Hosting your servers in a leased data center is one problem that most people don’t even consider when deciding on a colocation facility. But if you’re serious about finding a reliable provider, this is something you need to consider. When locating at a leased facility, there are a number of factors that are not within the provider’s control that can affect you and that you or your provider cannot do anything about.

First and foremost, a leased building is not in the control of data center provider. They are at the mercy of the landlord and are subject to his will. Factors that are out the company’s hands include power, infrastructure and building rights.

Power

Power is absolutely essential and data centers tend to use up a lot of it. From powering the servers and cooling systems to running 24-hour security and fire protection systems, data centers are infamous for using resources. But it’s not always the case that landlords allow companies to use an unlimited amount of power. Changes in the lease could prevent the facility from using the amount of power that they need. This could lead to increased power-outages or decreases in essential services such as cooling.

Physical Infrastructure

Another factor that most people don’t consider is the fact the physical building isn’t under the control of the company leasing the property. There are certain limitations imposed on the facility that are beyond their control. Even something as simple as installing additional cameras for security or an enhanced fire protection system may not be allowed by leasing the company. Limiting the ability for the data center to innovate with the changing times limits the quality of service you will receive as a customer. Not having the freedom to grow and change with times will ultimately leads to an outdated facility that is not able to meet your needs.

Building Rights

The right to lease a property is another concern that most people take for granted. Leases are not static and are subject to change. Rents raise and conditions are changed. Depending on these changes, the company may be forced to raise your monthly fees to meet the demands of increased rent on the unit. Or they may be forced to vacate the building altogether.

Even worse, the company could potential get evicted from the building for reasons they may or not be able to control. If this is the case, services could be shut down at moment’s notice, forcing you to find another provider at the drop of a dime. Not only is this a hassle, but it’s also terrible for business. Since these events are not within the company’s control, there is little to nothing they can do should the situation arise.

Host in an Owned Building

The best way to ensure that your data center is still around for years to come is to take a little preventative action. Find out if your facility owns the building they are located in. With ownership comes more control over the many factors that go into a well-run data center. Owning the building allows the facility to make the necessary improvements and changes it needs such as adding security features and fire protection. It also eliminates the worry that the company will be evicted from the premises, leaving you to find a new provider without notice.

All-in-all, hosting with a provider that owns their own property will give you a better overall experience and eliminate many concerns, worries and problems.

There are so many companies to choose from when it comes to acquiring web domain registrations and hosting.

However, there are certain key elements that should be considered before committing to a particular company.

The first tip is to think about your budget. What can you afford? Do not be carried away with sales pitches and slick marketing tactics. Do not over extend yourself.

If you are about to host a site for business purposes, the following elements are important:

a. SSL Certificates: People are getting smart about online security. More and more of them are looking for the padlock icon and “https” prefix in the address bar of their browser before submitting personal information online. If your Web site doesn’t have an SSL Certificate, visitors may leave before making a purchase, creating an account or even signing up for a newsletter.

b. Customer/Tech Support: Does the company have 24/7 customer support? If they do not have this basic service do not use them!

c. Spam Free Email: Is the email service protected from fraud, spam, and viruses. Make sure it is compatible with Microsoft® Outlook®, Outlook Express, and Mozilla Thunderbird .

d. Quick Shopping Cart: Online Sales are expected to hit $144 billion in the U.S. and £78bn in the UK by 2010. Isn’t it time you got your piece of the pie? With a quick Shopping Cart, you can create and publish a stand-alone Internet store or add one to your existing Web site in a matter of minutes. Make sure the company you choose provides this service if you are considering e-commerce with your site.

e. Hosting and Servers: From a basic Web site to a massive online superstore, look for full-service hosting solutions for every need and your budget. Make sure the company offers up to 99.9% guaranteed uptime, best-of-breed routers, servers and firewalls and 24/7 support and maintenance.

You can succeed with the right tools, so choose wisely.