Carrier-neutral data centers, known as network-neutral, are completely independent of network providers. Because no binding affiliations exist, many service providers can connect to the data center, creating a more diverse and cost-effective infrastructure.
When facilities are not carrier-neutral, clients have only one service choice and limited options for colocation and connectivity, so they can easily be trapped into expensive service agreements with problematic connections and limited bandwidth. This unappealing possibility is one reason carrier neutrality is becoming more prevalent in the marketplace.
Among the many advantages offered by carrier-neutral data centers is reduced client costs. With few exceptions, they tend to be situated in areas where there is greater competition and more connectivity options, which in turn lower prices and, in general, result in better client services.
Because the data center isn’t limited to a single service provider, all providers in its vicinity are naturally inclined to attract customers by keeping prices low and values high.
Carrier neutrality has a significant impact on performance reliability. When multiple providers are available, network problems are easier to weather and even avoid entirely, preventing the costs associated with downtime.
Every carrier has a different route, so using multiple carriers results in more dependable data transmission. Should problems arise with one connection, traffic diverts to the next available one, keeping both services and websites accessible.
Once a company makes a significant investment moving its web servers to a data center, it is not inclined to perform a similar move in the near future.
If the facility is not carrier-neutral and problems arise with the network, options are limited unless the company is prepared to move again. Carrier-neutral data centers make it easy to switch to a different provider simply.
Limited network handoffs exist when multiple carriers are available in one facility, allowing cloud-based companies to benefit from quick and efficient data transfers and more stable performance. Certain carrier-neutral data centers also support multiple cloud environments (public, private, and hybrid), ensuring that client applications can integrate easily with the facility’s environment.
Increased redundancy, reliability, flexibility, and reach, combined with reduced costs, make outsourcing IT needs to a carrier-neutral center an option that any cloud-based business should consider.
Carrier-neutral data centers make it easier for local businesses to choose from a number of different carriers that best meet their performance and pricing requirements.
When a data center sticks with a single provider, there’s always a possibility that the network can go down, costing customers money in lost business. But when multiple carriers are available, redundancy is greater due to decreased potential for network failure.
Does your company use a carrier-neutral data center for its IT needs? If so, did you notice a reduced cost? Let us know your thoughts in the Comments box below.
If you're in the data center, mission-critical, or cloud services industries, or you sell to the data center industry, don't miss our weekly update newsletter -- Data Center Sales & Marketing Institute (DCSMI) Update Newsletter. Get notified about new reports, events, podcasts, and blog posts.