Colocation Center

What does colocation data center mean?

Colocation and data centers are two entirely different terms, even though they overlie the same domain name. Colocation data center providers have deviated from the decade-long concept of web server hosting while still providing the same level of service that they once did.

A colocation center is a type of data center facility, where equipment, space and bandwidth are offered to the companies on a rental basis.

Server colocation is a step ahead dedicated hosting services. These physical servers, although robust, were not able to provide the level of control and customization enterprises had coveted. Hosting from a provider came with challenges. First and foremost, the client had to work on the host’s terms. Flexibility and customization was another issue. Not only were the providers enforcing their way of working on clients, server hosting had lost the charm it once had.

Why have a colocation data center?

The cost of developing a data center is enormous. The infrastructure poses a number of challenges that grow in intensity as the data center is made more and more advanced.

Colocation data center is helpful for businesses who aim to tap the attributes of a data center without constructing one.

By pattering the colocation services, the operational costs will stay remarkably low.

Cost associated with colocation

Colocation services are charged depending upon how much resources you use. The following aspects of the service is chargeable on as-per-use basis –

- Bandwidth

- Number of racks rented

- Data downloaded/uploaded

- Maintenance (if any)

- Cooling

- Power consumed

Apart from those listed above, the provider may also charge a certain minimum amount – all the other charges are added up on top of that.

Colocation services can be just as expensive as dedicated hosting. Nevertheless, if you only use a little of the bandwidth allotted to you, you aren’t paying hefty sums you normally paid.

Factors affecting colocation data center prices

You would notice that different hosts charge differently for the exact same service. Though it is not possible to list how companies arrive at colocation pricing, our best is that they do so by accounting the following –

- Staff salaries – more the companies charge for colocation, the more the benefits they would be able to provide their staff.

- Infrastructure – some data centers are on rented premises, while some are wholly owned by data center companies.

- Customer support – services with support included will, without doubt, cost more than the ones with no support.

Colocation web hosting service

Let’s say you are a small business. You want all the facilities associated with high-brow IT departments but are unable to bear the stupendous expenditure associated with it. So, what you can do in such a case is go for Colocation web hosting service.

Here, you can either place your already set-up server machine into the provider’s rack or you can rent a server from the provider itself. In the first instance, you would own the hardware and just use the facilities provided by the hosting service, like bandwidth, IP address, and seamless power. Most colocation web hosting service providers ensure that stringent security measures are followed to keep your equipment safe and sound at all times.

What is the difference between a colocation and a data center?

Following are the benefits of utilizing colocation facility:

- Colocation facility is extremely secure and provides proper safety measures for your crucial business data

- Vast array of backup strategies ensuring security at a better level

- Well-equipped with cooling devices and equipment

- An economical approach to adapt

How does colocation differ from the public cloud?

The key difference between colocation and public cloud lies in the way data is stored and managed on the two platforms. In a cloud set-up, the service provider manages the servers, storage, and networking on your behalf. Also, your provider is responsible for setting up the infrastructure. Such an arrangement lets you trim down your capital as well as operational expenditure.

Colocation, on the other hand, requires you to buy and maintain your own equipment; the provider offers only the space and amenities like power and cooling to help it run smoothly. If your hardware faces some glitch, it is your responsibility to get it fixed.

Takeaway

While a colocation might seem like all win-win, one must note that the servers and related hardware are provided by the client. So, there will be some upfront cost involved in colocation, though it would not be as much as in enterprise data centers. However, in the long run, you are bound to save costs. The hardware will become eventually free.

Before co-locating servers one must note that not all providers offer maintenance. Despite the fact that self-maintenance will unlock a plethora of control, you are likely to be occupied to a point that maintenance will become cumbersome.

Further, maintenance is rather a routine than repair. After a while things could get a little monotonous.