EDITOR ’ S QUESTION
KAMEL AL-TAWIL , MANAGING DIRECTOR , NORTH AFRICA , AND MIDDLE EAST , EQUINIX
According to Equinix ’ s 2022 Global Tech Trends Survey , 71 % of IT decision-makers plan to move more functions to the cloud in 2023 . Data centre migrations are particularly difficult because of their immense scale and complexity . Consequently , enterprise CIOs should look to work with an outsourcing partner that provides global data centre , interconnection , and digital services .
Prioritising the outsourcing of data centre operations can also help organisations ensure adherence to
Data centre migrations are particularly difficult because of their immense scale and complexity . regulatory standards in addition to the implementation of robust cybersecurity measures . Such a strategic partnership can allow organisations to mitigate risks , enhance data protection , and leverage the expertise of experienced professionals in maintaining a secure and compliant data centre environment .
One of the most important factors to consider when selecting a data centre partner is continuous and strategic maintenance . An operator ’ s approach to strategic maintenance , which involves an interaction between people , processes , and equipment , is the key to ensure the highest quality and continuous delivery for clients . A strong maintenance strategy , well-trained personnel , and efficient processes are indicators of a high-performing data centre .
Ecosystem proximity is another key consideration . CIOs should consider providers that have colocation adjacency to cloud providers and offer access to various ecosystems . This allows for low-latency connections , leveraging cloud on-ramps , and access to a wide range of partners , providers , and customers .
CIOs should also assess cost optimisation , reviewing the partner ’ s pricing structure , ensuring transparency , and identifying any hidden costs or egress charges associated with data retrieval . For example , at Equinix , we enable our customers to optimise costs by leveraging colocation to offload data processing closer to the source , minimising data egress charges and benefiting from proximity to public cloud partners .
Finally , customisation and flexibility are also key attributes to look for in an outsourcing partner . CIOs should prioritise partners that offer tailored solutions to meet specific business needs . This is particularly important when outsourcing services such as ERP systems or electronic health records , EHR in healthcare . Flexibility in adapting to evolving business needs is essential for long-term success .
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