1. Evaluation of Potential Colocation Providers

See the responses from various providers to our ColocationQuoteRequest. Where available, their actual responses are provided as attached PDF files.

1.1. GAIA Host

GAIA contacted us after receiving the quote request, but it has taken them more than a week to give us a follow-up quote. So far, they are the only provider in the list who is willing to sell us hardware. However, it seems that they would be putting it in a data center like one of the larger providers below, such as He.net or Peer 1. I don't know if we need this middle layer between our members and the colocation providers.

• Did the ever give a followup quote? They obviously have to give us a better deal on bandwidth than offered on their website, otherwise they cannot be considered. If they can offer us good value, I think we should consider giving them a chance for at least an intermediate expansion, but if they are charging too much or simply too flaky as they have seemed in the past, then they can't be in the running. NathanKennedy

1.2. He.net

If we can stay under 1MB/s, the rate for bandwidth plus up to 7U is $300/month.

He.net does not sell hardware.

Their response to our request as a PDF: attachment:he_colo.pdf

• HE looks great. I have heard great things about them, and this is definitely a good deal for what it is. I think they come a close second after Peer1 for quality. NathanKennedy

1.3. InReach

Didn't receive reply to first email sent on 4/8/2006 to sales@inreach.com, sent second email on 4/17/2006 with our form quote request.

1.4. Peer 1

Peer 1 offers a quarter cabinet for 10U. A fast ethernet port with a 5MB/s connection is provided. Monthly costs for the space will be $750, and there would be a $400 initial charge for installation of the space.

Peer 1 does not sell hardware.

Their response to our request as a PDF: attachment:Peer1.QuarterCab.Proposal.pdf

• It looks pretty clear that Peer1 is by far the highest quality provider on our list, and I was impressed by their letter and quote. The bar to entry is also high; $750 a month and 10U to utilize. On the other hand it is tempting; PLENTY of room for growth probably for years to come, a first-class network (450 direct tier one peers, 1-ms maximum intercity latency, 4-ms maximum intercity latency delivery to any tier one peer). We would NOT be having the kind of network issues we were plagued with in the past with Interserver. It is definitely a good value, but it an awfully big step up from where we are now--we don't want to waste member resources if the cabinet went vastly underutilized for long periods of time; we would need a major membership drive or some really big clients. Another advantage is the datacenter is in Manhattan and provides secure unescorted access. I could personally be there to fix, install, or upgrade shit from my house within an hour. Of course if we are thinking beyond two years we can't just count on me, since who knows what I will be doing then, and of course on-site response can't be replaced in a lot of situations, but having an alternative to a $150/hour remote hands fee for most situations would be nice. NathanKennedy

1.5. Switch and Data

Switch and Data has contacted us, will post information soon.

1.6. Simpli.biz

Didn't receive reply to first email sent on 4/8/2006 to sales@simpli.biz, sent second email on 4/17/2006 with our form quote request.