Half Rack Colocation Hosting UK:Is It Right for You?

After making up their minds about UK colocation, many people feel indecisive when it comes to choosing rack size. They can't decide whether it is half-rack or full rack they need. A plethora of options with weird names like 1U and 2U are enough to confuse the Playtech audience. 

The primary focus of this article is half-rack colocation and how to know if it is appropriate for you. However, to make sure that readers at the beginner level do not feel alienated, we will start from the basics. 

Keep reading if you want to figure out if half rack UK colocation is appropriate for you or not. 

Server CoLocation

Colocation is sometimes relatively a difficult concept to grasp for beginners. Therefore, let us try to explain in as simple words as possible. It is called server colocation when you deploy and host an organization-owned server within a managed service facility/environment.

So companies can deploy their servers within existing data centres or facilities. Client organizations own the servers. Management of its operating system and application is also the client's responsibility. On the other hand, MSP has to ensure the availability of power, network resources, and physical space. 

MSPs or data centres rent out rack space to third parties. However, some businesses do not have enough budget to maintain their own data centres. For them, server colocation is the ideal answer. 

However, the question of how much rack space to buy arises once you decide collocation is the way to a successful business. 

Some of the standard options are 1U (one unit), Quarter Rack, Half Rack, and Full Rack. The first thing you should know about Half Rack is that it provides around 20-22U of colocation space. In addition, they offer multiple connectivity options and lockable racks that provide outstanding security. 

Let's have a quick look at all the different types.

Single Server Colocation: 1U

It's all about providing a single server for a data centre to share, a normal 1U server. The colocation provider stores them in shared racks. Most probably, your server will be kept along with the servers of other customers. 

This is why the costs of single server colocation UK are usually cheap. This option allows you to store any number of single servers at the shared rack. You can keep adding more servers if you need. 

Quarter Rack Colocation: 10U

As the name implies, it is the quarter of a full rack. The breakpoint that makes most people switch from 1U to the quarter rack is having nearly eight servers. When this time comes, you may find yourself paying more for the same amount of space. On the other hand, you get a segregated lockable rack. 

Half Rack Colocation: 21U

Half racks also work the same way. However, they offer 20U colocation space. Some providers will let you store up to 18 servers and some up to 21. 

Full Rack Colocation: 45U

Now you get a full-sized rack that can fit almost 40 to 45 servers.  

Three Situations When Half Rack UK Colocation is Right Option

In many scenarios, the half-rack UK Colocation is the best option you can find. Here are some of those situations. 

1. You Are Looking For An Affordable Solution

Half rack colocation is pretty affordable in most cases. Startups and new business owners can easily afford it. However, the prices of different providers undoubtedly vary. 

The geographic location of the data centre and colocation service provider set the prices. Often prices are in the range of £20- £60 per month. Half-rack colocation often includes a 15 or 20 amp 110v power feed. It is ideal for your cheap servers in most cases. You can have more electricity if you pay the extra money.

Most service providers offer 1 or 2Mbps burstable to 100Mbps. But, again, depending on your budget and requirements, you can choose from a variety of plans and packages.

2. You Want Great Security

Half racks for lockable servers are available from a number of colocation service providers. So if security is a top concern, and you are more than conscious about your privacy and data solutions, half-rack colocation is one of the best options for you. 

The reason for this is that you will have permission to access your server's actual location.

3. You Need Scalability & Flexibility

The scalability and flexibility of half-rack colocation allow you to create some pre-existing schemes if you need to expand. One of its immediate results would be noticeable cost savings. So if you are not a large scale but small or medium scale business that does not require extensive data systems, half-rack colocation is the best option. It is one of the most feasible options that also come with some good features that fulfil your business requirements.

One Situation When You Should Not Opt for Half Rack Colocation

It's possible that you don't require half-rack colocation but rather full rack colocation. Here is what could happen.

1. Your Efficiency Requirements Are Little High

Half-rack colocation is not as efficient as full-rack colocation. However, sometimes, businesses do not require to add on any equipment over time. For such organizations, half-rack colocation is more than sufficient. 

When the case is the opposite, half-rack is not the best option. Instead, opt for complete rack colocation so that you won't have to relocate new equipment to another portion of the data centre in the future.

If you have 18 to 20 servers, it is much more cost-efficient to get a half rack rather than using many 1 units. 

Looking for Colocation Hosting UK?

However, you should be totally aware of your business needs before making the final choice. Ensure that you have done good work in understanding your business landscape, growth and infrastructure solutions. Check reviews of different hosting providers, and then choose the one with a good reputation that best fits your needs.