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Server Colocation Advice

4 Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing Server Colocation

If your site, or a client’s, has outgrown standard web hosting, it is time to take the next step of server colocation. There are many reasons why a company may need to do this, including needing more storage space, a bank requirement that your e-commerce site be on its own server, or needing to run a specialized web application that is not supported in a shared environment.

With server colocation, you own the server and “rent” space, power, and bandwidth in a data center. It is much less expensive for a small to medium sized business to colocate a server in a data center than to build their own infrastructure in-house. Plus you will benefit from having access to multiple bandwidth providers, a redundant network, a secure environment, UPS back-up to generators, and 24 hour monitoring and technical support. Of course, that assumes you choose your colocation provider wisely.

Be sure to do your homework before picking a colocation service provider. Study their Web site, take a tour of their facility, request references and ask a lot of questions before signing a contract. Here are the top 4 mistakes to avoid when choosing server colocation:

1. Signing a contract for more than one year.

   If your Web site needs change or you are unhappy with the provider’s service, you do not want to be stuck in a long term contract and have to pay the full term of the contract to leave.

2. Choosing a provider that does not offer 24 hour support.

    The Internet is a 24 hour industry and your provider should be available 24 hours a day for support questions and remote hands service. Ask if they have 24x365 staff in the data center where your server will be and if you can access your server any time of the day (and if there is an additional fee).

3. Selecting a provider that is new to colocation.

   You do not want to pay for a new provider’s learning curve. Data centers rely on complex equipment and systems which require specialized expertise. You also want a provider who is stable and won’t suddenly close their doors turning off your site at the same time.

4. Basing your decision solely on price.

   Like most business services, you get what you pay for. Redundant networks, cooling and power systems, and tier-1 bandwidth provide peace of mind so you can focus on your business.

Your colocation provider is a key component of your online presence. Do your homework and due diligence before making a commitment.

Learn more about Adhost's Seattle colocation service or call us at 1-888-234-6781.