Most of the fees associated with collocation involve just the server space and bandwidth that a server will use, but most providers also have other extra fees that may be assessed based upon items that may be required to support the server in the environment. In this part, we look at some of the most common fees that may be encountered and what is provided by these services. Some providers may include such services in the base price as well, so be sure to read all contracts carefully.
Remote Reboots
There are times when a server has a problem that can easily be solved by rebooting the server. Servers may also need to be rebooted in the case of software upgrades applied to them. Since the server is in a remote location, this can be problematic if the server cannot be rebooted via a remote connection. This is where remote reboots come into play with the provider. Typically you just call the support number and request that the server be power cycled. This can also be provided through a remote power port management screen as well. This can be included with the contract or be a specific number of times after which a service fee is charged per reboot.
Remote Hands
This can typically be referred to as remote tech support for hardware or software issues that the customer may request. This is any instance that might require more than simply rebooting the computer system. This could include things such as troubleshooting a software problem or hardware issue. These services are typically not included and are billed at very high hourly rates.
DNS Hosting
Typically if you are running a server, you also have a domain associated with the Web server. A single server can also host multiple domain names. Most collocation providers have several DNS servers that can host your DNS files for the system. Generally, they will include a specific number of domains to be host by their DNS servers. Additional domains that need to be hosted will cost an extra fee on a monthly basis.
IP Addresses
Most collocating services have a limited number of IP addresses that they give to their customers. Most servers only require one, but sometimes additional IP addresses can be used to separate services on the computer. The providers will give a certain number of IPs in the contract and any additional ones required will be charged an extra monthly fee.
Backup MX of Mail Server
Many people who run their own Web servers also host the mail for that same domain. If they server ever goes down though, mail can bounce back to the sender. To prevent this, a backup server can be specified with the collocation provider that will spool mail until the server comes back up. This is typically an additional monthly fee for each domain that requires a backup mail server.
KVM
At times, the server may have problems or require physical access to the box for upgrades. In order to do this, a keyboard, mouse and monitor typically need to be connected to the box. Since there is limited space in the collocation provider, typically this is handled through a console connected to a KVM switch. The physical connection between the server and the KVM switch may be included or could be an additional monthly fee.
Firewalls
When a server is placed at a collocation facility, it is wide open to any network connections from anywhere on the Internet. This could compromise the security of the system and many providers will offer to place the server behind a firewall and restrict access to the server to specific ports. This is typically an additional monthly fee per port.
Server Backups
Customers are responsible for any data that is on their server. In the event of a drive failure, that data will be lost unless it is backed up. Most providers will offer a managed server backup service that will store the server data either to tape or a centralized file system. This is always an extra monthly fee and requires that the server have compatible hardware and software for the backups.
These are just some of the typical examples that one may find listed as extra fees or charges with a collocation provider. This is by no means a complete list of what charges may be incurred so be sure to talk with the provider to make sure they provide what you need and how much it may cost in addition to the basic charges.
