Web Hosting Reviews & Ratings

November 26, 2008

Choosing a Dedicated Host

The more popular your site becomes, the more resources your business demands.  Many people make their way on the web with a shared hosting account.  After exceeding their monthly resources they come to find out that the environment is no longer suited for their needs.  For the webmaster who runs a high traffic site or simply desires more flexibility, a dedicated server is the answer.

Unlike a shared server which could store hundreds of sites on a single machine, a dedicated server is made exclusive to one account.  You're provided with an internet connection of your own, one that isn't bogged down with other users competing for resources.  This means that your pages will open at lightning speed when visitors stop by, a great asset to the webmaster who experiences a lot of traffic.

One of the biggest advantages to dedicated server hosting is customization.  Since you are leasing the entire machine, you essentially have the power to incorporate various components to make the server more secure and efficient.  Not only can you make the choice of a Windows or Linux operating system, you also get the final say on memory and the size of your hard disk drive.  In the end, a dedicated server can be as powerful as you make it.

Available Options

Dedicated server hosting generally falls in two categories: managed and unmanaged.  A managed service is operated and maintained by a host while you simply provide them with the data.  This reduces a lot of the technical details that most average users are lacking.  A reliable managed host will provide tight security in the way of monitoring and redundant systems along with quality technical support.  The unmanaged solution is the most common situation.  In this scenario, you operate and maintain the server while the host provides you with physical security, bandwidth and connectivity.  Most of the time, the company will offer some form of assistance, although it may come for an additional price.

Accessing Your Needs

When it becomes clear that you need a dedicated server, there are a few important issues that need to be addressed before deciding on a provider.  For instance, you should have an idea of how much space your business needs to grow.  While a dedicated server is more flexible, it is a computer, and every computer has its limitations.  This is why you need to carefully think about your options in regard to bandwidth, disk storage and RAM.

Next, you should find out the level of customization a particular host allows.  For instance, some offer predetermined packages and give you a few choices.  Others offer full customization and give you complete control over your operation.  The best solution for you all depends on the needs of your site.

Lastly, you need to know that the host offers some form of reliable customer service.  Technical support is a very critical aspect of hosting, one that should even be provided by the unmanaged host.  This will come in handy if you need assistance setting up the server, helping to ensure that the operation flows seamlessly when incorporating the essentials for your business.

Tags: dedicated server,  dedicated hosting,  windows,  unmanaged,  Shared Hosting,  managed,  linux