Survey adds weight to the Carrier Neutral Model
Data traffic between data centres is forecast to double or triple over the next 2-4years, according to a survey commissioned by a US company called Infineta (who unsurprisingly make network optimization products). The survey covering over 100 large US enterprises suggests that traffic growth is being driven by data storage replication and backup whilst new applications will accelerate the trend.
Of course increasing bandwidth usage will be music to the ears of network operators who will be keen to address this growing market, but the key underlying message as far as data centre choice goes is the endorsement of the carrier neutral model, that is a data centre or colocation facility that encourages multiple networks into the site for clients to easily access. The key benefits of this are not only for enhanced security the multiple networks will offer but also allowing customers the ability to shop around amongst the suppliers for the best commercial terms as well. Certainly the network operators will be aware if there is limited choice at particular location they need not offer their most competitive terms and this is why one of the key stats we list on our data centre listings is the number of on-site networks. Yet another factor to bear in mind when making a colocation purchasing decision.