I don’t want to setup an ISP, not exactly. I have a dream to setup a consumer/home/hobbyist colo facility; I’d love to offer nerds like me a place to host their personal projects. Been self hosting in my basement for years and would LOVE such a place, where I could stash my stack in a reliable, performant but reasonably priced space. It doesn’t need the security nor enterprise grade stuff that a typical colo has, could even just be in an office, with lockers or something.
I just have no capital, nor any idea how to get something like this off the ground. Probably would instantly go out of business anyway given energy prices today.
It’s a good idea. Small business loans are a thing, I have no idea how to navigate them though. But I do know they’re sometimes provided by nonprofits and NGO’s. Office space rents haven’t declined yet, but if the market overall takes a downturn, that will probably be some of the first real estate to feel the heat. Lots are sitting empty with the landlord holding out for a higher price they think they can achieve, so maybe look at the price history of some near you. If they’re starting to decline, decent chance they’ll continue. Could even start out in a strip mall, then expand to your dream facility type after getting off the ground. Only thing I’d be real worried about is physical security, in any scenario. People love stealing computers and such. It sucks.
Thank you, I really appreciate the feedback. Honestly, I might look into it a bit more, more likely with your advice. I am mostly worried about customers, so I always kind of figured I’d start tiny, find space for myself and some friends, if there turns out to be interest, I could expand. But I’ve never found enough folks who want something like that…
I should do some actual research and asking around if there’s a market for such a service. Anyone, feel free to tell me what a great or terrible idea it is.
I don’t want to setup an ISP, not exactly. I have a dream to setup a consumer/home/hobbyist colo facility; I’d love to offer nerds like me a place to host their personal projects. Been self hosting in my basement for years and would LOVE such a place, where I could stash my stack in a reliable, performant but reasonably priced space. It doesn’t need the security nor enterprise grade stuff that a typical colo has, could even just be in an office, with lockers or something.
I just have no capital, nor any idea how to get something like this off the ground. Probably would instantly go out of business anyway given energy prices today.
It’s a good idea. Small business loans are a thing, I have no idea how to navigate them though. But I do know they’re sometimes provided by nonprofits and NGO’s. Office space rents haven’t declined yet, but if the market overall takes a downturn, that will probably be some of the first real estate to feel the heat. Lots are sitting empty with the landlord holding out for a higher price they think they can achieve, so maybe look at the price history of some near you. If they’re starting to decline, decent chance they’ll continue. Could even start out in a strip mall, then expand to your dream facility type after getting off the ground. Only thing I’d be real worried about is physical security, in any scenario. People love stealing computers and such. It sucks.
Thank you, I really appreciate the feedback. Honestly, I might look into it a bit more, more likely with your advice. I am mostly worried about customers, so I always kind of figured I’d start tiny, find space for myself and some friends, if there turns out to be interest, I could expand. But I’ve never found enough folks who want something like that…
I should do some actual research and asking around if there’s a market for such a service. Anyone, feel free to tell me what a great or terrible idea it is.