High-performance computing (HPC) has traditionally been associated with large enterprises, research institutions, and government agencies—organizations with the resources to build and manage massive computing infrastructures. But the landscape is changing. Today, small businesses across sectors like engineering, biotech, finance, media production, and data analytics are embracing HPC to gain competitive advantages.
As the demand for compute-intensive workloads grows, so does the need for infrastructure to support these applications. That’s where colocation data centers come in. By colocating their HPC workloads at facilities like Datacate’s, small businesses can harness the power of enterprise-grade infrastructure without the cost or complexity of building it themselves.
In this article, we’ll explore the essentials of high-performance computing and how colocation in a facility like Datacate’s can make HPC viable and cost-effective for small businesses.
What Is High-Performance Computing?
High-performance computing involves aggregating computing power to deliver far greater performance than a typical desktop or server. HPC systems are used to solve complex problems involving large datasets, real-time simulations, machine learning, and other compute-heavy tasks. Common use cases include:
- 3D rendering and animation
- Genomic sequencing and bioinformatics
- Financial modeling and risk analysis
- Machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI)
- Engineering simulations and computer-aided design (CAD)
- Scientific research and environmental modeling
Organizations need infrastructure capable of supporting dense computing environments, consistent power delivery, rapid data transfer, and effective cooling systems to run these workloads effectively.
The Challenges of Running HPC On-Site
Deploying HPC on-premises presents several challenges for small businesses:
- Power demands: HPC clusters consume significantly more power than standard office IT setups. Providing sufficient and redundant power on-site is difficult and expensive.
- Heat output: High-density computing environments generate a lot of heat. Proper cooling systems are essential to prevent overheating and hardware failure.
- Network bandwidth: HPC workloads often involve large data transfers that require high-throughput, low-latency networking.
- Space and security: Many offices simply aren’t designed to house racks of high-performance servers securely or efficiently.
- Management overhead: Monitoring, maintaining, and securing HPC infrastructure requires specialized knowledge and staff that may be out of reach for small businesses.
Colocation in a purpose-built data center eliminates these obstacles by providing scalable, cost-efficient access to enterprise-class infrastructure.
How Colocation Supports HPC
Colocation services allow businesses to place their HPC hardware in a professionally managed data center. With colocation, you retain full control of your computing environment while offloading the burden of maintaining physical infrastructure.
Here’s how Datacate’s colocation facilities meet the needs of HPC deployments:
1. Redundant, High-Capacity Power Infrastructure
Datacate provides multiple levels of redundant power, including:
- Dual power feeds
- UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) systems
- Generator backup
This ensures that HPC clusters receive continuous, stable power, even during grid outages. Power densities in colocation racks can be configured to support the demanding requirements of HPC workloads.
2. Robust Cooling and Climate Control
Our data center is equipped with enterprise-grade HVAC and climate management systems, including hot/cold aisle containment and precision cooling.
This is critical for protecting sensitive HPC hardware from thermal stress, ensuring optimal performance, and reducing the risk of failure.
3. High-Speed, Low-Latency Networking
HPC applications often rely on rapid data movement across systems and between users. Datacate delivers:
- Redundant high-speed Internet connectivity
- Private VLANs and cross-connects for secure communication between servers
- Carrier-neutral networking with access to multiple Tier-1 providers
This enables fast data transfer for real-time collaboration, remote visualization, and integration with cloud platforms or third-party tools.
4. Physical and Logical Security
HPC systems often process sensitive intellectual property or proprietary data. Datacate provides layered security, including:
- Controlled facility access with video surveillance
- Secure cabinets and cage options
- 24/7 monitored environments
This level of protection ensures your critical systems and data remain safe.
5. Monitoring and Remote Hands Support
Datacate offers remote monitoring and remote hands services around the clock, giving clients peace of mind that the infrastructure supporting their systems is supervised even when they are not physically present. This is essential for minimizing downtime and responding quickly to anomalies.
6. Scalability Without Capital Investment
As your HPC needs grow, so can your deployment. Datacate makes it easy to scale up by adding additional racks, increasing bandwidth, or modifying power configurations without the expense of expanding or reengineering an in-house environment.
HPC + Colocation: Real-World Use Cases
Engineering and Product Design
A small product development firm can colocate a few high-density GPU servers at Datacate to accelerate CAD rendering and fluid dynamics simulations, reducing design cycles and time-to-market.
Bioinformatics Startups
Startup bioinformatics labs processing genomic data can benefit from the high-throughput compute capabilities supported by Datacate’s robust power and cooling infrastructure, enabling faster data analysis and discovery without building a server room.
AI and Machine Learning
Small businesses developing AI models can run training workloads on colocated GPU clusters, avoiding the expense and limitations of the public cloud while retaining direct control over their infrastructure and data.
Why Small Businesses Choose Datacate
Datacate is more than just a data center—we are a strategic infrastructure partner. Our facilities are designed with flexibility, performance, and support in mind, making them ideal for small businesses with sophisticated IT needs. Here’s what sets us apart:
- Custom-tailored solutions: We work with each client to configure a colocation environment that meets their HPC requirements.
- Expert guidance: Our technical team has years of experience supporting complex deployments and can help plan, implement, and optimize your HPC stack.
- Flexible contracts and pricing: Datacate offers scalable colocation options that align with your growth and budget.
- Local support with global connectivity: Located in California and interconnected with national and global networks, we offer local service with enterprise-grade reach.
Ready to Elevate Your Computing Power?
High-performance computing is no longer the exclusive domain of Fortune 500 firms and government labs. With colocation at Datacate, small businesses can access the infrastructure needed to run demanding workloads and fuel innovation—without breaking the bank.
If your business is exploring HPC or is ready to advance its computing capabilities, Datacate is here to help. Contact us today to learn how our colocation services can support your high-performance goals.
