The progression of cloud computing has stemmed into different commodities to meet the different levels of demand of its users – collocation is the virtual hosting alternative that gives a business complete control.

Choosing managed servers means that you or your technician needn’t lift a finger. As though you were staying in a hotel, you could have all the computer software and applications that you need without the dirty work. The maid (your provider) will make your bed (server) and you just use it when you need. Virtual hosting gives you complete freedom. But some of us would rather have complete control.

Not everyone wants freedom. This is why virtual hosting can be provided with collocation, otherwise known as colocation. Some business owners are very hands-on, otherwise known as very controlling, so the option to benefit from all the advantages of virtual hosting, yet preserve all control over operations is a very desirable proposition.

Virtual Hosting and Colocation: How it Works

Colocation will allow a virtual hosting service user to place their own servers and network within a third party data centre.  So a business will be provided with IP addresses, power, cooling, security. But the management and organisation of IT delivery within the business is entirely up to the owner or IT technician.

A colocation (English) or collocation (American English) centre is also known as “colo” to the more technically modish. Some may even call it a “carrier hotel” and it is here that several companies can store their servers safely. Like most virtual hosting products, the “colo” can offer minimum cost, and minimum complexity

What are the Benefits for Your Company?

Virtual hosting has already changed the face of business models everywhere, and now more and more organisations are realising the advantages of colocating within a shared data centre. Colocating means that your IT and communications facilities are in a secure location, appropriately cooled by the third party provider. This form of virtual hosting allows you to gain better website access speeds from outsourcing network traffic to a provider with greater a bandwidth. The main organisations who find this beneficial are:

• E-commerce businesses that require a secure environment and a cost effective way to run their site and CRM.
• Large enterprises who want data backup and offsite storage.
• Telecommunication companies who need to inter-exchange traffic with other companies in order to access potential clients.

Colocation with SwithLink

SwitchLink opened a new facility in March 2009, so you can benefit from the latest technology on site. Visit the website to find out more on virtual hosting and server-colocation.