[at_ignore_tag]If you are setting up a small business, you’re likely to be quite ambitious. So while you need to keep the costs down, you also want to start off with assets to rival those of a large IT department. You really want to have it all. Well, here’s the good news: you can have it all. The key to your dreams is: colocation.[/at_ignore_tag]
What Is Colocation, Exactly?
Colocation is the action of placing your server in someone else’s rack and using their bandwidth. Yes, it costs a little more than standard web hosting, but definitely less than the cost of installing the necessary infrastructure in your offices. Your partner will supply IP, bandwidth, and power to your server. And you will benefit from the services without going broke before you even start your business.
Colocation is a great solution for start-ups, but of course – as everything in life – it has its upsides and downsides. You need to carefully weigh all of them before making a final decision. Let’s look at some of the advantages and disadvantages to colocation.
Image by getButterfly
Pro
1) Of course the main gain of colocation is the potential savings in cost. By placing your server in someone else’s facilities you will have access to a high-speed bandwidth, which will cost you less than setting up your own slower bandwidth.
2) Colocation allows you to grow your business at your own pace by upgrading your assets at the right time with no pressure.
3) You will own both the server software and hardware, so you can change or upgrade them whenever you like.
4) Colocation services offer better outage protection. So in case of adverse weather conditions or blackouts, your server will still be working, as they offer more powerful power generators.
5) Colocation providers usually offer increased security to your server and better infrastructure.
6) If moving offices, you can leave the server up and running (which means your website won’t be down) while you do so.
Contra
1) Finding a colocation provider can be tough at times, most of all in smaller towns.
2) You will want to have your server hostel quite near you, so that you can go and maintain your server easily when you need to, so there will be a limited choice of providers that are convenient for you. Besides, you will only have access to your server during their opening hours.
3) Your bill may vary month by month, as when you use a colocation service you pay for the amount of data transferred via the server. So, the more data, the bigger expense.
So do you think colocation is something for you? As we’ve seen, there are benefits and drawbacks to this solution, so you’re the one that makes the final call.
Have you ever used colocation? What was your experience? I’d be curious to hear all about it!
[author] [author_image timthumb=’on’][/author_image] [author_info]Elena Manighetti is a prolific blogger. Previously a journalist for news, lifestyle, and entertainment at Giornale di Bergamo, she writes about lifestyle, business, and technology.She writes for Connetu.[/author_info] [/author]
Featured images: License: Creative Commons image source
