As an online business expands, it tends to "graduate" from one level of the hosting continuum to another. A basic shared service gives way to a dedicated server, which becomes a managed server as traffic and back-end functionality becomes more complex. At this point, most businesses have acquired the necessary staff or know-how to maintain and configure their own server.

While it is appealing to have your server taken care of by someone else, no third-party knows your business like you do - so the “do-it-yourself” method is always the most responsive. However, it’s not a good idea to throw your racks and routers in the back-office - as there is potential for fire, theft, or vandalism. A co-location hosting package on the other hand, gives you the scalability and control of owning your own hardware, combined with the extensive security and protection of a dedicated server.

A co-located host allows you to physically house your server at their dedicated facility - which allows you to take advantage of the host’s secured cages and cabinets, regulated power, dedicated Internet connections, security, and support to ensure the highest level of uptime and protection possible for your site.

Most co-location facilities offer high-security, including cameras, fire detection and extinguishing devices, multiple connection feeds, filtered power, backup power generators and other items to ensure high-availability which is mandatory for all Web-based, virtual businesses.

While the specific details of an individual package will vary widely depending on the provider and level of service required, most hosting organizations offering co-location will tailor the service to meet the needs of the individual client. Regardless, there are several issues you should be aware of before signing up.

What are my needs?

Knowing what you need and what you don’t can save you money in the long run. When deciding on a provider, you will have to assess the value of the many “add ons” that hosting providers are aggressively marketing to try to win your business - managed services, data storage, connection security, application hosting. Knowing when to say “no” will keep your monthly costs within your budget.

Where will my server be located?

Although the hosting company will provide you with remote access to your hardware so you can make adjustments from your office, the physical location of your server is important. Ensure that it is housed in an insured, secure, clean environment, and is monitored 24X7 by qualified technicians who understand communications, hardware architecture, and networking. A good way to test this is to drop in unannounced at 3 a.m., and see who is working.

When are visiting hours?

They had better be 24 hours a day! Even with remote access, certain updates and errors will require physical access to the server. If the data centre will only allow you access during the host’s office hours, your business will be running on their schedule, which is unacceptable - if your site goes down at two in the morning, you can’t afford to have to wait until 9 a.m. the next morning. Remember, you own the hardware; you’re merely renting space in the facility. Would you accept it if your landlord only gave you access to your apartment for 12 hours a day? Insist on 24X7X365 access to your servers.

How is your server connected?

There are two major connections that are critical for your server to operate smoothly:

The connection from your control center to your server - This connection determines how fast you can access your systems.

The connection from your server to the Internet itself. - This defines the bandwidth that is available, and affects how much traffic your site can handle.

Do some research, and find out what telco your web host works with. Make sure your host has a redundant system - which maximizes the reliability of access by re-routing through different connections.

How secure is the facility?