Does Your Business Need Colocation?

If you are looking for a way to get your business online, rest assured that you have plenty of options to choose from.  There are many types of hosting and each variation is suited for customers with different needs.  This article will help you determine if colocation makes a viable option for your business needs.

Who Uses Colocation Services?

Colocation is highly sought after by larger companies with more demanding needs.  These are typically businesses that require complete control over their hardware or require more bandwidth to compensate for high traffic volumes.  In general, this type of solution is best for those who cannot afford to compromise on reliability and performance.  If your plans are modest and only involve a personal or small business site, you might not require the level of services provided by colocation hosting.  If this is the case, you can likely get the most value out of a shared hosting solution or even a dedicated server.

Important Factors

After everything is set up, you will find that colocation is quite similar to a traditional hosting solution.  You will access your site the same way and perform many of the same functions other customers do.  The major difference is that you own the hardware.  Keeping this in mind, there are some critical factors you need to consider.

Location

One of the most important aspects of choosing a colocation provider is the actual facility and its location.  It is a good rule of thumb to pick a service that is within reasonable proximity to your place of business.  You will find that this is a wise choice when your hardware requires maintenance.  It is also a good idea to choose a facility that is in the proximity of your targeted demographic market.  This will better ensure optimal connection speeds and good performance.

Responsibility

Once getting set up, remember that the colocation provider will be responsible for making sure the network is available while it is up to you to maintain the hardware.  For this reason, you may want to consider hiring an IT expert to handle the necessary updates and regular maintenance.

Cost

Cost is a major factor in any move that involves your business.  The cost of a colocation service is generally determined by the amount of rack space the server requires and the type of server you use among other criteria.  Measurement for rack space is typically based on a rack unit or 1U, of 1.75 inches in height.  Because of this, you may want to invest in hardware that conforms to the provider’s rack space requirements.  In the end, this can help you reduce your overall cost on the service.  Other costs you might incur could be related to additional services obtained from the provider or insurance on your equipment, which is highly recommended.

Conclusion

Although the inner workings of colocation may seem complex, the picture can be simplified when carefully analyzing your needs and weighing all the heavy factors.  After landing on the right service, you will see that it can be a viable option opposed to running your operation in-house.

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Apr 23, 2009 : Colocation Hosting No responses yet

The Importance of Redundancy in Colocation

Colocation is becoming a popular choice for medium to large sized businesses.  Instead of trying to run a costly in-house operation, you outsource your infrastructure by housing the equipment in another location.  However, if the facility isn’t inadequately equipped, your business could suffer from damaged hardware, excessive downtime and eventually the loss of customers.  Colocation can be an extremely beneficial service but only when the facility is built on redundancy.

What is Redundancy?

In the world of data centers, redundancy is based on the N+1 formula.  This simply means that a particular system has the capacity it needs plus one additional unit.  For example, if the power system contains two UPSs, both should be running at a maximum capacity of 50%, so if one fails, the other can then take over without overloading.  Before investing in a colocation solution, you need to make sure the provider has redundancy covered at three critical points.

Redundant Power

Data center redundancy is crucial, especially when it comes to power systems.  Not only will a power outage take down your server hardware, but also your climate controls, fire suppression systems and internet connection.  One failure could essentially take down the entire operation.  Because this could be such a disaster, you need a host that ensures redundancy in the form of UPS systems and backup generators.   Keep in mind that a colocation provider’s generator must have enough capacity to support the entire load of the facility.

Redundant Cooling

A busy colocation facility must be designed to specifically support the hardware of its customers.  Servers generate a significant amount of heat and without an efficient cooling system in place, the entire facility can overheat within a matter of minutes.  A colocation facility must have redundant cooling systems that stay running around the clock.  We recommend finding a provider that utilizes CRAC (computer room air conditioning) units to pump chilled water throughout the server room and prevent the hardware from overheating.

Redundant Internet Connections

In order to get the best out of colocation, you need a provider that offers redundant connectivity.  This goes for service as well as network hardware such as routers and switches.  Redundant service simply means that multiple internet backbones are available to maintain reliability and performance.  Additionally, the level of connectivity should be able to ensure low latency and packet loss so even if a major backbone does fails, the connection remains stables and most importantly, keeps you online.

Find the Right Home for Your Hardware

The best way to determine if a colocation facility is designed to support your infrastructure is to ask questions and get as much information possible.  While each system is unique in its own right, there are specifics you need to know about power, cooling and connectivity systems.  How many units are there?  What is the load on each individual unit?  Are these systems redundant?  Outsourcing your infrastructure to someone else’s data center is a big move so you must be very selective when choosing a provider.  In the end, it is their IT setup that will determine how successful you will be.

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Apr 21, 2009 : Colocation Hosting No responses yet

Colocation vs. Dedicated and Managed Hosting

If shared hosting can no longer keep up with your growing demands, rest assured that there are other alternatives that will suit those needs.  Three of the most practical solutions are colocation, dedicated and managed hosting.  Both refer to arrangements where you have your own server instead of sharing one with other customers.  Which is right for you?  This article will help you make a determination.

What is Colocation?

Often referred to as server colocation, colocation hosting refers to a situation where you store your server hardware in a hosting provider’s data center.  This type of arrangement requires that you actually purchase your own hardware.  The host provides you with space as well as other services that typically include an internet connection, redundant power sources and physical security.  Colocation is ideal for someone who requires more flexibility yet doesn’t have the resources to maintain their own server.  It is also best suited for those who are knowledgeable of server administration as these tasks are generally not performed by the host.

What is Dedicated Hosting?

Dedicated hosting describes an arrangement where you lease a server from a web hosting company.  Just like colocation, you generally get an internet connection, physical security and all the protective features that come along with the provider’s data center.  With dedicated hosting, you are granted with complete control over your hosting environment.  You can modify server settings, install your own operating systems and other software components.  Because you are not sharing critical resources with other domain owners, dedicated hosting offers enhanced performance with increased uptime.  With more speed and tighter security, this type of hosting is well suited for businesses that perform mission-critical operations and experience large volumes of traffic.

What is Managed Hosting?

In general, managed hosting refers to the management of a dedicated server.  The average dedicated server package only gets you an operating system, internet connection and the actual server which is maintained in the provider’s data facility.  In its purest form, a dedicated server calls for you to perform all the complex administrative tasks.  This includes installing software technologies, security mechanisms and performing general maintenance.  Managed hosting alleviate you from these tasks are they are handled by the provider.  You generally have the option of selecting the services you want to be managed by the web host.  Managed hosting is pretty much what it sounds like, outsourcing the management tasks of your dedicated server to another company.  This type of hosting is geared toward businesses who either lack administrative skills or simply do not have the time to maintain a server.

Conclusion

Each type of hosting mentioned in this article has its advantages and disadvantages.  Since colocation calls for you to purchase your own server, the initial investment is much higher.  On the other hand, leasing a dedicated server is far more expensive over the long run.  Because of the additional services involved, managed hosting is the most costly solution of them all.  As you can see, these services are quite similar yet very distinct.  The right decision for you ultimately depends on what you have to invest as well your level of IT experience.

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Mar 11, 2009 : Colocation Hosting No responses yet

Why You Should Consider Colocation

There is no denying, the advantages of dedicated hosting tower over its shared hosting counterpart by far.  You may wonder why type dedicated hosting is dramatically more beneficial.  First of all, you are not required to share the server and all its vital resources with hundreds to thousands of other customers.  Secondly, you get the benefit of a data center.  Most providers equipped their data centers with environmental controls and air cooling systems.  They have advanced electrical systems, backup power sources and intelligent routing technologies to make sure customers thrive under various conditions.  Additionally, most of these facilities are built to withstand natural disasters and other emergencies.  The features of a data center are suitable for businesses of all sizes, providing them with the control and flexibility needed to ensure that IT services can be relied on.  The same benefits and more are offered with colocation.

To truly grasp the benefits of colocation, one must first have a soild understanding of what this type of service is.  Colocation basically describes the average web hosting setup where servers are stored in a data center.  The major difference is that instead of being leased, the servers are actually owned by the customers.  Whereas a dedicated or managed host generally maintains the server, a colocation provider gives you access to the facility and allows you to manage your own hardware.  The similarities include network connectivity, backup power sources and physical security.  The greatest advantage of colocation is that it allows businesses to get the best of their servers who otherwise could not do so on their own.  Below are more benefits:

Cost Savings

Just purchasing a single web server can be expensive.  Things get even more costly when factoring in the extra space required to store the hardware, expert technicians and a stable internet connection.  All of these elements will cost you far more than the services that can be obtained from a colocation provider.  Cost savings are tremendous as the provider either leases or owns the facility. In fact, they may offer additional options that allow you to receive service from professional technicians if you do not have your own.

Higher Availability

Most colocation providers leverage internet connections from leading backbone providers, giving customers the benefit of the fastest speeds available.  They also invest in 24/7 monitoring services to help ensure minimal interruptions.  With a reliable colocation provider, you can count on instant access to your website and databases, benefits that are extended to your visitors and customers as well.

Enhanced Security

Colocation gives you with a peace of mind by providing tightened security for your mission-critical business data.  This protection is not only provided by physical security, but video surveillance systems, motion detectors, alarms and many other sophisticated security mechanisms.  Moreover, colocation services can make sure your data is backed up on a routine basis.

Colocation is an ideal arrangement for any business with their own servers yet can’t afford to manage the equipment in-house.  Because most services provide easy access the facility, you can take advantage of control and flexibility that simply isn’t available with other solutions.

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Mar 03, 2009 : Colocation Hosting No responses yet

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Colocation

Businesses who cannot afford to house their server hardware and host their own operation should consider colocation.  This option is quite similar to dedicated hosting in terms of flexibility and control but that is where the similarities end.  With colocation, you are physically housing your server and associated hardware at the provider’s facility.  They provide you with the utmost in security, regulated power and a dedicated internet connection.  This type of arrangement ensures the maximum up time and security you simply can’t get when trying to host your operation on site.  Some of the notable enhancements include fire detection and suppression systems, 24/7 surveillance, backup generators and multiple backbone connections.

Colocation Provides Added Flexibility

Colocation provides a level of flexibility that surpasses both dedicated server and managed hosting by far.  For instance, you have the luxury to choose your own servers as well as all the hardware, software and configurations that come along with it.  The major difference compared to managed hosting is that you are responsible for maintaining the server as the provider generally provides 24-hour access to the facility.  However, this high level of responsibility and associated costs are the two biggest disadvantages of colocation hosting.

Higher Convenience - Higher Cost

With colocation, you are not only required to pay for own server and equipment, but also the physical space the hardware will take up in the provider’s facility.  Almost always, this type of arrangement calls for a much higher capital investment than leasing a dedicated server from a web host.  Figures from Digital Nation report that a low-end, quality server ranges around $4,000 with mid-grade hardware coming in around the $9,000 mark.  Additionally, for just a half rack worth of space in the facility the general costs are often between $500 to $700.   These are factors that need to be carefully considered as you must pay for rack space on a monthly basis.  You may also be required to purchase a router or switch, vital network components that range up to $2,000 for low-end models. Last but not least, you will definitely need a network interface card, one of the most overlooked elements when deciding on colocation.  All of these costs do not include the time staff must be paid for setting up and configuring hardware.  They don’t cover for insurance, hardware depreciation or backup equipment.  All of a sudden, colocation becomes a very costly solution that is only suited for a selected few.

You will find that every colocation provider is structured in their own way and require different capital layouts.  Most of them do however, offer service contracts which typically cover maintenance of the hardware and its connections.  These contracts make the provider liable for ensuring that your business enjoys a guaranteed up time each month.  The downside here is that the price may soar higher as the guaranteed up time increases.

Before deciding on colocation, it is important to first evaluate your personal requirements.  From there, you should assess the level of services able to meet those needs by comparing a few companies.  When making these assessments in advance, you can get a better idea about the level of security, connectivity and what, if any add-on services will be required.  In the end, this will save you a lot of time and help to keep your budget intact.

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Jan 19, 2009 : Colocation Hosting No responses yet