Web Hosting Talk : Web Hosting Main Forums : Colocation and Data Centers : Just don't understand...

[dk121]

I'm trying to understand why anyone would rather colo a server when it would cost more than renting a dedicated box from say nocster or ev1servers. From my understanding, when you colo, you have to purchase bandwidth, etc and wouldn't the total cost be more than what you pay for a dedicated box?

[JTY]

Flexability...

For instance, if you need a SCSI RAID setup. Several GB of RAM, etc. Other example would be, you need a server cluster. All of which get very expensive when leasing dedicated servers.

Plus, if you are local. You don't have to wait for your providers techs to fix your hardware, or software in a no boot situation.

[webworkz]

Typically, the cost of bandwidth is figured into the machine when you buy a colo.

That's why, as 1U colo might only cost $40.00/month, but all you are buying is the space/power for the server itself.

Then, you either purchase burstable, incremental, or transfer priced bandwidth for the server.

Additionally, depending on your provider/purchase, you are the only one on the set bandwidth pipe. So, if another colo [depending on DC infrastructure] is getting DDoS'd, it usually won't afflict your network status.

Not to mention all of the control that you get over the hardware, configuration, etc.

JTY also makes a good point. If the colo is local, most DC's will give you access to the equipment so you can make on-site changes.

And the list goes on...