outage.

The siting of the centres should not be common knowledge. If such facilities were known about in the community, the chance of them being targeted by thieves would be greater.

One area that should not be overlooked is the training and checking of employees who monitor and guard the facilities. Each individual should undergo a thorough background check, including police records.

It should be noted that the expense incurred when using these facilities is higher than that of a regular hosting plan, but there are advantages available that make the extra outlay worth paying. To develop a small business' online presence in an efficient and safe manner, this is an option that should be considered.

When researching the topic of how good is is physical security at a co-location centre, make sure you understand the answers you are given in full. You should take the time to find a vendor who is reliable, affordable, and professional.