Colocation is among the most popular options for web hosting. Online businesses flourish when we sign up with reputable hosting vendors. This article explains the benefits of server colocation UK. It also covers the responsibilities of colocation data centers.

Let's start with the basic definition. 

What is Server Colocation? 

Many Data centers offer server colocation services. They lease space and provide housing for servers. The server is the property of the client. Providers are usually responsible for maintenance aspects related to hardware. 

It is important not to confuse colocation with a cloud. In colocation, you own the hardware. But if you are on cloud service, you would lease it from the provider.

What is Provided By Colocation Host?

Your colocation host handles following things:

• Security

The company has to ensure you have physical access to the server. This physical security includes cameras, biometric locks, and personnel identification on the site. Security against cyber-attacks is the responsibility of the server owner in most cases. 

If a colocation company offers cyber security, they also charge for it. That increases the colocation cost many times. Provider usually just ensures physical security against theft and damage.

• Power

Servers need electricity for efficient and smooth operation. Energy backup is also mandatory since power outages can happen at any time. Data center ensures the availability of generators at such moments. You can expect a reliable power infrastructure guaranteeing the highest uptime.

• Cooling

Servers and other networks generate a lot of heat during operations. Insufficient cooling can damage the equipment. So, redundant cooling systems are one of their responsibilities. These systems are necessary to run the servers optimally.

• Storage

One of the prime responsibilities is to lease your server a physical space. They provide you with three options to choose from. The first option is a stand-alone cabinet. Every cabinet can house many servers in racks. Some clients lease full cabinets, and some lease partial cabinets. 

Cages are the second option. Colocation services keep the cages in a separate area. Also, cages are locked. Cages completely isolate the access to equipment inside. You can build a larger cage if you have to store many cabinets. Suites are the third option. Suites are fully enclosed and secure rooms in the colocation data center.

• Disaster Recovery

The host should also provide you with a solid disaster recovery plan. For example, professional data centers always keep backups on the offsite location. It ensures data safety in the case of natural disasters like floods or earthquakes.  

• Compliance

Businesses dealing with confidential information must adhere to specific compliance rules. Healthcare and financial industries are two relevant examples. Their infrastructure and configuration have to align with official regulations. Clients can set up compliant servers. 

But it is not easy for them to arrange a compliant environment. It could be expensive and challenging. That is why customers look at data centers.

Benefits of Server Colocation

Server Colocation can offer a range of benefits to any modern business. Let us cover some of them. 

Cost Reduction

Colocation helps you reduce power and network costs. The cost of building a high-end server environment is too high. Small and medium businesses cannot afford it. You can enjoy the benefits without investing in the equipment. Reducing costs help you stabilize the business and make your expenses predictable. 

Expert Support

By moving servers to a data center, clients ensure full-time expert support. Colocation hosting providers specialize in the facility's day-to-day operation. That relieves your IT department from these duties. They are there for power, cooling, security, and network hardware. Your business can focus on hardware and software maintenance.

Moving servers to the data center gives you full-time expert support. Colocation provides the best operations on a day-to-day basis. Your IT department does not have to do this. They handle all this while you focus on sales generation.

Scalability & Room To Grow

Colocation hosting also provides flexible resources so clients can scale without recurring capital investments. Businesses must allow customers to expand. You must support their growth if you want a successful and profitable business.

Availability 24/7/365

Customers prefer colocation hosting because it assures data availability. Data is always available to them and their users. What they seek is consistent uptime, which is the time when the server is operational. Providers have emergency services and infrastructure redundancy. So, you can expect a better uptime and a service level agreement. The contract assures that customers are safe if things are not working as required.

Although the servers may be physically inaccessible, clients have total control over them. Remote customers access and work on their hardware via management software. Or they may use remote hands. In-house technicians of the data center assist you in management and maintenance tasks. With their help, clients can avoid frequent journeys to the facility.

You May Also Like To Read: Everything you need to know about Colocation data center