The alternative to a server in the office.
WHAT A SERVER IN AN OFFICE FACES
Power interruptions Heat, particularly overnight and at weekends Dust Theft A single internet connection Nobody present when it fails
WHAT A FACILITY PROVIDES INSTEAD
Continuous power, with generators Controlled cooling Multiple independent connections Physical security Monitoring at all times
WHY THAT MATTERS PARTICULARLY HERE
Power and cooling are the two things hardest to guarantee in an ordinary building.
WHAT IT COSTS
A recurring fee, rather than equipment you own outright.
WHAT THAT BUYS
Availability you could not economically build yourself.
WHAT BUSINESSES ACTUALLY DO
Place their equipment there, or rent equipment and services already there.
WHAT SMALL BUSINESSES DO
Use hosting, which is a share of equipment in such a facility.
WHAT TO UNDERSTAND
You are buying the facility as much as the server.