Do I Need A Dedicated Server?
General Introduction to Dedicated Servers:
A dedicated server is a single computer on a
web hosting network that is leased or rented, and dedicated to just one customer. A service provider monitors the computer’s hardware, network connectivity, and routing equipment, while the customer generally controls and maintains the server software.
Dedicated servers are usually used for websites who have outgrown their standard hosting account and require something more powerful, they are also used by larger companies that require
separate servers for mail, web, and database servers. Web hosting companies may have their sites spread of one or several servers. Dedicated servers are housed in data centers, where service providers can monitor them close-up and have hands-on access to them.
The primary advantage of using a dedicated server over a typical shared hosting account is the sheer amount of resources and control available to you, the customer. In many cases, the client is at liberty to install whatever software they desire, giving them greater flexibility and administrative options. Custom software can be installed whenever required, and also leaves less chance for a hacking attempt because only one site is being hosted and not several hundred, hence providing less targets. Dedicated server clients do not share resources, as those with shared hosting plans do; but rather, are at liberty to use all the resources available to them.
Based on our research, we have come to the conclusion that Godaddy is one
of the best providers of both
dedicated server and web hosting options. What sets Godaddy
apart from other services is the price and the reliability. Godaddy is
a well established company and most of us are aware of their name especially
from those superbowl commmercials.
Dedicated Server Advantages:
Performance - on your own server, you can be confident that no "neighbor" will affect your site's performance by consuming large amounts of bandwidth or server resources.
Reliability - reliability problems like downtime and frequent reboots are often caused by rogue scripts; on your own server, you'll have control over the software and won't be taken down by someone else's poor code.
Control - often, site owners want to control server functions to achieve particular search engine optimization objectives. Redirection, URL rewriting, etc. are sometimes more difficult to accomplish in a shared arrangement. A dedicated server lets one configure all server settings as desired.
Multi-site capacity - if you have several sites you need to host, you may be able to combine them on your dedicated server while still maintaining excellent performance.
Dedicated Server Disadvantages:
High Cost - the capacity and control of a dedicated server comes at a price. Nevertheless, many web hosts offer economical dedicated options on smaller or older servers.
Less Management - Athough it isn't always the case, usually dedicated servers offer less management and support from the web host. (This varies greatly by hosting company!). This means that the site owner will be responsible for more aspects of administering the server and will probably have to have at least limited admin skills for Linux servers or Windows servers.
Fewer Free Features - Since dedicated servers are geared toward more experienced site owners, the web host is less likely to preinstall helpful scripts like forms, shopping cards, discussion forums, etc. (Most of these functions are available at little or no cost from open source or commercial software sites, but the site owner will have to install them.)
The decision on when to upgrade to having your own dedicated web server all depends on your budget along with the type of site you have. Dedicated Servers can be expensive for some pockets, but if you are running a business oriented site which receives quite a bit of queries it maybe time for you to make the switch from shared hosting to dedicated hosting. Some factors to consider are below:
1. Bandwidth Transfer
How much bandwidth is your site transferring on a daily basis? That should be one of the main factors contributing to your decision on upgrading to having your own web server. For instance if your site is transferring over 1 GIG of traffic a day or more, then you should upgrade to a web server for the sole purpose of having all the server's resources and bandwidth for your one site. This will definitely be a major plus when you begin to receive an increase in traffic. Rather than sharing traffic and having limitations on a
web hosting plan, you'll be able to ensure that all the bandwidth allocated to the server is going towards *your* sites only.
2. Web Space
With shared hosting you may have a plan that offers 500 MB of web space, but with a server you can have all 20 GIGS or more available to host your site or any other sites you are planning on developing in the near future. This is more than enough space to host your sites. Very effective if you are planning on developing an entire network of sites.
3. Software
Most companies are not going to allow custom installation of dll's and com objects on a shared hosting environment. If you have reached the point where it would be beneficial to have a dll installation or com object then you should get make the desision to lease a server that would allow you to install the dll's and com objects and any other software you need. Another postive is that you'll be able to handle the security updates, ensure patches are installed, firewalls, etc yourself. This way you won't have to rely or "hope" that your host actually has the servers up to date. By having your own dedicated server, you can make any updates or upgrades on your own, since you will have total access to manage the server.
4. Future Sites
If you are going to be building a network of sites, it maybe more feasible to have a virtual server where you can continue to add your network of sites without having to contact the host OR order a new hosing plan. This would also allow you the feature to even host a few paid sites if you wish to earn back some of the investment you pay monthly for leasing the server. Another option is to open your own
web hosting business reselling the space on your server as hosting accounts. There are quite a few hosts offering
web hosting on their web servers.
5. Pricing
Can I afford this? It all depends on your budget, and how big of an upgrade it would be from your current hosting plan. There are a few companies who offer budget rentals. For instance some companies start their servers prices at $99/month and you have full access to the server to add as many websites as you wish and add whatever software you require, along with full root access. A few companies are Rackshack.net, Eservers.biz, Cyberworldservers.com.
Those are just some of the factors to consider when deciding if upgrading to your own server is for you. In most cases if you need flexibility, have technical knowledge and do no want to be waiting on your web host to do support requests then by all means upgrade. It's a perfect choice for anyone who will be running multiple websites.
It would be in your best interest when choosing a web server to look into the sites listed on our home page. The companies listed are offering web servers at affordable prices. You can do speed tests to check for the speed or communication between the server our site is hosted to their own servers. This is not a true indication of download speed, but only the speed of communication between the the two servers, ours and theirs.
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