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Co-location
What is co-location?
A server, usually
a Web server, that is located at a dedicated facility designed
with resources which include a secured cage or rack, regulated
power, dedicated internet connection, security and support.
These co-location facilities offer the customer a secure place
to physically house their hardware and equipment as opposed
to locating it in their offices or warehouse where the potential
for fire, theft or vandalism is much greater.
Most co-location facilities offer
high-security, including cameras, fire detection and extinguishing
devices, multiple connection feeds, filtered power, backup
power generators and other items to ensure high-availability
which is mandatory for all Web-based, virtual businesses.
Co-location sites are being erected at various points around
the world to provide services to the rapidly expanding Web
hosting and e-commerce marketplace. The term co-location is
also known as colo.
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Why should I choose co-location?
Co-location hosting offers you
the opportunity to have your server kept in a premiere co-location
facility dedicated specifically to the needs of the co-location
server. Such features as Fire-proof facility, video surveilance
and high bandwidth make this an extremely enticing option.
Why Shouldn't I choose co-location?
The main reason not to choose
co-location would simply be the ability to administer the
co-location program. If you do not possess the resources to
administer the web server, maintain the web server and the
ability to upgrade the web server, then do not choose this
option.
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What are the advantages of co-location?
The co-location program offers
many advantages to the potential co-location seeker. With
such advantages as:
- Everything is fully customizable
- Server is stored in location that has security
- Location of storage contains fast internet connection, security,
rooms designed specifically for the servers (temperature,
fire-safe and etc.) and etc.
- High bandwidth available
- Large amount of storage space
- The servers are as fast, powerful and high-capacity as you
purchase
- Can update/upgrade at will; must purchase equipment only
- Maximum uptime for large sites
- Increased flexibility
- Better performance because you determine the hardware specs.
- Savings on overall hosting costs
- Decreased dependence on external customer support services,
as most administration and maintenance can be performed through
remote administration.
- Greater flexibility
- Ability to use existing hardware
- More control over web server administration
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What are the disadvanges of co-location?
With all the above advantages,
its hard to believe that there are disadvantages, but there
are. With such disadvantages as:
- Must purchase own equipment
- Must maintain own equipment
- Must update own equipment
- Expensive
- For large high traffic sites only
- Initially, may be capital intensive
- Insufficient knowledge of hardware components, performance,
and scalability can inhibit your growth potential
- Initial cost up front
- Hardware may become outdated quickly
- Web Server Administration is your responsibility
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What is the difference between a co-locatio andn dedicated server?
Co-location means you store your own server at a facility of a co-location provider. A co-location provider provides an internet connection to your server and allows you physical access to your own server when you need it.
A Dedicated Server is a server provided by a web host for you to rent. You have remote access to the server and you can customize the server to your own needs. The server is owned by the web host and you don't have physical access to the server.
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