The dominant billing issue in colocation normally involves bandwidth and space. But for some providers extra charges must be given in order to ensure that the servers are well kept and secured. Lets take a look at some other items that may increase your expenses.
Rebooting is very important in addressing server problems and performing software upgrades and enhancements. But in cases when the server is in a remote location rebooting can only be done using a remote connection. Remote reboots are the weapons of colocation providers during these times. You can simply call a support hotline to request for a power cycle. There are instances when remote reboot services are only charged after a specific number of times the customer asks the provider.
When server problems are more complicated and simple reboot of the whole system is not enough providers can bring forth remote hands. These are technical support crews who can expertly handle troubleshooting chores. They can easily respond to whatever hardware or software problem that is causing the server to function inappropriately. But make sure you can match their hourly rates as their services are not part of the basic package.
It is common practice that alongside a server there would be a domain. More than one domain names can be present in a solitary server. Providers can give you DNS servers that can house all of your DNS files. They allow for several domains to be part of their offered DNS servers. Domains that are not part of the initial deal will definitely give you extra fees to think about each month.
In colocation most of the time IP addresses are provided in a limited number. Even though servers commonly demand for a single IP address there are cases when site features call for additional ones. Of course it would be plain simple that each IP address in excess with that stated in the contract will equate to additional charges.
A backup mail server is important in ensuring that no mail bounces back to the sender especially when the server goes down. This is made possible by having the back up server act as a storage medium until the server functions normally again. Colocation providers will ask for additional payment each month for particular domains that need backup mail servers.
There are instances when physical access to the server box is called for in order to solve problems or perform upgrades. When there is limited space for a monitor, keyboard, and mouse to be linked with the box a console is utilized to create a connection between the KVM switch and the server. Again this can result to another monthly charge.
The presence of a server in a colocation facility deems it susceptible to any attack within the World Wide Web. The security of the system files can be placed in serious jeopardy. At this point, the provider can offer to have the server protected by a firewall. By doing so server access is restricted to specific ports and these ports will give you more fees to think about.