subject: Colocation - Must I Pick A High Capacity Server? [print this page] Providing hosting options for sole traders and smaller organizations is cheap and easy with the colocation service. If these companies are looking for a number of benefits that certain bigger internet technology departments are exposed to, they can do so cheaply and cost-efficiently. While local businesses and individual traders often struggle to come up with the required resources to host a private high capacity server, less expensive opportunities are essential. A popular and cheaper option is collocation.
Co-location hosting can be done simply and easily, with very little hassle. It involves the action of placing the server of a small business on the rack of another company, which is subsequently rented for a modest amount of cash. This process enables the one business to use another's bandwidth. Another option is that it can simply be used through a machine given by the other company.
After this, the provider gives the individual or company an IP address, as well as bandwidth and power. When it is all properly set up, the individual gains full access to the provider's rack and runs it in the same way that he would do with any regular website on any other hosting provider. The only difference in this case, is that the company owns the hardware.
Keep in mind the wide range of benefits that come with possessing a high capacity server. The cost is of course the most basic and most prominent advantage due to the fact that a significantly fast bandwidth comes at a more affordable price. This is compared to a limited bandwidth DSL line which is more or less designated for small, local companies.
While this is the main benefit, another benefit worth considering is the level of security that comes with colocation. Say, for example, an important piece of work is being carried out and there is a power cut. The function of a power generator actually prevents the website from going down. You will also be a lot safer with the fact that everything is automatically saved on a regular basis, guaranteeing backup.
Often, when a problem occurs with a standard DSL line, there is no way of knowing when it will be dealt with, and it is left up to the provider. An advantage that comes with using a high capacity server, however, is the fact that the local company owns the machinery, and is responsible for making any necessary repairs and getting it up and running as soon as possible.
The software as well is owned by the small business and again there is no need to depend on the provider in order to install specific software or tools needed. The individual does it himself. All he needs to do is buy and install the applications he has decided to use.
A final significant advantage is that the website is not in any way affected, if the business decides to relocate for whatever reason. It will simply continue to operate regularly and normally. This is generally seen as a more than convenient aspect.
High capacity is certainly not needed in all situations. For example, for bloggers and certain other individuals, the power is simply not necessary. But for small companies who require both speed and power, the use of a colocation server tends to be the smartest option.
