Netshop-Isp
Member
Collocation hosting is yet another web/server hosting type. The Collocation hosting is ideal for those businesses or individuals who want to have total control of their websites and applications but do not have in-house hosting facilities. Choosing the data center to host your server is like finding a nanny to take care of your child; therefore, there are several points and factors you need to consider thoroughly before making the final decision.
I am providing you below the 4 most important points that should influence your server’s collocation hosting decision.
1. Data Center Location
Location is one of the most important points when looking for a hosting provider. It is recommended that you find a location near to your target of business, and if possible find the one that also close to your location.
2. Contract and Terms – Questions to ask the provider
This is the second most important point to include in your evaluation. As you have narrowed your providers’ list down by the Location factor, it is time to ask for the Hosting Agreements and Terms of Service. Clarify scenarios like:
What happens if you exceed your bandwidth’s limit ? How much are extra fees for the additional bandwidth used ? What is the backup policy of the data center (if they offer any) ? Is there any uptime guarantee ? What is the minimum contract length ? Can I cancel, at any time, my hosting subscription if I am not satisfied from the service ? Are there any hidden fees (e.g. electricity, cleaning) ?
3. Support Options and Service Level Agreement
Some data centers offer a managed hosting service along with the collocation. This is also a key point that should influence your decision, especially if your business is physically addressed far from the hosting facility, or if you have no in-house server administrators. Ask the hosting provider what is their Service Level Agreement in terms of: First-level Response Time, Technical “Smart Hands” on (and what the charges are per hour of work on your server), What kind of issues can they resolve (as they are providers that deal only with network-related problems), and finally what is their Hardware Replacement Guarantee.
Server Monitoring & Statistics is a common service provided (without any extra charges) by almost all the professional hosting/datacenter providers. However, it’s wise to confirm that this service will be provided to you.
4. Internet Connectivity
Bandwidth, IPs and PIPE to the Internet vary from country to country and provider to provider. Be aware that whilst some providers will promote high Bandwidth, the fees upon bandwidth excess could be huge! Additionally you should have in mind that some countries are relatively new to this industry and therefore their legal infrastructure could either be loose or tight. Justification for multiple IP requests is a very common issue related to the law of each country.
I am providing you below the 4 most important points that should influence your server’s collocation hosting decision.
1. Data Center Location
Location is one of the most important points when looking for a hosting provider. It is recommended that you find a location near to your target of business, and if possible find the one that also close to your location.
2. Contract and Terms – Questions to ask the provider
This is the second most important point to include in your evaluation. As you have narrowed your providers’ list down by the Location factor, it is time to ask for the Hosting Agreements and Terms of Service. Clarify scenarios like:
What happens if you exceed your bandwidth’s limit ? How much are extra fees for the additional bandwidth used ? What is the backup policy of the data center (if they offer any) ? Is there any uptime guarantee ? What is the minimum contract length ? Can I cancel, at any time, my hosting subscription if I am not satisfied from the service ? Are there any hidden fees (e.g. electricity, cleaning) ?
3. Support Options and Service Level Agreement
Some data centers offer a managed hosting service along with the collocation. This is also a key point that should influence your decision, especially if your business is physically addressed far from the hosting facility, or if you have no in-house server administrators. Ask the hosting provider what is their Service Level Agreement in terms of: First-level Response Time, Technical “Smart Hands” on (and what the charges are per hour of work on your server), What kind of issues can they resolve (as they are providers that deal only with network-related problems), and finally what is their Hardware Replacement Guarantee.
Server Monitoring & Statistics is a common service provided (without any extra charges) by almost all the professional hosting/datacenter providers. However, it’s wise to confirm that this service will be provided to you.
4. Internet Connectivity
Bandwidth, IPs and PIPE to the Internet vary from country to country and provider to provider. Be aware that whilst some providers will promote high Bandwidth, the fees upon bandwidth excess could be huge! Additionally you should have in mind that some countries are relatively new to this industry and therefore their legal infrastructure could either be loose or tight. Justification for multiple IP requests is a very common issue related to the law of each country.
However, this should be one of the top questions to ask when doing your market research...
