Web Hosting Reviews & Ratings

January 28, 2009

How to Choose the Right Dedicated Server Package

Upon noticing that your files are nearing the monthly disk storage allotment and traffic is testing the bandwidth limitations, it is definitely time to consider a dedicated server.  When you lease an entire server, you will enjoy guaranteed bandwidth and disk storage as well as the luxury to customize the hardware as you wish.  Although you will have to pay more in comparison to shared hosting, the power, flexibility and control you enjoy is well worth the higher price tag.  If you have the knowledge and resources, upgrades can be made in an instant and downtime will be a rare occurrence - that is, if you select the right dedicated server plan.

Dedicated servers are designed for businesses that need to support high volumes of web traffic and mission-critical operations.  If one or more of your sites are large and profitable enough to support the expense of dedicated hosting, then this is the right solution for you.  When evaluating services, an ideal host is one that provides comprehensive tools that allow you to perform on both the front and back-end of the server.  Although most dedicated servers come included with advanced control panel software such as cPanel and WHM, there are other aspects that must be considered as well.

Operating System: While you generally have the choice of what platform you want to run, most dedicated server providers offer packages with systems pre-installed.  The two platforms you will likely encounter are Windows and Linux.  Linux is the ideal system for the technically inclined administer who desires flexibility.  Windows is generally more expensive because of licensing fees but also tends to be easier to use.  Both platforms will perform well in the dedicated server environment but the system for you is the one that provides the highest level of comfort.

Speed: You're moving up to dedicated hosting so there is no need to suffer the sluggish performance that commonly plagues the shared server.  When hunting for a dedicated server, look for a package that offers the RAM, processor speed and bandwidth you need for optimal performance.  Additionally, try to find yourself a host equipped with the technology to re-route web traffic just in case the main source of connectivity fails.

Managed or Unmanaged: In its basic form, a dedicated server typically comes included with the hardware, web server software and an operating system.  This is commonly known as unmanaged hosting.  Apart from disk space, bandwidth and physical security, everything else is on you.  A dedicated server calls for you to deal with a myriad of technical issues and if you are not technically inclined, succeeding at administrative tasks will be almost impossible.  With managed hosting, the provider generally takes care of all the maintenance and makes sure the server stays up and running.  Keep in mind that this option is also more costly.

Track Record: Before hitting that subscribe button, make sure that you are doing business with a reputable company.  Search around for feedback from past customers and get all the insight you can on the provider's overall quality of service.  The last thing you want is to pay a dedicated server price for service that cannot even match up to shared hosting.

Tags: dedicated hosting,  bandwidth limitation,  dedicated server,  linux,  Managed Hosting,  web traffic,  unmanaged hosting,  operating system,  windows