OUTSOURCING your IT operations is a sure-fire way of reducing costs at a time when businesses are looking to cut back. Not only does it free-up valuable floor space and help to reduce overheads, it also allows staff to focus on driving forward new and improved services.

But choosing a suitable data centre provider is no easy task. The marketplace is huge, with a large number of providers offering a wide range of services of varying quality. Below are some key factors which should guide decision-making when looking to outsource IT operations:

1. Security
Never underestimate the worth of your data if it gets into the wrong hands – especially those of your competitors. The threats to data centre security are not only virtual, but also physical. Ensure that the centre is manned 24 hours a day, with clear sign-in procedures and surveillance cameras to monitor the facilities. Look for ISO 27001 information security management accreditation to be sure that security is taken seriously.

2. Power
Data centres need to draw on a considerable amount of power and are reliant on locations with an excellent supply. They should have strict procedures in place to avoid a brown-out (temporary power interruption) or black-out, including redundant power supplies, dedicated substations, uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) and back-up generators.

3. Communications infrastructure
This is essential. Your chosen data centre needs to have access to high-speed internet bandwidth to support your hosting, collocation, remote back-up and mirroring needs. The North East has an excellent communications infrastructure and consequently supports some of the country’s leading data centres.

4. Temperature
The huge amount of technology stored within a data centre generates a considerable amount of heat. Consequently, it is vital that your provider has sufficient procedures in place to prevent overheating and the damage this can cause to your data. Popular website Last.fm recently experienced a period of down-time when its centre in London failed to withstand the hot weather – and not all businesses could survive such an event in the current climate.

5. Reputation
Trust is a vital factor when choosing a data centre. An established provider will have credibility and should be able to offer you testimonials. Don’t just take their word for it – look into their client base, the services they provide and what’s being said about them by previous and existing customers.

6. Cost
It is a common assumption that the best data centres are located in London. The North East offers facilities centres that rival those within the M25 but at only 75% of the cost. By drawing on these facilities, you can also avoid the vulnerabilities associated with the capital due to threats such as terrorism.

7. Multiple data centre approach
When it comes to data centres, there is safety in numbers. By choosing a provider who can offer you more than one data centre, you can store your data in multiple locations which further decreases the risk of you losing it at a critical moment.