Web Hosting Colocation

Web server colocation is becoming a very popular method of achieving better hosting options for small businesses and individuals. Many small businesses as well as individual sites usually have stuck with typical hosting solutions through a company that offers shared server space for multiple users. This is the most common method used, but web hosting colocation is fast becoming an intermediate solution for those who need more but don't have the resources to provide their own in house server and technicians. Colocation provides the option of owning server hardware while placing it at someone else's location and sharing someone else's bandwidth.

Experienced technicians are provided that can trouble shoot and provide support when needed. It is financially effective for many people because it does not cost as much as owning a server and housing it within a company complete with trained IT specialists who manage it. The overhead can be very expensive for these types of dedicated servers, but colocation solutions can actually provide the best of both worlds for some website operators. Bandwidth is one of the most important concerns for those who choose web hosting colocation but do not want nor can afford exclusive bandwidth access.

Using bandwidth through a colocation facility is of course more expensive than limited, shared hosting accounts, but much less expensive than the most elaborate set up available. It is wise to be aware of several advantages to using web server colocation as well as a few disadvantages that are really dependent upon business needs and flexibility options. "A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels." (Proverbs 1:5) Keep in mind that this type of server situation allows the owner of the server to upgrade or change any feature that is needed without having to wait on a hosting company to provide changes.

It also provides housing for the hardware so that owners can have a stable location from which to operate even if other areas are experiencing power outages. Most locations provide back up power to insure stable connections and up time no matter what occurs anywhere else. A business can be relatively sure that they will not sustain any significant down time. Another helpful advantage is that it is not necessary to dismantle and provide set-up at a new location every time an owner moves. The hassle free housing for web server colocation solutions offer consistency of service that can remain in one location no matter what changes occur within a business.

At any given time, web hosting colocation offers convenience for owners who prefer to own their own software and make changes, additions or upgrades in software. This provides freedom from dependence on another hosting manager to upgrade or change software at a time that is convenient to them rather than the consumer. It is also a plus to use colocation solutions since service and maintenance is often provided for a fee, but can be extremely useful when a small business is not ready to invest in hiring its own IT specialists to manage a server. The disadvantages of using web server colocation services can include pricing and location problems.

This type of hosting is more expensive than shared servers that are provided through many companies that can lower their prices because of multiple parties that share bandwidth and space. Also, monthly fees can fluctuate if there is a large disparity of traffic through a site each month that causes a high level of data transfer. A business or individual may not know from month to month what to expect to pay for server fees unless there is a relatively even flow of data transfer each month. The goal, of course, for many websites is heavy traffic that will translate into consumers, so paying more in fees can be a good sign. Another disadvantage for using web hosting colocation services is the fact that most providers are located in large cities which makes it difficult to find a provider at a convenient location for many small businesses.

That can make it difficult to have first hand access at a moment's notice from any business office unless it is near a provider. There are times when it is necessary to have access to a colocation server from an office and it can be difficult to find a provider outside of a metropolitan area. Small businesses and individuals usually can find hosting companies to accommodate all their needs through shared servers, but the recommended next option that can provide more powerful features, space and Internet speed is a web server colocation service. There are many online sources that can provide further information regarding the right hosting for any personal or business need.

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