What Does Server Colocation Mean?
Server colocation is the process of deploying and hosting an organization-owned server within a managed service facility/environment.
It enables an organization to deploy their servers within an existing data center or IT facility. The server services, operating system and applications are all controlled by the customer, whereas the managed service provider (MSP) provides the physical space, power and network resources.
Techopedia Explains Server Colocation
In server colocation, the server remains the property of the client organization but is maintained, managed and monitored by the MSP or cloud service provider. The client/organization accesses the server over the Internet or on a VPN connection. The key objective behind server colocation is to utilize enhanced IT support services on key IT infrastructure/servers without incurring heavy operational costs. In addition to support services, servers are also provided with IP, bandwidth, physical security, power and backup services to the colocated server.
It is similar to dedicated server hosting, where a dedicated server is hosted in the MSP facility/data center, but differs in the fact that the server is provided by the customer/organization.
