Hosting your servers at a data center is as easy as signing up and moving your equipment to the data-center. However, there are some specific protocols you need to follow when operating in that environment.
Set up
The first thing you need to understand is the expectations of the data center when handing over your equipment. Different data centers handle power connectivity differently. For example, you will need to inform the data center if any of your equipment use non-standard power bricks or connectors. Data centers will not allow the use of power strips and cords.
Access
Data centers have specific protocols for physical access to the systems. Often, you will need to request access before you arrive at the data center. Also, access is only for staff already on a list. The security on-site will then identify the staff using whatever form of identification the firm gave during the initial process. Any change to the list of staff authorized to access the data center has to be done in writing and at least a day in advance of access.
Remote
There are types of remote access, remote connectivity, and remote-hands. Remote connectivity allows you to connect to the system over the internet and manage the device as you would something in your data center. Remote-hands is not a service all data centers provide but involves a technician at a data center executing physical actions on a client-server on request, like removing a USB hard drive or hard-rebooting a system.
Written by Rack Alley. Providers of LA web hosting and premium colocation services perfect for small and enterprise customers at a Los Angeles data center.