10-26-10 | Blog Post

5 SaaS Server Hosting Options

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SaaS applications require a server infrastructure to deliver the SaaS solution from. This typically means a set of servers (physical or virtual servers) required to run the application and database.

As SaaS providers decide between running the servers internally or outsourcing some or all of the server management, they have a number of hosting options available – ranging from basic colocation to managed dedicated servers to cloud solutions.

Basic Colocation – With basic colocation, you procure, configure, and place the own hardware into a colocation data center that provides the lower layers of the SaaS Delivery Stack and lets you manage the server operation either through direct physical access or remotely over the Internet. With remote management, colocation data centers can provide the “hands and eyes” to help you manage your equipment as required at the data center.
Managed Colocation – With managed colocation, you procure the server hardware, and the managed colocation provider configures and manages the hardware in the colocation environment. This is very similar to the managed servers options below, except you are responsible for the capital and procuring the hardware and warranty agreements for the server infrastructure.
Managed Dedicated Servers – With managed dedicated servers, the data center operator procures, configures and manages all aspects of the server hardware and operating system. Compared to colocation, there is no capital required to purchase the hardware or software – the managed servers are provides as a service with a simple monthly fee. The data center operator performs the hardware maintenance, required upgrades, patches, and responds immediately to all server hardware failures.
Public Cloud Computing – The public cloud is defined as a multi-tenant environment, where you buy a “server slice” in a cloud computing environment that is shared with a number of other clients or tenants. The public cloud runs with a utility model where you can turn-on and turn off computing services and only pay for what you use. However, public cloud computing lacks many of the network and data security solutions that most end users demand from their SaaS providers. Public clouds also suffer from the inability to meet specific compliance requirements such as HIPAA, PCI and Sarbanes-Oxley.
Private Cloud Computing – A private cloud is a single-tenant environment where the hardware, storage and network are dedicated to a specific SaaS company. Most SaaS companies prefer a private cloud over a public cloud specifically for the security, privacy and compliance requirements.

Online Tech is a premier managed data center operator focusing on the needs of SaaS providers. Our solutions include fully managed colocation, managed dedicated servers and private cloud computing. A number of SaaS leaders trust Online Tech’s HIPPA Compliant, SAS 70 certified data centers to ensure their servers are always on, always online, and always safe.

SaaS applications require a server infrastructure to deliver the SaaS solution from. This typically means a set of servers (physical or virtual servers) required to run the application and database.

Basic Colocation – With basic colocation, you procure, configure, and place the own hardware into a colocation data center that provides the lower layers of the SaaS Delivery Stack and lets you manage the server operation either through direct physical access or remotely over the Internet. With remote management, colocation data centers can provide the “hands and eyes” to help you manage your equipment as required at the data center.
Managed Colocation – With managed colocation, you procure the server hardware, and the managed colocation provider configures and manages the hardware in the colocation environment. This is very similar to the managed servers options below, except you are responsible for the capital and procuring the hardware and warranty agreements for the server infrastructure.
Managed Dedicated Servers – With managed dedicated servers, the data center operator procures, configures and manages all aspects of the server hardware and operating system. Compared to colocation, there is no capital required to purchase the hardware or software – the managed servers are provides as a service with a simple monthly fee. The data center operator performs the hardware maintenance, required upgrades, patches, and responds immediately to all server hardware failures.
Public Cloud Computing – The public cloud is defined as a multi-tenant environment, where you buy a “server slice” in a cloud computing environment that is shared with a number of other clients or tenants. The public cloud runs with a utility model where you can turn-on and turn off computing services and only pay for what you use. However, public cloud computing lacks many of the network and data security solutions that most end users demand from their SaaS providers. Public clouds also suffer from the inability to meet specific compliance requirements such as HIPAA, PCI and Sarbanes-Oxley.
Private Cloud Computing – A private cloud is a single-tenant environment where the hardware, storage and network are dedicated to a specific SaaS company. Most SaaS companies prefer a private cloud over a public cloud specifically for the security, privacy and compliance requirements.