Hosting outsourcing: what is it?
The demand for computing power, processing, cloud hosting, and data storage is growing. Companies can no longer do without data center services. For greater convenience, they can opt for hosting outsourcing. Here's why.
What is outsourced hosting?
To host its data and applications, a company can use two main hosting options:
• Internal or on-premise hosting: in this case, the company has its own data center installed on its premises. It is therefore responsible for the purchase, installation, maintenance, and operation of all this IT equipment.
• External hosting: here, the infrastructure is located outside the company. Data and applications are stored in a remote data center..
By opting for outsourced hosting, the company calls on the expertise of an external service provider who provides physical and virtual equipment for backing up and processing its data.
The different types of outsourced hosting
There are two main types of outsourced hosting, depending on the needs of each company.
Physical (dedicated) servers
The company rents a complete physical server (with all the necessary physical equipment). This gives it total control over the machine. This option is preferred for projects requiring maximum computing power or specific configurations. This solution also offers greater physical security, as data centers have a range of equipment and processes dedicated to site security. Data security can also be enhanced by subscribing to an extra service.
Virtual servers (virtualization)
Virtualization involves dividing a physical server into several independent virtual servers. Software called a hypervisor then manages the allocation of resources (processor, memory, storage). Each virtual machine operates independently within the same physical machine. This model is the foundation of cloud hosting. It offers great scalability. The company can instantly increase or reduce its capacity according to demand.
Data center colocation: a mix between complete outsourcing and on-site hosting
With data center colocation, UltraEdge's core business, you remain the owner of your network infrastructure while outsourcing your hosting. Colocation involves renting a rack from a provider to house your own servers, or bringing your own server rack. In both situations, the hosting provider supplies the electricity, air conditioning, connectivity, and network.
Why outsource hosting?
There are several reasons why a company might consider outsourcing. It is a practical and economical solution that is suitable for many activities. Implementing a hosting outsourcing project offers many advantages, both technical and economic. Here are the main benefits of this solution, whether you need physical hosting or cloud hosting.
Avoiding internal infrastructure obsolescence
Over the years, as uses and standards evolve, data centers can quickly become obsolete. And when a data center needs to be upgraded, it requires heavy and complex investments. With outsourcing, the external host assumes these costs, allowing the company to access state-of-the-art infrastructure at a lower cost.
No need for in-house experts
Operating a data center requires specific skills. Recruiting these experts to deploy an internal data center is difficult and costly. These costs can be avoided by outsourcing. By outsourcing, the company can rely on the expertise of the service provider's technical teams. This further reduces costs.
Secure your data and enjoy service continuity
Poorly secured internal (and external) hosting poses major risks. Outsourcing to an expert service provider can offer a higher level of protection, particularly against physical risks. Data centers are equipped with cameras, security guards, badge entry systems, and more. For data security, it is possible to subscribe to additional services to benefit from greater protection, provided by expert professionals. Professional data centers also have electrical and network redundancy systems. In the event of a failure, service continuity is thus ensured, without the company or its customers even noticing.
Agility and adaptability
With external hosting, companies can adjust their IT resources in real time. When a new project comes in or demand increases, new virtual machines can be deployed in a matter of minutes. This level of responsiveness is impossible with an internal physical infrastructure, which requires time to purchase and install new equipment.
Technological expertise
Using an external service provider gives access to high-level technological expertise. The hosting provider's experts are responsible for monitoring technological developments, updating machines, and applying cybersecurity patches as soon as they are released. The client company thus benefits from the latest innovations without having to invest in training its teams.
Security and backup
Data centers are ultra-secure sites with restricted access and constant surveillance. Data backup is also automated and often distributed across multiple sites. A redundancy system is also often put in place to prevent service outages. Outsourcing data hosting therefore provides a high level of security in the event of a failure or attempted cyberattack.
Reduced operating costs
The client company can also reduce its expenses by using an external hosting provider, provided that the latter has a suitably sized infrastructure. By choosing the right provider, it will not need to finance the creation of dedicated premises, the purchase of equipment, or the energy costs of servers or cooling systems. The end customer thus benefits from the economies of scale achieved by the external hosting provider.
UltraEdge : 250 data centers in France for your hosting needs
With a network of more than 250 data centers located throughout France, UltraEdge ensures a local presence in every region. This proximity reduces latency and improves data access speed. Business applications, IoT, artificial intelligence, mobile applications... whatever your needs, you benefit from fast, continuous service. Our data centers also comply with all French and European security standards to guarantee the confidentiality of your data. At UltraEdge, we take care of managing your data so that you can focus on your core business and continue to grow.