Colocation: when a business needs its own server

Features of the service

Colocation (Colocation, colocation or placement) is a service that involves placing the customer's server equipment on the territory of the provider's data centre.

Data centre (or DPC — data processing centre) is a specialised premises where server equipment is located. On the territory of the data centre are provided:

• physical security (security and video surveillance);
• high-speed Internet channels with redundancy to improve fault tolerance;
• uninterrupted power supply;
• stable voltage level;
• availability of surfaces that don’t accumulate dust;
• optimal temperature (22º ± 2º) and humidity (52% ± 7%);
• autonomous fire extinguishing system (usually server rooms are extinguished with refrigerant).

Colocation service is also called physical hosting. Colocation involves the installation of the client's equipment on the technical site of the hosting provider.

Differences from hosting and virtual servers

The main distinguishing feature of the service is the complete freedom of the customer’s choice. If the use of hosting and virtual servers implies the placement of resources using the provider's equipment, colocation is exclusively your own server. On the one hand, it is convenient due to the ability to independently scale, change the configuration of the system, select and configure its components. On the other hand, it is more expensive at the first stage of implementation (when you need to purchase all the necessary equipment yourself). Also, unlike hosting and virtual servers, the responsibility for the performance of the system lies with the client, and the provider only maintains optimal working conditions.

The most common colocation has with dedicated servers. This service involves renting the provider's equipment, but there are still software and hardware limitations, which can only be eliminated by purchasing your own server.

When using the colocation service, it is worth noting that the server operation should also be managed by an employee of the customer company. On the other hand, some data centres, including Maxnet Data Centre, provide server administration service. Our system administrators can undertake system monitoring, optimisation and work with the client's server software. As part of the physical administration, server replacement and modernisation work can be carried out. The components can be either self-provided by the client or purchased by us by prior order.

Advantages of colocation

When placing server equipment in the Data Centre of the company Maxnet clients get a set of advantages:

• Redundant internet link with expandability up to 40 Gbps.
• Unlimited traffic.
• Uninterrupted power supply.
• Information and physical security.
• Round-the-clock maintenance and availability support.
• Savings on the creation of a technical site.
• Control and management of own resources.
• Possibility of data backup.

Thus, the conditions for stable operation of the server and the business as a whole are created.

When to use your own server

An own server may be needed in such cases:

1. High traffic volumes. If your site has a large number of visitors, shared hosting may be inefficient due to resource limitations and server speed.
2. High performance requirements. Any site that requires a large amount of disc space, traffic and processing power needs its own hardware.
3. Specific software requirements. If you use specialised software or services that are not supported on shared hosting.
4. Greater control over the server. Owning your own server allows you maximum control over server configuration, security, and other aspects that may be important to your business or project.
5. Requirements regarding security and privacy. If you have specific requirements regarding data protection or privacy, an in-house server can provide greater control and protection.
6. Need for specific server settings. Colocation allows you to configure the server exactly as you need it, including optimising it for your needs and requirements.

How to choose data centre services

When choosing the type of resource placement on the technical site of the data centre, one should take into account:

• the scale of the project (for small sites hosting is suitable, for medium-sized sites — virtual servers, and for large-scale projects — colocation);
• financial capabilities (colocation is a cost at the start and a significant saving in the future);
• availability of a system administrator;
• further plans for development.

Maxnet Data Centre, apart from colocation, offers hosting, virtual server and domain name registration services. To ensure a high level of fault tolerance and high performance, modern equipment that meets international standards is used.

To learn more and connect to the data centre services, contact our manager by phone 0800-31-0700.