Colocation Hosting Key Terms

Become familiar with the terms that describe colocation hosting services

Colocation can be a smart move for your business if you need higher bandwidth or want to be assured of adequate backup power. There are other reasons for colocation that may make sense for your business, such as securing data from hackers or data recovery in the event of a power outage or hurricane. Before you decide on a colocation service, it is important to clearly identify your biggest concerns and ask potential service providers how they address each one.

Rack space rental fee

A rack space rental fee is the amount the colocation service charges you to "lease" space at their facility. Fees depend upon whether you require a half rack, a single rack or a full rack for your equipment. This fee covers electricity needs up to a specified voltage and amperage.

Uptime guarantee

Uptime is the amount of time that a server is operational. It is the opposite of downtime and is usually expressed as a percentage representing the provider's intended goal for uptime. When choosing a colocation service, be sure to inquire about their uptime guarantee.

Virtual private server

A virtual private server, also known as a virtual dedicated server, is an arrangement that allows for a file system that is dedicated solely to your web site or business. A virtual private server is more secure than shared hosting, and costs less than a dedicated server.

Internet connection charge

The Internet connection charge is determined by the amount of bandwidth you require. The amount you pay corresponds to the speed of the connection you choose. Most businesses need a 10 Mbps or 100 Mbps Ethernet connection, but 1000 Mbps connections are also available.

Multi-router traffic grapher (MRTG)

A multi-router traffic grapher (MRTG) creates a visual image of the traffic that is passing through a router or another network device. The images, which are live GIFs, provide valuable information for colocation providers. MRTG is freeware that can run on Windows, Linux, Unix, Mac OS and NetWare.

Managed server

If you need to focus on your business and don't want to invest in any hardware or licenses, a dedicated managed server may be the right solution for you. The service includes hardware, software, security and ongoing monitoring and upkeep.

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