Web Hosting Reviews & Ratings

March 22, 2011

Questions to Ask Before Purchasing a Colocation Hosting Plan

Colocation hosting is perhaps the most unique hosting type, as it is not a service that allows you to lease a web server, but rather a service that gives you access to server storage space within a state-of-the-art data center. Colocation hosting plans are therefore usually more expensive than typical hosting plans, as they provide multiple high-speed connections to the Internet, complete server redundancy, automatic backups, top-notch 24-hour surveillance, fire extinguishing systems, and an ideal environment for your private Web server. In basic terms, a colocation hosting plan is the perfect solution for any webmaster or business owner that owns their own Web server, yet does not have an ideal location for storage. If you are unsure whether a colocation hosting plan is suitable for your needs, then you may want to ask yourself the following questions.

What Are My Needs As a Webmaster?

If you do not yet own a private web server, but are considering purchasing one, then you'll first need to ask yourself what your needs are as a webmaster. If you plan on building an extensive network of sites that will continually expand to create a residual income stream, then you'll probably need to at least utilize a dedicated hosting plan, if not purchase your own web server. However, if you plan on having a network that does not exceed 10 to 20 websites, then you will probably not need a private web server. In fact, most private Web servers are owned by large corporations and businesses that have extensive data storage, transferring, and collaborative requirements. If you already own a private web server, then a colocation hosting plan would certainly be the ideal storage solution.

Can I Afford the Start-up Costs of colocation Hosting?

If you do not yet own a private Web server, you'll need to consider the start up costs associated with colocation hosting. In particular, you need to purchase a private Web server, which can cost anywhere from $1000-$5000 depending on the features and capabilities of the server. In addition, you may also need to ship the server to the colocation hosting company, which can increase the cost by up to $100 or more depending on the hardware being sent. You'll also be required to set up the software configuration of your web server, and if you are unable to do so you will have to pay an Internet technology specialist to perform this task for you, which can add another couple hundred dollars to the equation. These expenses are important to consider when deciding whether or not colocation hosting would be a suitable solution for your online business.

Am I Skilled Enough to Manage My Own Server?

Unfortunately, most colocation hosting plans do not include technical support, and instead require you to set up and maintain the software configuration and overall performance of the Web server. If you do not have experience with server administration, then you may find more inclusive solutions such as managed hosting to be more suitable. However, if you already own a private Web server, and are already paying an Internet technology specialist to perform server administration tasks, then a colocation hosting plan would definitely be beneficial, as it would ensure maximum safety for your web hosting hardware.

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