Server collocation is a kind of web hosting that allows you to place your own server equipment in the data center. To be more exact, you can place your server in a particular technical unit and to connect it to the high-speed backbone. Collocation hosts are responsible for providing the user’s server with data center, fast internet connection and constant support.
Generally, server collocation is the service that will suit down to the ground little providers, corporative clients and owners of the content projects. Collocation is suitable for those who require complete control over the server configuration.
This kind of hosting gives you opportunity to place your server in modern collocation allowing to provide Internet connection of 100Mbps, 1,000Mbps or 10,000Mbps. It must be one of the best solutions in case you need much uptime, a considerable amount of bandwidth and low costs. It should be observed that among the most popular providers of collocated servers are VNC (Windows, Linux, Unix Servers) and Terminal Server (Windows 2000/2003 Server).
Collocated and Dedicated Server, Let’s Compare
So, what is the difference between collocated and dedicated server? In fact the difference is great. When you choose dedicated hosting, you lease a dedicated server, but it is owned by the provider, anyway. The collocated server is owned by user, but it is accommodated in some other place that it shares with other servers. Let’s sum up: with dedicated hosting you rent the server itself and with collocated server you lease a place to house it. Thus, server collocation is more profitable because you pay money only for connection and lease.
The Benefits of Collocation
The main benefit of collocation is that a company or an individual has its own server and, thus, has complete and constant access to this powerful machine. Another great advantage is that this server is accommodated in the secure place with reliable and permanent power supply and fast internet connectivity. You have opportunity to manage the server from the different corners of the world. Moreover, you save a lot of space at home or at office by placing your server in the data center. Collocated server shares the expenses with other servers located in the same space.
Server collocators are real experts in solving all kinds of problems that may happen to your server. They monitor the work of servers 24 hours a day. Besides, security issues are among the obligation of collocation server providers.
Like any other type of hosting, collocated hosting has its opponents and upholders. On the one hand, it is really risky to locate the server somewhere else, on the other hand it is very comfortable when you are sure that your server is provided with constant technical support, so it can prove to be a very convenient and cost-efficient solution.