This article will explain the key differences between colocation and cloud hosting, as well as delve deeper into the benefits of each, guiding you to make an informed decision on which hosting solution is right for you.
What is Colocation?
Colocation hosting is different to other hosting solutions, in the way that it does not actually provide a server. When purchasing a colocation, you are renting physical space in a data centre to house your own server hardware. Using the colocation’s architecture, you will gain the following benefits:
- Power
Reliable and uninterruptable power. This ensures that your server hardware always receives power, even in the unlikely event of a power outage. Most colocations provide power in a parallel configuration, meaning that if one power source is switched off, another will take over. This ensures that your server has an extremely high up-time and your operations are not interrupted. - Cooling
Server hardware can get extremely warm, leading to thermal throttling. Not only will this make your work environment uncomfortably warm, but it can also lead to degraded performance of your hardware, and can even become a fire hazard. A colocation host will provide cooling systems to ensure that your hardware runs at peak performance as well as minimises the risk of fire. - Security
Due to sensitive data and the storage of highly expensive server hardware, the security at a colocation data centre is extremely important. Your server hardware will be protected by security personnel, 24/7 CCTV as well as locked, limited access rooms. You can ensure that your server hardware is safe and secure from theft. As the server hardware is your own, this enables you to install any security software of your choice, protecting you not only from physical threats but viruses and data theft.
What is Cloud Hosting?
Unlike colocation hosting, cloud hosting offers a complete hosting package, without the requirement of needing your own server hardware. Cloud servers are much quicker to set up, easier to maintain and cheaper to rent due to their pay-as-you-go service, meaning you only pay for the resources you use. There are multiple benefits to cloud hosting vs colocation:
– Scalability
With cloud hosting, you rent a portion of a physical server’s resources. This allows for easy scalability without the need for manual hardware upgrades, like with a colocation.
Upgrading your server’s resources is usually automated, making the process much quicker and hassle-free.
– Better Accessibility
Hosting a cloud server enables the option to access your server and important documents from anywhere, at any time. As long as you have an internet connection, your server will always be accessible.
– Backups and Secure Data
As data is backed up regularly and is stored off-site across multiple data centres, cloud hosting offers great protection against cyber attacks ensuring that your data is always available to restore if lost.
Colocation vs Cloud: A Comparison
Cost
Colocation – Colocation services usually have a high upfront cost, as well as the ongoing cost for maintenance and security for your server.
Cloud – Cloud services allow the flexibility to upgrade and downgrade your server at any time. This allows you to downgrade your server when your budget is less. As they usually use a pay-as-you-go payment plan, you only pay for the resources you use, making cloud services generally much cheaper vs colocation.
Control
Colocation – Colocation services enable full control of the server, software and resources, allowing you to customise your server exactly to your requirements.
Cloud – Your control over a cloud server is much more limited, compared to a colocation. Whilst you have full control of your data, access to the server’s hardware and infrastructure is usually extremely limited.
Security
Colocation – Security at a colocation data centre is a top priority. Whilst your server’s hardware is physically monitored by CCTV and security, your data is also secure from cyber threats due to 100% of the hardware being dedicated to you. This reduces any vulnerabilities that may arise from other users sharing the same resources. As the hardware is your own, you have full control over your security software.
Cloud – Cloud hosting relies on the cyber security provided by the server hosts themselves. Whilst the security of your sensitive data is also a top priority for cloud hosts, there will always be an extremely small risk of vulnerability due to other users sharing the same resources.
Performance
Colocation – As 100% of the server’s resources are dedicated solely to you, you gain the maximum performance from your hardware. This means that your raw performance would be dependent on the hardware itself. Using the colocation’s cooling and power architecture, your server will always be running at peak performance without any downtime or thermal throttling.
Cloud – As multiple users share a cloud server’s resources; you may experience degraded performance due to a phenomenon known as ‘Noisy Neighbours’. This is where other users may be hogging the server’s resources by running a demanding or consistent task.
Scalability
Colocation – Upgrades to a colocation service will require the manual installation of hardware. This will come at an additional cost and time.
Cloud – Cloud servers excel in scalability and provide the option to upgrade your server’s resources in real-time, allowing for increased performance and growth.
Is Cloud Hosting or Colocation The Best Choice For You?
As we have explored in this article, the best hosting solution depends entirely on your specific needs. If you require maximum control over your server, as well as the best performance and security options, a colocation service would be the best choice, however, it is also important to consider that this solution would also be the most expensive option. Not only are there setup and maintenance costs, but you will also need to provide the server hardware.
If you require a cheaper and more scalable solution, cloud hosting would be your best option. Although cloud hosting does not provide the raw power of colocation and customisation is limited, it enables real-time scalability of your server, enabling you to upgrade your server to suit your business’s specific needs.
In short – If you are a small growing business or are simply looking to host small files or backup your data, a cloud server would be your best option.
If you are a large business and require full power and customization over your server hardware, software and security, a colocation service would be your best choice. GridJet provides top-tier colocation services, providing sophisticated infrastructure to ensure that your server hardware is housed safely in the best environment
