INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Buying a conventional hosting package allows customers to rent space on a server owned by a hosting provider, and located in a third-party
These are good value and easy to access, but you don't get full control over the hardware and how it's set up
Even dedicated server plans force you to choose from what can sometimes be very few canned options.Colocation hosting is a service where
customers just rent space in a data centre, and use that to host a server they own
This gives them complete control over the hardware and software configuration, while also ensuring the server has a more reliable
infrastructure (power, cooling, fire, security) and better connectivity than they would get by hosting in-house.Hosting your hardware in
another location does introduce some issues
If you need physical access to the server, you'll probably have to make an appointment before travelling to the data centre; hardly
If that could be an issue, make sure you choose a host with a nearby location to minimise any hassles.Colocation plans can vary considerably
in price, depending on the amount of space and power you need
comparison tables of each host will tell you more.Other issues to consider include the IP addresses you'll get, the network bandwidth, data
transfer allowance, and the level of support the host can provide.Comparing colocation hosts is difficult, as the best companies will vary
according to your needs, but in this article we've highlighted five capable UK providers to help you get started.1
NetceteraCarbon-neutral colocation from the Isle of ManGreen hosting via carbon offsetUnlimited Remote Hands supportOne data centre
onlyNetcetera is an experienced web host that has been providing data centre solutions for more than 20 years to businesses all around the
world.The company's Isle of Man-based data centre may not be the most convenient place to colocate your server, but it does provide reliable
power, high security, and support to handle reboots, upgrades, backups, restores and other essential maintenance tasks.As a surprise green
single server with 1U and 0.5 amp power
Bandwidth is a chargeable extra, but this does allow you to define more precisely what you'll need, a flexible approach which could save you
Netwise HostingHost your server in London, Manchester, Amsterdam and moreMultiple UK and EU data centresAdvanced connectivity optionsUseful
supporting servicesFounded in 2005, Netwise Hosting is an experienced provider with its own data centre in central London, and partner
This only gets you a minimal 1U of space, 0.5 amps conditioned power and a single IP address, but your data transfer allowance is reasonable
at a monthly 1TB.Netwise Hosting clearly believes in choice, because that's just the start
You also get 2U and 4U plans, as well as quarter, half or full rack space (all lockable for extra security), and multi-rack options are
available if you need them.There are plenty of advanced options here
Are you using MPLS (Multi Protocol Label Switching) to connect your systems, for instance Netwise Hosting can support L2 and L3.The company
also provides a very complete set of colocation services, including migrating your server from another location, racking equipment for you,
managing systems or providing 24/7 support.If you're unsure about the options, the website has a Colocation Calculator where you're able to
choose the plans and features you need, and get a price right away.3
Internet is best known as one of the UK's first ISPs, having been providing web access to the masses since 1995
But the company uses its networking expertise to support other services, too, including colocation in its Greater Manchester data
optional extras include Zen Vault Professional, the company's Attix5 Pro-powered online backup service.All plans are covered by a generous
service level agreement which guarantees 100% power availability, 99.999% for network and 99.97% HVAC (heat, ventilation and air
conditioning), with a one hour 'at rack' guarantee in the event of any problems.If any issues crop up, Zen's Remote Hands support service
can check status indicators, reset or reboot your hardware, replace circuit patch leads and patch panel connections, and even change
hot-swappable components, if you've provided spares
ClaranetTop quality professional service from a big-name providerBig-name companyFive UK data centresNo plans smaller than quarter
world.The company manages multiple data centres, with five available for colocation
Your London options are Global Switch London East, Telecity Harbour Exchange Square and Telecity Sovereign House, and there are also centres
in Hoddesdon (Hertfordshire) and Manchester.Claranet doesn't try to compete with others for the lowest advertised price (in fact, it doesn't
There are no almost useless 1U plans, for instance: you must choose a quarter, half or full rack.Still, there's plenty to like here
Cabinets are all lockable to keep your hardware secure
Flexible power options ensure you get exactly what you need
You're able to access your server 24/7
There are flexible contracts available from a minimum of 30 days, with some benefits if you opt for longer terms (you get free installation
if you sign up for three years)
Well worth a look if you'd prefer to colocate with a big-name provider.5
high-end hosting solution for big corporations only, but the reality is very different
Even the smallest business can benefit from the extra speed and control you might get with a colocation plan, and if you choose the right
provider, low prices and contracts as short as a month allow almost anyone to try the service out.Fast2host won't be the most convenient
colocation host for everyone
It only has a single data centre in St Ives, Cambridgeshire
Customers with lesser plans (1U-3U) don't get 24/7 access to their hardware, and standard Remote Hands support is limited to a miserly 45
minutes a month (30 minutes for 1U-3U), even for full rack plans.On the plus side, Fast2host offers real value, especially with the starter
1U of rack space gets you 0.8 amps of power, rather than the 0.5 amps typically provided elsewhere
The data transfer allowance is a generous 1.2TB a month
ICMP and HTTP monitoring, often an optional extra with other providers, comes for free here
A 100% SLA on power and 99.99% SLA on network availability will be good enough for most users, yet all this can be yours from as little as
There's no bulky comparison tables, and the company doesn't force you to contact them to get a quote: just click a plan (1U-5U, quarter,
half or full rack), then you can instantly view the details and place your order in a couple of clicks.You might also want to check out our
other hosting guides:QPVKU2KV4rbBrL9dibUaKA.jpg#
