Prague is the natural centre of IT infrastructure in the Czech Republic. It is home to the main internet hubs, backbone network routes and most connectivity providers. For companies that need to locate servers in a professional environment, colocation in Prague is a logical choice - and a decision that will affect the availability of their services for years to come.
This article explains what colocation really means, what questions to ask when choosing a provider, and why the Prague location is one of the strongest in the region in terms of connectivity and accessibility.
What is colocation and how it differs from hosting
Collocation - English colocation, abbreviated „colo” - means placing your own hardware (servers, network elements, storage) in a data centre operated by a third party. Unlike traditional hosting or cloud, the company retains full control over its hardware and software. The data centre provides the environment: power, cooling, physical security and network connectivity.
The difference from renting a server or cloud solution is significant. With colocation, you own the hardware and decide on its configuration. A data centre ensures that your hardware runs in conditions that would be difficult to replicate in your own server room - redundant power with UPS and diesel generators, controlled cooling, physical protection with multi-level access control and round-the-clock monitoring.
For whom is colocation suitable
Colocation is typically chosen by companies that meet at least one of these criteria:
- They run their own servers and need guaranteed availability that an office server room cannot offer.
- They process sensitive data and need an environment certified to security standards.
- They require low latency to Czech Internet nodes and peering points.
- They want to scale their infrastructure without investing in their own data center.
- They run applications, AI models or databases where performance and availability matter.
Why Prague: connectivity, latency and infrastructure
Prague is not just the capital - it is the main network hub of the Czech Republic. Most of the backbone routes pass through here and it is home to key peering points that provide fast connections between internet providers, cloud platforms and end users.
Network advantages of the Prague location
Data centres in Prague offer direct access to peering points like NIX.CZ, which means lower latency and shorter network paths for Czech and Central European traffic. For companies serving Czech customers, this is a virtually irreplaceable advantage.
Added to this is the availability of multiple independent operators - CETIN, T-Mobile, Vodafone, Quantcom, Czech Railways Telematika and others. The ability to connect redundant connectivity from multiple providers means that an outage of one operator will not compromise the availability of your services.
Availability and logistics
Prague's data centres are usually easily accessible by car and public transport, which makes it easy to physically access the hardware - whether it's for installing new servers, replacing disks or scheduled maintenance. Some centers offer 24/7/365 access, while others offer limited access.
What to ask the provider when choosing a colocation
Choosing a data centre for colocation is a decision for years. Moving infrastructure is costly and time-consuming, so it pays to pay close attention to the choice. Here are the key areas you should consider.
Power and redundancy
Questions you should ask:
- What is the maximum power consumption per rack? Standard values range from 3 kW to 15+ kW per rack - depending on your infrastructure type.
- What is the power redundancy? Look for at least N+1, ideally 2N configuration with UPS and diesel backup.
- How is consumption measured and billed? Transparent metering at rack level is essential.
Cooling
Servers generate heat and efficient cooling is critical for reliable operation. Ask about the type of cooling (precision air conditioning, freecooling, water cooling), temperature and humidity monitoring, and what happens if the cooling fails.
Physical security
A professional data centre should have a multi-level access system - from the entrance gate through the reception to the rack itself. Biometrics, CCTV, fire detection and inert gas fire suppression are now standard in certified facilities.
Connectivity
Check what carriers the data center offers, whether it is carrier-neutral (allows you to plug in your own provider), and what cross-connect options are available. Proximity to peering points is a bonus that translates into lower latency.
SLA and support
The Service Level Agreement should clearly define guaranteed availability, response times and incident handling. Also ask whether the centre offers Remote Hands - i.e. the physical assistance of a technician when you need, for example, to reboot a server or replace a cable, but cannot be on site in person.
Certifications
Certifications aren't just papers on the wall - they're proof that your data centre operations are regularly independently audited. Relevant certifications include ISO/IEC 27001 (information security management), ISO/IEC 27017 (cloud security) and ISAE 3402 (process control for third-party services).
Colocation vs. custom server room: when to switch
Many companies start with their own server room - a small room in the office, air conditioning, UPS. It works until you hit limits: inadequate cooling, power outages without diesel backup, limited connectivity, increasing security or regulatory requirements.
Typical signals that it's time to switch to collocation
- The air conditioner does not keep cool in the summer months.
- A power outage means a service outage.
- The fuse or controller requires a certified environment.
- You need redundant connectivity from multiple operators.
- You don't want to invest in your own building infrastructure (cooling, power supply, fire protection).
Switching to colocation does not mean losing control. On the contrary - your hardware runs in significantly better conditions than a regular office server room can provide. And if you need help with physical tasks on site, the service Remote Hands solves that.
How to migrate to the data centre
Migrating infrastructure to a data centre is not a trivial operation, but with good planning it will go smoothly. The basic steps include:
- Audit of existing infrastructure - Map out what you're moving, what your power, connectivity and space requirements are.
- Choice of provider and rack - Choose a rack that matches the size of your infrastructure. If you have a smaller setup, consider 1/3 or 1/2 rack as a cost effective entry.
- Connectivity planning - Decide which operators to use and whether you need cross-connects to other services.
- Physical move - Plan an off-peak move, ideally on a weekend. The data centre should provide synergies.
- Testing and switching - after wiring and configuration, test everything before final switchover.
How much does colocation cost in Prague
Colocation prices vary depending on the provider, rack size, wattage and additional services. In general, Prague offers significantly lower prices than Western European data centres (Frankfurt, Amsterdam, London), with comparable quality of infrastructure.
The main cost items are:
- Rack space rental - depends on the size (1U, 1/3 rack, 1/2 rack, full rack).
- Power input - charged either as a flat rate or according to actual consumption.
- Connectivity - depends on the type and bandwidth.
- Additional services — Remote Hands, monitoring, firewall, environmental monitoring.
The exact price is always obtained on the basis of an individual request, as each infrastructure has specific requirements.
How colocation differs from managed hosting
With colocation, the company brings its own hardware and manages it itself (or through its IT team). The data center only provides the environment - rack, power, cooling, connectivity and security. With managed hosting, on the other hand, the provider provides the hardware and its management.
Colocation is suitable for companies that want full control over their infrastructure - their own configurations, their own operating systems, their own security policies. Managed hosting makes sense where a company doesn't have its own IT capacity and needs a provider to take care of everything.
Many companies start with managed hosting and move to colocation as they grow because they need more flexibility. The opposite direction is less common - once you invest in your own hardware and set up your environment to suit your needs, you don't want to give it up.
Prague vs. other locations in the Czech Republic
Data centres also exist outside of Prague - Brno, Ostrava, Pilsen have their own providers. Nevertheless, most companies choose Prague for several reasons. The main NIX.CZ peering point is located in Prague, most of the backbone routes pass through here and there is the largest concentration of IT companies and specialists.
For companies with customers primarily in the Czech Republic, the Prague location is optimal in terms of latency. For companies with a Central European focus, Prague is well connected to Frankfurt, Vienna and Warsaw. And for companies that need physical access to hardware, the availability of the Prague data center is significantly better compared to non-Prague locations.
Of course, there is also a strategy of geographical diversification - primary infrastructure in Prague, disaster recovery in another city. But this assumes a larger infrastructure and budget.
Colocation in SafeDX Server Hotel
SafeDX operates a data center in Prague 9 (Vysočany), where it offers rackhousing in modern data halls with up to 15 kW per rack. Racks are available in 600 mm and 800 mm widths with a depth of 1200 mm, including 1/3 and 1/2 rack variants for smaller infrastructures.
Connectivity includes connection to key operators and peering points. Additional services such as Remote Hands, Connectivity and environmental monitoring.
If you are interested in specific SafeDX colocation terms - SLA, power per rack, available configurations, certifications or migration timing - please contact us via contact form. Your enquiry will receive a business contact Petr Lukas and prepare a quote based on your infrastructure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is colocation and how is it different from the cloud?
Colocation means placing your own hardware in a third-party data centre. Unlike the cloud, the company retains full control over the hardware and its configuration. The data centre provides power, cooling, security and connectivity.
How much does colocation in Prague cost?
The price of colocation depends on the size of the leased space, power consumption, connectivity and additional services. Prague is significantly more affordable than Western European data centres. You can get a specific price on the basis of an individual inquiry.
How long does it take to migrate servers to the data center?
Physical movement of smaller infrastructure (1-2 seagulls) can be done in one weekend. Larger migrations require more detailed planning and can be done in stages.
Do I need to be physically present in the data centre?
Not necessarily. Service Remote Hands allows a data centre technician to perform physical actions on your hardware according to your instructions - from rebooting the server to replacing the cable.
Is colocation safer than a dedicated server room?
A professional data center offers a level of physical security, power redundancy, cooling and fire protection that a typical corporate server room cannot replicate. Certifications such as ISO 27001 confirm that security processes are regularly audited.
Can I bring my own connectivity provider?
For carrier-neutral data centers, yes. These centers allow you to plug in connectivity from any provider, giving you flexibility and bargaining power.
What happens during a power outage?
The professional data centre has redundant power supplies - UPS for immediate bridging and diesel generators for long-term backup. An outage in the power grid should not affect the operation of your servers.
What is the difference between a 1U, 1/3 rack and a full rack?
1U is a unit of rack space (4.45 cm in height). Typically, you need 1U to 4U for a single server. 1/3 of a rack (typically 14U) can accommodate smaller infrastructure and is a cost-effective entry into colocation. A full rack (42U-48U) is for companies with larger infrastructure.
How quickly can I start collocating?
After signing the contract and agreeing on the technical details (connectivity, power), you can usually install the hardware within a few days. The actual connection and commissioning depends on the complexity of your infrastructure and the connectivity required. For smaller setups (1-2 servers), everything can often be handled within a week from the first contact.