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Dedicated Server Reviews
What is a Dedicated Server?
A dedicated server is a single web server within a network of computers, dedicated solely to one customer, most often a large business.
A dedicated server better meets the needs of a large business for several reasons. The client can customize the hardware setup as well as the software to meet exact needs. Data access is faster and high traffic is easily accommodated.
Dedicated servers normally come with good customer service from the web hosting company. The host will work with the client to make sure the dedicated server is meeting all of the needs of the client.
Another advantage of a dedicated server is that the client can easily create several domains on that server. In the case of a company that has multiple divisions or a chain of retail outlets, this becomes much more cost-effective and efficient than each individual division or retail outlet renting host space on a different web server.
For example, lets assume “wiseGEEK Motorcycles Inc.” runs a chain of dealerships. Each dealership could have an individual website under the umbrella of the parent company, all located on the same dedicated server. The sites might look like this:
- www.wiseGEEKmotorcycles.com (The parent company)
- www.wiseGEEKsaleschicago.com (The retail dealership in Chicago)
- www.wiseGEEKsaleslosangeles.com (The retail dealership in Los Angeles)
- www.wiseGEEKsalesmanhattan.com (The retail dealership in Manhattan, etc.)
The advantage of having all of the sites located on the same dedicated server, is that the point of sale software would be customized and uniform. In other words, the dealership in Chicago would be learning and using the same online tools as the dealership in Los Angeles. This greatly simplifies administration and support, making the online component of wiseGEEK Motorcycles very streamlined and cost-efficient. This advantage becomes exponential when considering different divisions of the same company can reside on the same dedicated server.
In the case where a business may want a dedicated server for the benefits of fast access, customer service, and customization, but they don’t require all of the physical space, they can become a web host themselves and sub-lease that extra space to others to set up their own websites and domains.
Another added advantage of a dedicated server is stability. In operating a dedicated server you have much control over what can happen on that server. What scripts can be run, what types of online activities can occur, etc. Conversely when you are one of many businesses on a shared server, your “up-time” can be affected by activities that are beyond your control.
The ability to enhance security is also an advantage for any business residing on a dedicated server.
For all of these reasons and more, dedicated servers provide an excellent option for many larger businesses. Personal websites or very small businesses generally do not require a dedicated server and can save money by leasing space from a standard web host.
Advantages of a Dedicated Server
Going for a dedicated server is something, most people consider only when they have used shared hosting, and their business has grown enough to require one. Dedicated server has numerous benefits over shared hosting although it can be quite expensive, and hence cost is one of the most important factors to be considered before opting for a dedicated server. If your business justifies the cost of having a dedicated server, then it can offer you the following advantages:
Reliability & Freedom: Reliability is one of the most important reasons why people opt for dedicated servers. Freedom is another reason, whereby you can do anything you want, without having to worry about others actions. There are a lot of variable factors, such as, overloads, bad codes, scripts from others users (usually those new to coding) that are beyond your control, when you are on a shared hosting. Having a dedicated server gives you the freedom to control these variable factors. Shared hosting also usually comes with a number of pre-installed scripts and applications, whereas on a dedicated server you decide, what you want and more importantly what you don’t want.
Unlimited Domains : Even though re-seller accounts allow you to have unlimited domains linked to your hosting, it is still shared hosting, which comes with reliability and security concerns. With a dedicated server you can split up your website into as many domains as you want, giving you greater flexibility.
Security : Security is also a major factor that influences many people’s decision to go for a dedicated server. Especially in case of people, who have confidential data on their websites. On a shared web hosting many things on the server are open, and the system administrator usually has access to everything, whereas on a shared web hosting you can set up different security layers as you want, and you are likely to be more concerned about the security, as your own data is at stake.
Managed and Unmanaged Dedicated server :
It is important to differentiate between managed and unmanaged dedicated servers. Before opting for a dedicated server, a very important decision that has to be taken is whether to go for a managed dedicated server or an unmanaged one. Many hosting companies only provide one of these.
With an unmanaged dedicated server, you need to know virtually everything related to managing the server. Alternatively, you can (and most companies do) hire a system administrator. Here you take care of all the configuration and set-up of the server. This gives you much more control than an unmanaged dedicated server, but it is also a lot more work.
In case of a managed dedicated server, you have a lot less to worry, as the hosting company will set-up and configure the server for you. They will also take care of all the problems that arise from time to time. In this case, it is necessary to make sure that the hosting company has a reliable and competent staff for doing this.
