I'm just trying to get the big picture. How many levels are there between me and the top level? And is the top level the datacenter? The backbone? I'm still trying to wrap my head around this whole process...:confused:

It usually works like this.

You are the reseller for a company.

That company owns a dedicated server in a data center.

The data center may be owned by a larger communications company.

It depends on your host.....

Some go this way:

Datacenter -> Lease out cabinets
Cabinet Leaser -> Leases/Colo's boxes in the cab's
Server Lease/Colo'er -> Runs the box
Reseller -> You

Now it can be shorter and longer sometimes...
The datacenter could be leasing your host the server directly, or you reselling for them directly... There can always be more middle men...

Thanks for the replies. So to use a specific example, I recently became a reseller for McHost. Does McHost own the servers? Are the servers then colocated in the datacenters?

Originally posted by vito
Thanks for the replies. So to use a specific example, I recently became a reseller for McHost. Does McHost own the servers? Are the servers then colocated in the datacenters?



McHost would look something like this:

HostNOC = Datacenter
McHost = Your host
Reseller = You


This is basicly what I got but whois'ing the IP, but I'm pretty sure they colo their servers there directly and not though a 3rd party.....

What keeps a reseller from colocating/leasing his own servers at a datacenter?

The one main obstacle I see is lack of sufficient knowledge in server administration.

I see you can get a dedicated server at Rackshack.net that has 20 GB disc space and 300 GB monthly transfer for $99 a month. Is sysadmin ability the only reason not to opt for something like that?

after rereading what was there I'm editing this. A big consideration if you have your own server is you have to divide your time between server maintenance/upgrades and customer support. If you are a reseller you usually only have to deal with the customer and let the owner of the box handle the other half. The down side is that being a reseller you are at the mercy of the support staff above you. If you have a client screaming for something and you have to wait on a helpdesk ticket to get answered then it's better to have your own server.

Yes, I agree that when first setting up, it's cheaper and easier to simply be a reseller. Smaller monthly rate, and no admin headaches.

But I'd like to look down the road and prepare for it. Provided that your customer base warrants getting server(s) of your own, aside from needing sysadmin knowledge, what drawbacks are there?

edit Well, Jeff, I guess your edit gave me the answer to my question, didn't it?:D

Any other thoughts, anyone? I'm kinda hungry for information.

Thank you.
Vito