Managed hosting vs colocation

Small businesses are looking for a reliable web hosting service similar to that of a business IT organization but without the cost that comes along with it. What is the best option for you then? What is the best hosting option that serves such purpose? You may need to utilize colocation.

What is colocation?

It allows you to put your server and other IT equipment in someone else’s data center. Colocation provides a more reliable and secure environment for your IT infrastructure that most companies cannot afford to have on their own.

Why choose colocation?

Colocation companies provide center that is highly difficult to copy what’s inside it. Here are the features of a colocation center:

 Energy-efficient Aisle

In the center, you will find a hot and cold aisle. From cold aisle comes the air that is used cool the environment. As we all know, IT equipments omits a lot of heat. The cold aisle has a fan to generate chilled air to blowing off the equipments. You will also find in the center a hot aisle where the air exhaust from equipment goes out.

 Elevated Flooring

It enables the colocation center to manage the required cabling with the space provided below the flooring. Raised floor is designed in order to keep the wiring and cables out of the way so to avoid accidental disconnections and to maintain neatness.

 Security

Data center is highly secured because data access is strictly monitored. Only authorized individuals are able to enter the facility. The center uses various access control mechanisms. And since the colocation centers are primarily designed for safekeeping purposes, your server is secured with additional access control tools such as locks.On top of that, every corner of the facility is equipped with monitoring cameras to help identify who are going in and out of the center. Cameras are installed inside and outside the building. The more layers of security mechanisms the more secure the facility is.

 Power Back-up

Colocation space is getting its power supply from a local power company. However, there are instances when there is insufficient supply so there is a need to have an alternative in order for the facility to keep working. Usually, centers have standby batteries that are used in the event of power interruption. However, these batteries would not last long so the last alternative is to install generators which are using gasoline to power up.

 Safety

As a client you may want to make sure that the center is safe enough for you to entrust your server and other IT equipments to them. It must have appropriate fire suppression system to protect electrical equipments.
Colocation is primarily a space option. This is utilized by businesses to avoid further expenses in expanding structures associated with running your online business such as space for your server. While this is the case for colocation there is another option that further expands the services offered by Colocation Company and that is managed hosting.
Managed hosting allows the client to get rid of the duties in maintaining a physical structure where to keep his server. The service provider looks after the maintenance, upgrade and security check of the server.

Managed hosting or colocation?

Between these two options managed hosting is the best because of the following reasons:

  •  It reduces the responsibility of the clients.
  •  Colocation retains the responsibility of the clients over:
  •  Application layer
  •  Application Infrastructure layer
  •  Operating system layer
  •  Device layer
  •  Networking layer

Whereas,

  •  Managed hosting only retains the responsibility of client over:
  •  Application layer

Apparently, managed hosting is the best outsourcing option for people who don’t want to spend most of their time being their own on-site IT staff.

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