The term colocation is used in the computer industry to describe the use of a specialist data centre that is run independently and hosts file servers for a number of different companies.

Independent data centres of this type are also called colocation centres, 'colos' for short, or the more descriptive 'carrier hotels'. These data centres are set up by specialist firms with expertise in information technology, to serve the needs of numerous clients. That way, the clients can simply outsource this service to a colocation supplier and let them take care of everything for them. This is much more sensible that trying to do it yourself, for a number of reasons.

Cost is an important consideration. If you were to invest in a state of the art data infrastructure yourself, you would have to spend more than a specialist supplier who could broker wholesale deals for IT services on your behalf which could save you a great deal of money in the long run.

Economies of scale come into play too. A professional colocation supplier will have invested in large, industrial-strength systems which are bigger and more powerful that any individual firm would ever need. This means that you are getting the benefit of a more powerful system, and you can buy in to it for a low relative cost.

Time is another element of the equation. Why re-invent the wheel yourself, when a colocation supplier has data solutions at their fingertips. These would include solutions to your immediate requirements, and also remedies to any future IT problems that you don't even know you have yet!

Access to expertise is a further advantage of using colocation.
You will have the benefit of advice and support from experts in the field who have experience of looking after many different types of requirement across numerous different industries. And this access will usually be arranged on a shift system, so that you can always speak to someone at any time of the day or night on any day of the week, including weekends and public holidays like Christmas and New Year's Day.

In addition to gaining access to IT systems for networks, servers and data storage, colocation firms will also give clients the ability to interconnect with numerous telecommunications suppliers and providers of other network services. Because colocation firms look after many kinds of IT need across a wide range of industrial sectors, they will be able to suggest packages of services after doing a survey of your particular needs and current situation.

And because the colocation firm is an expert in their field, that means that the package they propose for you will have the capability of being adapted as the needs of your business change. Upgrades can be discussed and arranged quickly with people you trust, who know your business. This means that clients can then focus on their core business, without having to divert from what they do best and try and become a mini-expert on IT data systems themselves.

Lex Parsimoniae is Latin for "Law of Parsimony", which pulled out into its simplest form is the The Law of what can be spared, should.

This is a theory that I have been studying for the past year and through observation believe that this can be applied to all situations that require a more efficient, functional solution. This paradigm has many names, but is best know as Occam's Razor. His razor suggests that when resources are limited or when speed of function is essential, design / complexity trade-offs should be based on what does the least harm to the probability of success, however that is defined.

Form is Function

There is a school of thought that beauty in design results in good function, but I prefer to subscribe the fact that just concentration on the functionality will by its very nature, create its own aura of design. Sometimes, the focus on functional efficiency inspires a feeling that goes beyond aesthetics and ultimately give us the sense that its form is of a higher echelon.

Barrier To Entry

The brain is an amazing piece of kit. One of its most amazing functions is its ability to optimise when processing data. Each brain has been trained over many years (or maybe it inherently has the ability) to simplify individual objects into groups. Instead of seeing each individual blade of grass, the mind sees a field. Millions of pieces of data grouped into one object because it knows, to comprehend millions of pieces of grass would take and enormous amount of effect. Effect that could be focused elsewhere. So it generalises to make life easier. This sort of information overload can happen in design as well; Too much will distract from your likely objective. Remember that 7 Second Rule? If your web app or website has 7 seconds to impress then wouldn't you prefer showing off your functional muscles? How useful your app is? and not long it takes to load the really cool (bandwidth crunching) design? Remember how it easy it is to make your mind up about someone when you them for the first time. Same rules apply.

Just Do It!

What are your objectives and goals? Hopefully, when developing a web app or website, to make your (or your users) life easier! And let's remember, this 'thing' we call the Internet is broken. So don't break any further with dodgy CSS and bloated javascript. Functional Turn Around is the most impressive aspect for me these days. Spend time developing how the app works, refine it, refine it again, then again. Then when it works, design around the edges. If you like Latin phrase then try this one:

"entia non sunt multiplicanda praeter necessitatem", or "entities should not be multiplied beyond necessity"

For more information about Occam's Razor and various other development theories, read this Design and Development Blog at www.gammatan.co.uk

Making your web site easy for international visitors to understand is what website internationalization is all about. There are times when differences in vocabulary may crop up. This can even happen across different industries in the same country.

One of the ways you can help your readers is to start a Glossary.

In your glossary you can list industry specific words and all words you use commonly where others may not have the exact same understanding. If you explain a process in your communication, think of including verbs in your glossary.

The key to making your glossary work for you is to strive for accuracy, clarity, and ease of understanding.

Accuracy

In some cases a lack of accuracy can have devastating effects.

• In health issues.
• In reference to using machinery.

Clarity

A glossary's aim is to give a clear meaning to the words you use. Keep your explanations as clear as possible. If they only lead to further misunderstandings or do not answer the readers questions, you would be better off without one.

Ease Of Understanding

Keep your glossary very easy read and people will enjoy reading it. Pay attention to the general appearance of the glossary as a whole as well as the individual explanations.

An Added Value

After ready through a well done glossary, the reader may well come away feeling appreciative of the easy to read informative experience. It is a wonderful touch of thoughtfulness to your international visitors.

Non-native English speakers will greatly appreciate its value.

Prepares For Translation

A glossary is highly recommended in certain industries where specific vocabulary requires expert translations.

In some instances some people feel they can take a dictionary out and provide translations of key vocabulary in languages other than their mother-tongue. This can lead to further misunderstandings. A glossary well done is far better than taking on translation skills when you do not have them.

However, your glossary will be of significant value to a professional translator once you decide to offer multilingual services.

Glossaries are also appreciated in non-technical areas too. Cultural habits differ. People can use vocabulary differently. Glossaries provide insight into how you communicate and provide a base for cross-cultural dialogue.