The ServerSpace Guide To Colocation

Posted By: ServerSpace Limited
5th December 2009

A brief guide to colocation in Data Centres

In this article we try to explain the advantages of the hosting option, while also addressing common myths

Colocation is effectively a hosting option for businesses which are looking for the features of a large IT department without the associated costs. It allows you to effectively place your server in an outsourced Dat Centre rack, which then allows you to take advantage of that Data Centre’s facilities and fast internet connections.

Advantages of Colocation

• Better protection: The fee you pay to your colocation provider covers all the mechanical and electrical facilities the Data Centre provides, e.g. power generators and backup power to protect against any electrical problems or shortages on the grid. This ensures that your servers data remains available.
• Low cost bandwith: Data Centres are on the Internet Backbone and ultra fast Inetrnet Access is standard. When your servers are placed in a colocation facility they benefit from higher bandwidth speeds and better redundancy for the network connections. To provide similar quality Internet Connections at your premises would be very expensive.
• Security: Providers of colocation services provide additional security for your machines. Your server is therefore maintained and stored in a secure environment, with 24/7 on site security, CCTV and biometric access controls.

Common Myths

• Colocation is more expensive - While colocation can cost more than web hosting, the services received provide value-for-money, in that the costs of the facilities, staffing and high-speed Internet connectivity are handled by the colocation provider.
• Colocation is inconvenient - A remote colocation facility is no more inconvenient than having your company’s servers in the next room. Colocation facilities may actually provide more space and better equipment organisation than the office closet that has been turned into a server room.
• Colocation is unreliable - Colocation is all about high availability for mission critical facilities. Those working in the colocation facility are trained to deal with electricity shortages effectively. Colocation services also ensure redundant Internet connections and power supplies, which means there is not competition for bandwidth.
• Colocation facilities do not provide appropriate support - Providers of colocation services, such as ServerSpace, are committed to providing the utmost support, whether there are issues concerning power and electricity, physical security, network security and disaster recovery.