Is Colocation Good For You?

Colocation is a viable option for businesses that want the flexibility and freedom having their own data center without the added costs of building and hosting a site. While there are many advantages to using colocation such as price, owning your own hardware and software, and the convenience of hosting your server in someone else’s facility, there are a few drawbacks as well.

Small to medium-sized businesses with only one or a few locations may run into some problems that larger companies with multiple locations throughout the world do not face. Larger corporations have the advantage of having sites all over the world and large budgets. So if there’s a problem with their servers there’s a good chance there will be an employee nearby to take care of the problem. And if not, their budget will allow them to hire someone. Unfortunately smaller businesses don’t have the luxuries of being able to call on someone anytime of the day to take care of p roblems that might arise. Before you make a decision about whether or not colocation is for you, it’s important to have all the facts so you can make an informed decision.

One drawback is that colocation centers can be hard to find. For some people it’s important that your colocation facility is near your home or office. This way when it comes time to upgrade your server, you won’t have to drive 100km just to make a minor adjustment. Since they’re so rare, if you don’t live in or near a major city, it might be difficult to find a facility. Do your research and check around though. Smaller cities and suburbs often have host facilities as well.

Colocation is more expensive than basic Web hosting. However when you do a cost for cost analysis, it’s cheaper than having your own facility and it gives you many more options than simple Web hosting. If you need the extra services that come along with colocation such as controlling your own servers, higher bandwidth and reliable storage then colocation is a cost-effective solution.

Sometimes it might be difficult to access your server because you have to travel to another location rather than having it directly onsite. Other than taking the time to drive to the facility, this doesn’t end up being much of a problem. Most facilities are open 24/7. Some providers allow you to go in anytime using a special access card and key to your server. Other providers require you to be escorted into the facility for extra security. These facilities can also provide round-the-clock assistance as all you have to do is call up the facility at any time of the day or night and someone will be available to let you in.

If you move out the area, you’ll have to find a new colocation provider. That can be a bit of a hassle, but the move will be less expensive and easier than if you had to move an entire facility. Just make sure you move into an a rea that also has a colocation service provider otherwise you may have to look into different options.

Although more and more businesses are switching to colocation, it isn’t for everyone. It’s better to know exactly what you’re getting into before you make the transition. If you feel that you can deal with these minor drawbacks of colocation and increased bandwidth, faster service and more control is important to you, then colocation could be the ideal business solution for you.

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Saleh Tousi is the CEO of SmarttNet, a Vancouver IT company offering comprehensive business Internet services including Vancouver colocation since 1995.