Dedicated servers Tips
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Dedicated Server Web Hosting
There are several types of web hosting and it is important to differentiate between them. Dedicated server web hosting means you have a server connected to the Internet with a permanent connection for your use and only your use. This means you own the machine but have a hosting company maintain the server for you. Make sure when you find dedicated server web hosting that the provider offers full customer service, maintenance and 24x7 monitoring of your server.
Benefits of Dedicated Web Hosting
Speed and flexibility are two of the top benefits for dedicated web hosting. Imagine having a powerful machine all to yourself – no shared resources. If you have a large site, steaming media, large database applications or need for higher speed, flexibility, reliability and security, then you should consider dedicated web hosting as an option. If you have a large number of domains or websites, the cost per website goes down dramatically when using dedicated web hosting. You have complete control over all the sites you host on your server. You'll have greater flexibility in adding POP3 accounts and FTP accounts at no extra cost. If you have high traffic levels (over 100,000 hits per day), your performance will improve drastically with a dedicated server vs. sharing resources with other high traffic sites.
The Advantages of a Dedicated Server Colocation
Using dedicated server colocation affords you the following advantages:
- Extensive flexibility of hardware /software configuration.
- Ability to take advantage of full use of a dedicated IP address.
- Allows complete control over the software/hardware of your server.
- Housed in completely safe storage facilities.
Top Two Reasons to Have Dedicated Server Hosting
There are two man reasons why having dedicated server hosting would be ideal for a Website:
The first reason is that dedicated servers come with a complete shell access that can be used to configure the server and provide excellent Web services for your site. If your site has or is expected to have a lot of online business, then dedicated server hosting is likely going to be the best hosting arrangement for you.
The second reason is that, with dedicated server hosting, e-commerce transactions can be offered securely using SSL certification, which is required for accepting credit cards. If your site is expected to have a large number of online financial transactions, then, its best that there be a provision for dedicated server hosting. That way, your site will have all the technical resources dedicated to it alone.
When Dedicated Server Hosting is Needed
Dedicated server hosting is an expensive option, as the entire server is used to host one site only, and dedicated server hosting packages come at a hefty price. However, there are two main situations where dedicated server hosting would be a great option:
- If the site is expected to have heavy traffic.
- Dedicated servers can host multiple sites.
- If the site is expected to host critical applications.
Dedicated server hosting is used when the complete array of resources, like CPU and memory, are required by the Web site itself. Large firms often go for dedicated server hosting, since the investment is less than the overall returns.
Why Use a Dedicated Web Server
A dedicated web server will give you increased flexibility, speed, control, site traffic, space and the ability to upgrade. A dedicated web service provider should offer 24x7 monitoring, maintenance of your server, notifications if your server goes offline and rebooting your machine if necessary. If your site is large, needs custom applications to run on it, has specific security needs, or is needed for a company intranet, you should consider using a dedicated web server.
The Details of Dedicated/Managed Server Hosting
If you are keen on having a dedicated IP address, you should consider getting a dedicated server, as well, although it is possible to have a dedicated IP address on a non-dedicated server. Dedicated server hosting means renting an entire Web server from a dedicated Web hosting provider. The good thing is that, with some providers, you will receive high capacity hard disk storage and thorough technical support. However, be careful. Unmanaged servers may offer only limited technical support and assistance.
A dedicated server hosting option allows anybody to host a large website with a dedicated IP address, without the hassles of employing a server maintenance staff. Furthermore, upgrading your dedicated server hosting is quite fast, usually within 24 hours of placing a work order.
These are just a few of the many reasons why many companies and individuals alike, rely on dedicated server hosting for their large-scale Website. As your business grows, you may want to look into this option a little further.
Managed Linux Server: A Cheaper Way to Dedicated Server Hosting
If you are good at server management and know what all is required manage your own server, then dedicated server hosting makes lot of sense for your Website. A cheaper way to obtain dedicated server hosting is by looking into a dedicated Linux server.
Many people who have a need for dedicated server hosting look into this option first because it is more cost effective. The cost of any dedicated server hosting is high to begin with, however, choosing a dedicated Linux server helps to offset higher price incurred for the use of a dedicated IP address.
Who Needs Dedicated Servers?
If you have sensitive or proprietary material on your website want an intranet or secure site, you should consider using dedicated servers. Dedicated servers are ideal for hosting resellers, web developers, site flexibility, better reliability, security, faster speeds and more. Dedicated servers also work well for online gaming, streaming media, chat applications and sites which need the full capacity of the server to function at peak performance. Companies who have inexperienced server administrators should consider a dedicated server hosting service who will provide all of the maintenance and repair necessary for your server.
Dedicated Mail Server and Dedicated Servers
Dedicated servers are servers that are dedicated to just one purpose and one company, individual, or purpose. Dedicated servers could be compared to a faithful spouse. Having dedicated servers gives full control over the operating system and hardware. The hardware for dedicated servers is owned by the internet provider and they may provide support or other upkeep and thus can reduce overhead costs and increase profit.
A dedicated mail server is a server dedicated to the purpose of sending and receiving email. Having a dedicated mail server is often an absolute necessity for large organizations that must send out or receive huge amounts of email. Without a dedicated mail server large amounts of email can be sent but the process is slowed because of spamming restrictions and often because of bandwidth restrictions. Both Windows Server OS and Windows Exchange Server software are required to be installed on the server and must be purchased, or Linux can be used. If the Novell version of Linux is used, it is compatible with other operating systems and email software. The Windows software is quite expensive while the Linux software is cheaper but more stable and has a huge learning curve. If you are quite Linux savvy you may simply download a free open source version.
Utilizing a Dedicated Web Server
After a few years of having a web site and learning the ropes of the internet business world, getting a dedicated web server for the business is a good idea. When the bandwidth use starts to exceed the amount allowed by the hosting service provider plan now being used, the cost will go up. At some point, it is wise to have a dedicated server to provide faster downloads and more control over the server.
When downloads of music, video or larger file pictures become an issue for the company, getting it done faster and with more control is the path to take. The shared servers were fine for the smaller operations needed to get the business started, but now that those days are gone, more is required.
A shared server will provide the requested web pages as they come in. This may cause some congestion and slow down web site downloads, and music or video downloads. When the server is dedicated to only one company, it is waiting to serve only the web pages or downloads relevant to that company. Welcome to the world of the big boys.
The Details of Dedicated/Managed Server Hosting
There are many questions to ask when looking for managed server hosting. Make sure you determine if your hosting provider offers managed dedicated servers or non-managed dedicated servers. Some companies try to pass off their services as managed when in reality they do not provide the support, maintenance or trained staff to manage your server. You should also find out the guaranteed uptime of your server, if the dedicated server hosting provider offers free repair and maintenance on your hardware, if you will have tools to monitor your web site performance and if they monitor your server 24x7 for any problems.
The Advantages of a Dedicated Server Colocation
Although dedicated server colocation has several advantages, it also has a major drawback. The costs for dedicated server colocation are much higher than renting a dedicated server from a hosting company. With this option, you have to pay for the physical space that the dedicated server colocation takes up, as well as the cost of the server itself. This should be a major consideration if a dedicated server colocation is not absolutely vital to your business.
Managed Linux Server: A Cheaper Way to Dedicated Server Hosting
A managed Linux server is also great for people who wish to host game servers (as many games function better on a dedicated Linux server) and they are preferred for open source developments (such as PHP and Ruby on Rails) because this type of software can be implemented quite well on a managed Linux server. If you need a dedicated/managed hosting server for your Website, chance are that a dedicated Linux server will be your best option and save you a substantial amount of money over time.
When Dedicated Server Hosting is Needed
However, if you're a smaller operation looking for cheap dedicated servers, you can search online and locate a variety of companies offering cheap dedicated servers, like Hosting.com. Prices usually start around $100 for cheap dedicated servers.
Dedicated Hosting Solutions May Save You Money Over the Long Term
If you are currently running your website with a shared hosting plan, you may be better served by a dedicated hosting solution if you are experiencing a sudden rise in site traffic. In many cases, shared hosting companies will have set limits on how much disk space and bandwidth you can use every month. They will charge extra fees if you go over these limits. Bandwidth spike fees and disk space allotment overages can easily add up to an extra $10,000 a year if you're not careful.
If you aren't sure whether you need a dedicated hosting solution, take some time to consider how much you're paying for your current hosting plan, plus overages. In most cases, it will be more expensive than a dedicated hosting plan that offers higher limits and better service. Don't get stuck paying extra fees when you could be saving money over the long-term.
Dedicated Hosting Solutions May Save You Money Over the Long Term
If you are currently running your website with a shared hosting plan, you may be better served by a dedicated hosting solution if you are experiencing a sudden rise in site traffic. In many cases, shared hosting companies will have set limits on how much disk space and bandwidth you can use every month. They will charge extra fees if you go over these limits. Bandwidth spike fees and disk space allotment overages can easily add up to an extra $10,000 a year if you're not careful.
If you aren't sure whether you need a dedicated hosting solution, take some time to consider how much you're paying for your current hosting plan, plus overages. In most cases, it will be more expensive than a dedicated hosting plan that offers higher limits and better service. Don't get stuck paying extra fees when you could be saving money over the long-term.
Dedicated Server Web Hosting vs. Dedicated Server Colocation
Although dedicated server Web hosting and dedicated server colocation can both be used for hosting a site with your own dedicated IP address, they are still two different things.
- With dedicated server Web hosting, you have remote access to the server you are renting.
- With dedicated server colocation you actually have physical access to your own server.
- With dedicated server Web hosting, the hosting company provides full support, as well as the Internet connection, etc.
- With dedicated server colocation, the hosting company provides only an Internet connection to the server.
The costs of both differ widely and a dedicated server colocation may cost you around $800 per month for a full rack, while dedicated server Web hosting will be available for much less.
When Should a Business Upgrade to Dedicated Server Hosting?
Your Website traffic can give you vital statistics that will let you know when it is time to upgrade to dedicated server hosting. Clear indications that this time had come include:
- Sharp Website traffic increases.
- When your Website begins to lag while loading.
The great thing about this option is that, since dedicated server hosting comes with server administration facilities, you can configure the server for your individual needs and optimize your Website's server usage. Having this privilege will allow you to allot more space and bandwidth to each area of your Website as needed.
Finding a Cheap Dedicated Server
A cheap dedicated server is not easily available, as the maintenance cost of a dedicated server is quite high. There are two ways to receive cheap dedicated server hosting:
- By using a virtual dedicated implementation that shares a box with other, but provides dedicated resources, too.
- By acquiring a very small dedicated server. There are many Web hosting companies that offer such packages for as low as $79 a month.
This type of cheap dedicated server hosting and is best for clients who are on a small budget or are just starting out.
What is a Dedicated Server?
A dedicated server is a type of Internet hosting where you can lease an entire server. This server is not shared with anyone and will host only your Website(s). In this kind of arrangement, you have full control over the choice of operating system, hardware, etc. The dedicated server administration can either be done by you or can be provided by the hosting company.
The most important benefit of a dedicated server is that it offers a dedicated IP address. With a dedicated IP address, whenever the numerical IP value is input in the address bar of an internet browser, it will always be directed to your site. A dedicated server with a dedicated IP also allows for safer search engine optimization, proper implementation of eCommerce, and anonymous FTP facility.
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