Dedicated vs Colocation

Compare dedicated servers and colocation to find the best physical hosting solution for your needs.

Dedicated Servers
Rent physical hardware

Ideal for

  • High-performance applications
  • Business workloads
  • Resource-intensive systems
  • Businesses that don't want to own hardware

Dedicated servers give you a whole physical server without the upfront capital investment. We own the hardware and replace failed parts, and you get full root access.

Strengths

  • No hardware investment
  • Hardware included
  • Free hardware replacement
  • Your data stays in Perth

Considerations

  • Typically up to 30 business days to deploy, longer for custom builds
  • Monthly rental cost
  • We own the hardware
Colocation
Own your hardware, rent secure rack space

Ideal for

  • Businesses owning hardware
  • Custom hardware requirements
  • Long-term infrastructure plans

Colocation lets you own your hardware while we provide rack space and power at Equinix PE2 in Perth. You connect through a speed add-on or your own carrier.

Strengths

  • Your own servers and network gear
  • Equinix PE2 facility
  • Escorted access, 24 hours' notice
  • Your data stays in Perth

Considerations

  • Hardware purchase cost
  • You maintain hardware
  • Escort fees: $75 per 15 minutes in business hours, $150 outside. A business-hours installation is free.

Detailed comparison

Dedicated icon

Dedicated

DevOps Engineers choose dedicated servers for the control and performance their applications demand.

Ownership

We own the hardware. You rent it monthly with no upfront capital investment. We replace failed hardware components at no extra cost.

Cost Structure

One monthly fee for the server. Upgrades, extra IP addresses and server management cost extra.

Flexibility

Choose a standard build or a custom build, quoted case by case. Most servers can be upgraded.

Maintenance

We replace failed hardware components at no extra cost, in business hours.

Dedicated servers
Colocation icon

Colocation

Infrastructure Managers use colocation to run their own hardware in an Equinix data centre in Perth.

Ownership

You own the hardware. You choose its specifications, within your plan's space and power, and you buy and maintain it.

Cost Structure

Upfront CapEx for hardware, plus monthly OpEx for rack space and power. Add a speed add-on or your own carrier, and escort or remote hands fees when you use them. Can be cheaper long-term if you keep hardware for years.

Flexibility

Use your own servers and network gear, within your plan's space and power.

Maintenance

You maintain your own hardware. We provide the rack space and power. Equinix runs the building and the cooling.

Colocate in Perth

Which should you choose?

Both run on physical hardware at Equinix PE2 in Perth. The main choice is whether you rent the hardware or own it.

Choose Dedicated if you:

  • Want no upfront hardware costs
  • Want free hardware replacement
  • Don't want to maintain hardware
  • Want a server built to your specification

Choose Colocation if you:

  • Own or want to own your hardware
  • Want to run your own network gear
  • Want to maintain your hardware yourself
  • Want to use your own carrier

Still unsure? Our team can help you choose the right solution for your needs.