Colocation

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Colocation is the act of placing multiple (sometimes related) entities within a single location.

In an organization, it refers to placing related roles or groups in a single room, building or campus.

In computing, it refers to installing or running data or applications in a single process, store, computer or data center. Virtualization is an example of colocation where a host server provides a virtual hardware or software platform for running one or more instances of software on a (potentially different) platform.

In business, it refers to the practice of locating multiple similar businesses in the same facility.

In the fast food restaurant industry, one primary users of this concept is Yum! Brands with its KFC, Taco Bell, A&W Restaurants, Long John Silver's and Pizza Hut divisions. In the retail sector, Sears Holdings often operates its large format Sears stores with an H&R Block tax services office, a Lands' End clothing store and other independent operations.

In the airline business, colocation commonly occurs at airports. Airline alliances will be assigned or build a fortress out of certain terminals or dominant carrier-specific terminals. An example would be at Tokyo's Narita Airport, where local carrier ANA, a member of the Star Alliance, and its partners operate in one terminal to facilitate partner connections and product offerings, even offering combined check-in, member lounges, and ground services.

See also: Colocation centre