Colocation centre
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
A colocation data centre (or carrier hotel) is an external site that allows organisations to rent equipment and technical support services and equipment from a third party provider. These services are required to support the digital infrastructure demands of the client.
A colocation centre will include the physical premises along with adequate HVAC, power supply (including backup power), cable management infrastructure, bandwidth, fire protection and security. Customers may or may not be required to provide their own storage racks and server equipment.
[edit] History
This business practice first emerged in the US in the late 1990s in conjunction with the growth of the tech bubble. As computing needs increased - particularly with the rapid increase of small dot com companies - organisations were reluctant (or unable) to accommodate technical demands onsite and so offloading those specialised requirements to colocation data centre providers became a popular option.
[edit] Telehouse West
Opened in 2010, Telehouse West in London's Docklands area, was Europe’s first purpose-built colocation facility. Colocation centres are now located throughout the UK, Europe and around the world.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
The 5 elements of seiri, seiton, seiso, seiketsu and shitsuke.
Shading for housing, a design guide
A look back at embedding a new culture of shading.
The Architectural Technology Awards
The AT Awards 2025 are open for entries!
ECA Blueprint for Electrification
The 'mosaic of interconnected challenges' and how to deliver the UK’s Transition to Clean Power.
Grenfell Tower Principal Contractor Award notice
Tower repair and maintenance contractor announced as demolition contractor.
Passivhaus social homes benefit from heat pump service
Sixteen new homes designed and built to achieve Passivhaus constructed in Dumfries & Galloway.
CABE Publishes Results of 2025 Building Control Survey
Concern over lack of understanding of how roles have changed since the introduction of the BSA 2022.
British Architectural Sculpture 1851-1951
A rich heritage of decorative and figurative sculpture. Book review.
A programme to tackle the lack of diversity.
Independent Building Control review panel
Five members of the newly established, Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommended, panel appointed.
Welsh Recharging Electrical Skills Charter progresses
ECA progressing on the ‘asks’ of the Recharging Electrical Skills Charter at the Senedd in Wales.
A brief history from 1890s to 2020s.
CIOB and CORBON combine forces
To elevate professional standards in Nigeria’s construction industry.
Amendment to the GB Energy Bill welcomed by ECA
Move prevents nationally-owned energy company from investing in solar panels produced by modern slavery.
Gregor Harvie argues that AI is state-sanctioned theft of IP.
Experimental AI housing target help for councils
Experimental AI could help councils meet housing targets by digitising records.
BSRIA Occupant Wellbeing survey BOW
Occupant satisfaction and wellbeing tool inc. physical environment, indoor facilities, functionality and accessibility.