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
New Scottish and Welsh governments
CIOB stresses importance of construction after new parliament elections.
The sad story of Derby Hippodrome
An historic building left to decay.
ECA, JIB and JTL back Fabian Society call to invest in skills for a stronger built environment workforce.
Women's Contributions to the Built Environment.
Calls for the delayed Circular Economy Strategy
Over 50 leading businesses, trade associations and professional bodies, including CIAT, and UKGBC sign open letter.
The future workforce: culture change and skill
Under the spotlight at UK Construction Week London.
A landmark moment for postmodern heritage.
A safe energy transition – ECA launches a new Charter
Practical policy actions to speed up low carbon adoption while maintaining installation safety and competency.
Frank Duffy: Researcher and Practitioner
Reflections on achievements and relevance to the wider research and practice communities.
The 2026 Compliance Landscape: Fire doors
Why 'Business as Usual' is a Liability.
Cutting construction carbon footprint by caring for soil
Is construction neglecting one of the planet’s most powerful carbon stores and one of our greatest natural climate allies.
ARCHITECTURE: How's it progressing?
Archiblogger posing questions of a historical and contextual nature.
The roofscape of Hampstead Garden Suburb
Residents, architects and roofers need to understand detailing.
Homes, landlords. tenants and the new housing standards
What will it all mean?