Imagine running a successful company that has a motivated team and a wide variety of stellar products. However, you can’t seem to accommodate your company’s IT infrastructure needs as you grow.
Issues like these can cause you to fall behind your competitors and impact your bottom line. They can even damage your reputation. Business owners often find it difficult to decide between colocation providers and managed hosting. In the guide below, we’ll explore some of the most noteworthy information you should keep in mind when moving forward.
Understanding Managed Colocation
Managed colocation allows businesses to maintain control over their servers while leveraging the IT infrastructure solutions offered by colocation providers. Businesses that choose this option will have better flexibility compared to using a managed hosting service provider. The process functions by renting space within a data center where your company can place its own hardware and servers. As you might assume, this option is best for businesses that already have required hardware.
Exploring Managed Hosting
Managed hosting involves working with the provider. This provider takes care of the following:
- Security management
- software updates
- hardware maintenance
- network monitoring
- data backups
Managed hosting benefits include reduced IT workload and access to expert support, allowing businesses to focus on core operations. You can also focus on other obligations, such as managing customer relationships and scaling your business.
Companies that choose this option will experience lower upfront costs and access to expert support. A managed hosting option also simplifies compliance with industry regulations, offering peace of mind. A single compliance breach can be costly both financially and regarding the toll it takes on your reputation.
Advantages of Colocation Providers
Colocation providers’ advantages include enhanced security and 24/7 support, ensuring your operations remain reliable. Companies that need substantial control over their IT environment will benefit the most from this option.
Having access to robust customer support will help you overcome issues that arise. Colocation facilities offer scalable solutions to accommodate future growth, making them ideal for expanding businesses.
The redundancy in power and network systems also minimizes downtime, as well. This is especially important to consider, as even brief periods of downtime can lead to major issues. For example, consider what would happen if your customers couldn’t access your website for three consecutive days.
There’s a good chance they would choose a competitor instead. In many situations, they wouldn’t return to your business in the future.
Selecting the Best IT Infrastructure Solution
When considering colocation vs managed hosting, the best answer will depend on your company’s needs. Managed colocation providers are ideal if you have a dedicated IT team. If you would prefer a more hands-off approach, managed hosting could be a better option. Voice and Data, Inc. offers expert telecommunications solutions at no cost to the customer. With nearly 20 years of experience, our expert team strives to exceed all client expectations.
Our services ensure optimal voice, data, and cloud connectivity, saving your business time and money. Schedule a consultation with us today to learn more about how we can help you.
