Server Colocation

What Does Server Colocation Mean?

Server colocation is the process of deploying and hosting an organization-owned server within a managed service facility/environment.

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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.

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Margaret Rouse

Margaret Rouse is an award-winning technical writer and teacher known for her ability to explain complex technical subjects to a non-technical, business audience. Over the past twenty years her explanations have appeared on TechTarget websites and she's been cited as an authority in articles by the New York Times, Time Magazine, USA Today, ZDNet, PC Magazine and Discovery Magazine.Margaret's idea of a fun day is helping IT and business professionals learn to speak each other’s highly specialized languages. If you have a suggestion for a new definition or how to improve a technical explanation, please email Margaret or contact her…