Why Should You Adopt Managed Data Center Services?

Read the Article Below:

• Understand the distinction between fully managed and partially managed data centers and their respective benefits.
• Learn about the types of managed data center services, including managed hosting, cloud managed services, and IT infrastructure management.
• Explore key components of data center management such as server, storage, network, and cloud management.
• Discover the advantages of data center managed services, including scalability, enhanced security, cost efficiency, and robust disaster recovery strategies.
• Gain insights into the criteria for selecting the right managed data center services provider, focusing on reliability, security, flexibility, and expertise.
• Understand the future landscape of data centers and why businesses are shifting towards managed data center services.
• Learn about Comarch’s approach to managed data center services and how it can transform your IT operations.

Why Choose Managed Data Center Services? Types, Advantages, and Solution Selection Criteria

Global data consumption surges, so managing data operations becomes increasingly challenging for organizations. Managed data center services present an effective solution to this problem, allowing businesses to gain expert external assistance. The 2024 Global Market Report projects a significant compound annual growth rate of 15.5% [1] for managed data center services, reflecting strong demand in the sector. Explore how using managed data center services enables organizations to enhance efficiency, reduce cost, and increase innovation potential.

What are Managed Data Center Services?

A managed data center is a facility that is deployed, managed, and monitored by a third-party provider. The services can include continuously installing, optimizing, maintaining, and upgrading the infrastructure.

High-skilled technicians monitor the physical and virtual infrastructure 24/7, providing extensive benefits for companies using the service.

Managed Data Centers vs. Fully Managed Data Centers

The distinction between a partially managed data center and a fully managed data center hinges on the degree of client control and the range of supplied services.

• In a partially managed data center, clients typically retain greater authority over their software and data.
• In a fully managed data center, the service provider is in charge of the physical infrastructure, along with assuming responsibility for the client's IT operations. This encompasses software and data management, frequently extending to security and compliance duties. Thus, fully managed data center services represent a complete management solution from start to finish.

Data Center as a Service (DCaaS) vs. Data Center Managed Services

• Managed data center services include delegating the management and maintenance of a business's data center infrastructure.
• Data center as a service (DCaaS) constitutes a cloud computing offering wherein the whole data center infrastructure is made available as a service.

DCaaS services comprise:

• Provision of computing resources
• Storage
• Networking

A key differentiator lies within the ownership aspect: under managed data center services, the corporation typically holds possession of the physical infrastructure. Meanwhile, DCaaS entails entrusting both ownership and management of the full data center to an external service provider.

Managed Data Center Services vs. Colocation

Colocation is yet another data center outsourcing option.

• Within this framework, the client owns equipment while leasing floor space in a third-party data center.
• Colocation clients maintain autonomy over their gear, whilst the service provider handles data center infrastructure management.
• With data center colocation services, clients have more control over hardware and software components.
• However, colocation necessitates in-house proficiency, financial commitment, and resource allocation.

Types of Data Center Managed Services

Service providers can tailor their offerings depending on clients’ needs. In general, managed data center services can be divided into three main categories:

• Managed hosting services
• Cloud managed data center services
• IT infrastructure management

Each can comprise a different set of services with various scopes.

Server Management

To ensure servers function at their peak performance, it is essential to provide diligent monitoring and maintenance. Server management oversees hardware, software, security, and backups, resulting in a reliable and efficient IT environment.

The main goals of server management services include:

• Reducing downtime
• Enhancing reliability
• Safeguarding server environments
• Scaling servers and operations to align with the client's requirements

Storage Management

This domain involves tasks ranging from installing, relocating, and coordinating capacity to supervising, governing, archiving, and recovering from disasters associated with digital storage assets. Effective storage management ensures organizations achieve swift data access while adhering to regulatory compliance standards and upholding data integrity.

Network Management

Here, The core objective is streamlining application distribution and sustaining safe and effective communications channels. Managed network services extend from fundamental network access to more modern options like virtual network services.

The services can also include:

• Unified messaging
• Network provisioning and administration
• Network monitoring

Cloud Management

Generally, cloud services feature managing virtual machines, storage, databases, and other elements within cloud environments. These services span from implementing plans through ongoing oversight, maintenance procedures, and fine-tuning.

Disaster Recovery and Backup

These services encompass the routine creation or updating of file duplicates, saving them in various locations, and employing these duplicates to sustain operations in the event of data loss caused by file damage, data corruption, cyberattacks, or natural disasters.

Security Services

Ensuring optimal safety conditions involves implementing robust protocols encompassing intrusion detection, threat monitoring, encryption methods, and multifactor authentication. These measures contribute to a comprehensive security framework, safeguarding data against potential breaches and unauthorized access.

Compliance Services

Compliance services ensure that organizations and their systems strictly adhere to legal, regulatory, and operational mandates. For data centers, it is imperative to demonstrate the implementation of robust security controls.

This involves:

• Safeguarding sensitive data
• Meeting rigorous industry standards
• Providing customer assurance
• Minimizing risk exposure,
• Fulfilling legal obligations
• Building trustworthiness
• Securing access to regulated industries

Infrastructure Management

These comprehensive services revolve around proactively managing and administrating technology and data. Infrastructure management encompasses communication services, data processing, storage, and knowledge management. Providers enhance the efficiency of data centers through blueprint drafting, material integration, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Virtualization Management

Virtualization management involves the oversight, administration, and maintenance of virtual servers. Configuring parameters, performing routine tasks, conducting assessments, and monitoring performance contribute to optimizing functionality.

Performance Monitoring

Real-time data center monitoring is crucial for low downtime. Performance monitoring is based on three key parameters:

• Network connectivity
• Server performance
• Storage performance

Collecting and analyzing operational statistics can be facilitated by AI tools to ensure stable performance and enable informed decision-making about future enhancements.

7 Key Benefits of Data Center Managed Services

Managed data centers are essential for organizations requiring substantial data storage without the means to sustain an in-house facility. A big driving force behind embracing data center managed services is the capability to concentrate on core competencies by outsourcing.

There are several other benefits to this solution:

1. Scalability: Easily adjust resources to meet business demands without the necessity of constructing and scaling a dedicated, in-house data center.
2. Enhanced Security: Rely on trusted data center providers implementing robust security protocols and regulatory compliance management, securing your valuable data.
3. Cost-Efficient Operations: Eliminating the need for upfront investments and ongoing maintenance associated with physical data center operations provides cost reduction while maintaining a high-performance level.
4. Robust Disaster Recovery: Robust disaster recovery solutions, such as backup systems and virtualization capabilities, fortify your business against unforeseen natural or technological events.
5. Predictable Performance: Managed data center services guarantee reliability and high availability through the use of advanced monitoring tools that quickly identify and resolve issues for optimal user experiences.
6. Global Accessibility: Collaborating with an international data center provider opens doors to worldwide connectivity through numerous access points across the globe.
7. Specialized Expertise: Leveraging managed data center services grants access to technical experts and specialized skills, facilitating efficient data center design, configuration, and management.

What Should You Look for in a Managed Data Center Services Provider?

Determining the most suitable data center managed service provider among countless competitors can be challenging.

Prioritize solutions based on the following criteria:

• Reliability: Opt for robust infrastructure complemented by the service level agreements assuring high availability.
• Security: Sophisticated data protection strategies secure your information and adhere to complex local and industry-specific regulations.
• Flexibility: Ensure the versatility of managed data center services catering to unique requirements.
• Experience: Prefer established firms with proven historical success.
• Proficiency: Evaluate each provider’s ability for tackling complex projects.
• Client Testimonials: Confirm the service quality by examining references, soliciting testimonials, and engaging directly with satisfied customers.

Are Data Centers Going Away?

Gartner forecasts an imminent change in corporate infrastructure strategies. By 2025, 85% of businesses will shut down their conventional data centers to invest in migrating to specialized data center providers. Managed data center services provide numerous benefits, making this alternative increasingly appealing to companies interested in conserving resources and concentrating on core operations.

Comarch – Your Managed Data Center Services Provider

With digitization, the development of e-commerce, and the integration of technologies such as IoT, AI, and ML, the demand for data center-related services continues to grow. Distributing a company’s digital infrastructure and offloading the responsibility of its maintenance are just two among several benefits supporting this approach.

Managed data center service providers offer various scopes within this offering. Therefore, so it is crucial to assess your organization’s specific needs before selecting a provider that can effectively cater to those requirements.

Comarch’s managed data center services are characterized by their flexibility, allowing you to transform your IT operations. Leverage our skilled engineers, optimal performance, efficient data management, and technological adaptability. Learn more about Comarch’s managed data center services or contact our specialists today.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

1. What do managed data center services include?

Though particular services may differ amongst providers, generally offerings incorporate physical space for servers, power backup, security, and cooling. The skilled engineers provide maintenance of the equipment

2. How much does managed service provider cost?

Prices for individual services vary based on the provider and the extent of your service requirements. Predictable monthly fees adjusted to your needs and used services allow you to keep financial control.

3. Are managed data center services only suitable for larger enterprises?

While large enterprises more often use managed data center services, the opportunity to outsource the management and maintenance of IT infrastructure is common for small businesses too, primarily driven by cost efficiency.

4. How can I migrate my existing infrastructure to a managed data center?

Gain expert advice on data center migration, including considerations and best practices, from a specialist. Contact experts from Comarch today to ensure a smooth transfer.

Key Takeaways:

• Managed data center services are essential for organizations looking to optimize data operations amidst increasing global data consumption.
• The choice between partially managed and fully managed services impacts the level of control businesses have over their IT operations.
• Understanding the differences between managed services, DCaaS, and colocation is crucial for selecting the right data center strategy.
• Managed data center services encompass a wide range of offerings that cater to various aspects of IT infrastructure management, enhancing operational efficiency and resilience.
• The adoption of managed data center services offers significant benefits, including scalability, cost savings, enhanced security, and access to specialized expertise.
• Choosing the right provider is pivotal, with factors like reliability, security, and experience playing a crucial role in the decision-making process.
• The shift towards outsourcing data center management reflects broader industry trends towards efficiency and focus on core business competencies.