Colocation, or ‘colo’ for short, is a common hosting solution that can be used as an alternative to public cloud hosting and on-premises servers.
But what is managed colocation? How does it work? And why do organisations choose managed colocation services?
What is Managed Colocation?
Colocation involves renting physical space (‘rack space’) within a third-party data centre to house and manage an organisation’s IT servers.
Managed colocation services go even further. The third party manages the servers within their space and keeps them secure via:
- Physical security (i.e. security at the data centre location)
- High-speed Internet connections
- Advanced cooling systems
- Backup power supplies & generators
- Cybersecurity measures
Compared to solutions like cloud services and managed hosting, colocation gives organisations the most control over their hardware and software (because they provide it).
On the other hand, cloud services require organisations to use public cloud servers, and managed hosting requires them to rent servers from the third party.
6 Main Advantages of Managed Colocation
So, what are the main advantages of managed colocation?
1. Control over your hardware & software.
Managed colocation allows you to maintain full control over your hardware and software with the third-party datacentre. This means you can choose the specific servers, storage devices, and networking equipment that best meet your needs.
2. Enhanced security, reliability & redundancy.
With managed colocation, you get enhanced security measures, including physical security at the data centre, advanced firewalls, and intrusion detection systems.
Data centres are well-equipped to deal with power outages and security breaches, with multiple backup options ready to go should the worst happen. This high level of security and reliability helps protect your data and maintain business continuity.
3. Scale according to demand.
Managed colocation services offer the ability to scale your server resources up or down based on your current needs. This flexibility allows you to respond quickly to changes in demand, whether you’re experiencing rapid growth or seasonal fluctuations.
You can add or remove rack space and other resources without significant investment upfront.
4. Save money on running your own data centre (it’s expensive).
By opting for managed colocation, you can save money on the costs associated with running your own datacentre.
This includes expenses related to power, cooling, physical security, and maintenance. The economies of scale achieved by colocation providers allow them to offer these services at a lower cost than what you would incur if you managed your own facility.
5. Secure off-site data backups.
Managed colocation providers often offer secure off-site data backup services. This ensures that your critical data is stored in a separate location, protecting it from local disasters such as fires, floods, or other catastrophic events.
Off-site backups provide an additional layer of security and peace of mind, knowing that your data is safe and can be restored if needed.
6. 24/7/365 Expert support.
Colocation providers typically offer 24/7/365 monitoring and support services, ensuring that any issues are promptly addressed.
Managed Colocation vs other hosting solutions
Managed Colocation vs. Managed Hosting
Both options have their advantages depending on your organisation’s needs:
Control vs. Convenience:
Colocation offers more control over your hardware, while managed hosting provides convenience with less hands-on management.
Cost Structure:
Colocation involves higher upfront costs but potentially lower long-term costs, while managed hosting has lower initial costs but ongoing service fees.
Scalability:
Colocation can be scaled, but managed hosting typically offers more straightforward scalability, as the provider can quickly adjust resources to meet your needs.
If you need full control and customization, colocation might be the better choice. If you prefer convenience and less hands-on management, managed hosting could be more suitable.
Managed Colocation Services vs. Cloud Services
Once again, each service has pros and cons according to your needs:
Control vs. Flexibility:
Colocation offers more control over physical hardware, while cloud services provide flexibility with virtual resources.
Cost Structure:
Colocation involves higher upfront costs but potentially lower long-term costs, while cloud services have a pay-as-you-go model with no large initial investment.
Scalability:
Colocation services can be scaled, but cloud services are typically much more scalable, allowing for rapid adjustments at short notice. If server demand changes quickly, cloud services are better able to adapt.
Location:
Colocation involves a specific physical location, while cloud services use distributed data centres for enhanced redundancy and resilience.
Colocation might be better if you need full control over your hardware, while cloud services are ideal for flexibility, scalability, and reducing upfront cost
How to choose the right managed colocation service provider?
Choosing the right managed colocation service provider is crucial for ensuring your business’s IT infrastructure is reliable, secure, and scalable.
Here are some key factors to consider:
1. Figure out your infrastructure requirements.
Start by figuring out your current and future infrastructure needs. Consider the amount of space, power, and cooling your equipment will require.
Also, think about your network connectivity needs and any specific compliance requirements your industry might have. Does your chosen managed colocation provider offer these services?
2. Consider their uptime.
Investigate the provider’s uptime statistics and their track record for reliability. Look for providers that offer strong Service Level Agreements (SLAs) guaranteeing high availability, ideally 99.99% or higher.
3. Check out their security measures.
Security is crucial, obviously. Ensure the provider has robust physical and cybersecurity measures in place. This includes things like 24/7 monitoring, cybersecurity measures, biometric access controls, and advanced fire suppression systems.
4. Do you need scalability?
Your business needs may grow, so choose a provider that can scale with you. Check if they offer flexible options to upgrade your space, power, and connectivity as needed.
Are you able to buy more rack space if you need it? If so, how quickly can it be implemented?
5. Do they offer 24/7/365 support?
Good customer support can make a significant difference. Look for providers that offer 24/7/365 support with quick response times. It’s beneficial if they have a dedicated team familiar with your setup.
6. Find the right location.
The physical location of the colocation facility can impact latency and disaster recovery plans. Choose a location that makes sense for your business geographically, especially if you need to make regular visits.
ANS Managed Colocation Services
ANS offers managed colocation services based in our 5 Manchester data centres. Your organisation can rent rack space, anywhere from a quarter-rack (10U) to full multi-rack suites.
The ANS data centres are monitored 24/7/365 by cybersecurity experts who have a high government standard of clearance. You can take advantage of high-speed internet connections via all major network providers, including:
- BT
- Cogent
- Vodafone
- Virgin Media
- Zayo
- Neos
- Telia
The data centres come with A and B power supplies with UPS (Uninterruptable Power Supply) that acts like a huge bank of backup batteries. In addition, there are also N+1 diesel generators onsite. Cutting-edge cooling systems and fire prevention systems are in place to keep your data safe.
ANS Managed Colocation Services give your organisation:
- Control over your hardware & software
- Enhanced security, reliability & redundancy
- Scale according to demand
- Save money vs. running your own data centre
- Secure off-site data backups
- 24/7/365 expert support
Interested in our managed colocation services? Book a call to find out more.