Colocation Pricing | What Every Business Needs to Know About the Costs of Colocation
Colocation Pricing, Server colocation is a great choice for companies that are interested in streamlining their server operations. By leasing space in a data center, companies have the ability to redistribute bandwidth and power costs, while also having the option to have complete control over their data and hardware.
The amount of money that companies save in networking and power alone can be enough to move their servers completely offsite. However, there are other expenses that should be considered before making the decision to do so.
If you’re looking to Get More Info about colocation pricing and how it could affect your company, keep reading!
Colocation Pricing Considerations
Before you select a provider, there are things that your company should be aware of. Here’s what you need to know:
1. Hardware
When you’re paying for colocation hosting, you’re not paying for the “rent” on a dedicated server machine. This means that you’re using your own company’s equipment, which creates the need for you to purchase your own hardware.
In comparison to leasing, this may seem like a costly option. However, this is only a one time fee that’s required upfront. After that, there’s no monthly fee that you’ll have to worry about like there is with dedicated servers.
This means that at the end of everything, you’ll have complete control to select whatever hardware components you want.
2. Costs Per Rack
Colocation Pricing heavily depends on the required physical space that’s rented out. The physical space that is rented out has two different ways that it can be measured: in space per square root or in rack units (U).
One rack unit is 1.75 inches in height and can cost anywhere from $50 to over $300 a month.
Colocation Pricing, you should also keep in mind that racks come in several sizes. If you aren’t completely sure about the type of rack that your equipment is going to need, you should go with a standard 42U rack.
If the standard sizing ends up not working for you, the majority of colocation hosts will accept custom sizing orders, which allows you to pick whatever power capacity and sizing you need.
3. Setting Up
The standard colocation host has a Service Level Agreement (or SLA), which means that the hosting company assumes that you’re going to deploy equipment by yourself. However, there are some providers that will provide with you hardware deployment onsite and remote hands if needed.
There are even some colocation hosts that will allow you to ship your equipment to them and they’ll deploy it for you. Colocation Pricing, this should only cost you a one-time setup fee for the service that you’ve requested.
If you don’t have a large IT staff, this could be a great option to make sure that your equipment is properly set up.
4. Blending Your Bandwith
One of the biggest benefits that colocating has to offer is providing users with the ability to directly connect to an Internet Service Provider. This means that if your main location is in an area that’s limited to 40 Mbps connection, data centers have the ability to directly connect with the Internet Service Provider to get thousands of more megabits per second!
The majority of colocation hosts also invest in high-end fiber optic cables to make sure that you’re receiving the maximum interconnectivity possible.
In addition, leasing racks as a data center that’s carrier-neutral will allow you to create your own blend of bandwidth. Colocation Pricing, this means that if one internet area provider ends up going down, you have the ability to transfer any of your important workloads to a different provider and still be able to maintain the service you’re receiving.
5. Location, Location, Location
The location that your company resides in can drastically affect the pricing you’re paying for colocation. For example, if the data center resides in an urban area, real estate in the area is bound to more expensive. The cost of the property that the data center is using is rolled down to you.
Operational costs also vary dramatically by location. Everything from electricity costs to the skilled labour pool to the costs of heating and cooling the building can vary dramatically from one geographical location to another. Ideally, you’ll be looking for the best combination of convenient location (close to your target market) with low electricity and labor costs.
In addition, data centers charge more for convenience if they’re closer to an important location, such as airports, or if they’re easily accessible. When you’re choosing a colocation host, you should also keep the cost of travel in the back of your mind.
While you may have found an amazing colocation host, if the company is located thousands of miles away from you, the cost of travel may offset your savings. If the employees are required to travel to your location to help manage your equipment, you may be spending more than you bargained for when signing up for the company.
Also, natural disaster recovery should be a factor that you look into when choosing a colocation host. Tornados, floods, hurricanes, and fires are natural disasters that could affect the downtime of your host.
Make sure that the colocation company you’re choosing has done everything that it can to protect it’s facility if there were any disasters that could occur. In addition, you should also ask the hosting provider what their expected downtime is if there is a natural disaster that affects their services. Colocation Pricing, getting a service level agreement (SLA) to back this up is prudent as well.
Colocation Data Pricing
The most important thing that you should take away is that colocation hosting should match what your business is in need of. Make sure that you take the time to learn about a provider before signing up. Get a thorough understanding of how the colocation host runs its data center. A good indication of quality is SSAE-18 certification.
The majority of the colocation pricing is transparent and easy to understand, such as leasing fees and power rates. However, make sure that you take in the other factors that aren’t as obvious, such as the risk of high latency or potential downtime.
If you’re looking to Get More Info about colocation pricing and how your business could benefit, feel free to contact us today for a custom quote.
What is Colocation Pricing, and why is it important for businesses?
Colocation pricing refers to the costs associated with leasing space in a data center to host your company’s servers and IT infrastructure. It enables businesses to redistribute bandwidth and power costs, gain better control over their hardware and data, and reduce operational expenses.
What hardware costs should businesses consider in colocation pricing?
When opting for colocation hosting, businesses must purchase their own hardware equipment. While this involves an upfront one-time cost, it eliminates recurring monthly fees associated with dedicated server leasing, giving businesses full control over hardware components.
How does rack space affect colocation pricing?
Colocation costs are often measured by rack units (U) or square feet.
- One rack unit (1U) is 1.75 inches in height and can range from $50 to over $300 per month.
- Standard racks are usually 42U in size, but custom sizing is also available depending on your equipment needs.
Are there additional setup costs for colocation services?
Yes, colocation providers often charge a one-time setup fee. Some providers offer:
- Onsite hardware deployment
- Remote hands services
- Equipment shipping and deployment assistance
- These services are beneficial for companies with smaller IT teams to ensure proper equipment installation.
How does bandwidth blending affect colocation pricing and performance?
Colocation allows businesses to directly connect to Internet Service Providers (ISPs) for higher speeds. Benefits include:
- Access to thousands of Mbps beyond standard connections
- Carrier-neutral facilities for custom bandwidth blends
- Automatic failover mechanisms to alternate providers during outages
- This ensures consistent high-speed performance and minimal disruptions.
How does geographic location influence colocation costs?
Location plays a significant role in colocation pricing due to factors like:
- Urban real estate costs
- Electricity and labor expenses
- Heating and cooling operations
- Proximity to key facilities (e.g., airports, disaster recovery zones)
- Businesses must balance convenience, travel costs, and operational efficiency when choosing a colocation host.
What role do natural disasters play in colocation hosting decisions?
Data centers in disaster-prone areas may have higher operational costs for disaster resilience measures. When choosing a provider, ensure they have:
- Disaster recovery plans
- Facility safeguards against natural disasters
- Clear expected downtime policies backed by a Service Level Agreement (SLA)
How transparent are colocation data pricing models?
Most colocation pricing models are transparent, including clear details on:
- Leasing fees
- Power rates
- Bandwidth costs
- However, businesses should also consider hidden factors such as latency risks, downtime potential, and disaster recovery measures.
How can businesses ensure they choose the right colocation provider?
Look for providers with:
- SSAE-18 certification (indicating high operational standards)
- Customizable pricing plans
- Transparent SLAs
- Understanding the provider’s data center operations and service guarantees is essential for informed decision-making.
How can businesses get more information about colocation pricing?
To Get More Info about colocation pricing and how it can benefit your business, contact us today for a custom quote tailored to your specific infrastructure needs.
