What is co-location?

Co-location (sometimes spelled "colocation" or "collocation") refers to a scenario where a client's equipment is physically connected to the Internet through zConnect's upstream connection, and is situated in a zConnect rack at our data center.  The client is able to maintain complete control over their server, while taking advantage of our premium facility and Internet connection.

Why would I want to co-locate a server?

Co-location is attractive to companies which rely heavily on their Internet presence, or which have mission-critical online applications, but which don't need an entire rack full of equipment.  Companies can take advantage of our highly redundant upstream connection (more on this below) and the sophisticated environmental controls and security provisions that zConnect has, without having to foot the bill for an entire cabinet at the data center. 

Tell me about the facility

zConnect is located in the Internap Data Center in downtown Atlanta, in the Inforum building.  Clients can rely on their equipment being up and running because the facility is built to unwavering quality standards.  All infrastructure systems are constructed with N+1 redundancy, ensuring that there is always a backup path available.  Internap (the company providing our upstream connection) guarantees 100% network uptime, and has the infrastructure to back up this astonishing claim.  All equipment is mounted in our secured cabinets with a very fast, fully redundant Internet connection. 

What services are included?

The services included vary depending on what plan you choose.  Basic co-location services primarily consists of space in our rack, power for your equipment, and the physical connection to the Internet.  For Dedicated Co-Location, we include the server and support the hardware on a 24/7 basis.  All Managed Co-Location accounts include a dedicated server, OS Support, and DBA support, along with routine montoring and security patches.  Additional services include specific application support, additional security, backup solutions, and more.  We'll work with you to tailor a plan to meet your business needs. 

zConnect can provide firewall services at an additional charge upon request, and will work with you to define a suitable security strategy.  We recommend that clients utilize pcAnywhere, Terminal Services, Secure Shell or similar software to allow for remote control of their servers.  We will gladly assist with initial configuration.  "Remote-hands" service (to physically reboot a server, for example, or swap tapes for backups) is available at additional charge, as are remote backup solutions.

Is co-location expensive?

Not at all, when you consider the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your critical systems are located in a world class data center with a super high speed always on Internet connection, and are monitored and supported on a 24/7 basis.  In fact, you can co-locate a small rack-mount server with zConnect for about what you'd pay for a business class DSL line to your office.  Of course, your co-located server would benefit from a connection and environment that's head and shoulders above what you'd get with the DSL connection.  Co-location begins at $55/mo per "U" of rack space (1U is 1.75", and is the standard unit of measure for rack-mounted equipment). Space for tower servers is available as well.