Web Hosting Reviews & Ratings

April 15, 2010

Top Five Shortcomings of a Dedicated Server

Dedicated servers are the crme of the crop method for web hosting. They offer many benefits their customers. Despite all the constant monitoring, full customization and dedicated connection, there are few shortcomings that consumers should be aware of before switching.

These five disadvantages include:

• Exorbitant cost
• Difficult for those not technically savvy
• Lack of scripts and features
• No physical access to the server
• Allowance of specific types of content

Cost - The Largest Road Block

The biggest and most obvious drawback is the cost. Unlike a shared server, only one company or individual is using it so the cost is not split between all users. Usually the cost is so tremendous, smaller start-up companies cannot afford to implement a dedicated server. Additionally, there are usually hefty monthly fees as the user isn’t just paying for the hosting, but also the hardware at the site.

Another disadvantage is that dedicated servers can be difficult to update and maintain for those that are not technically savvy. In most cases, the web hosting provider offers less customer support to the dedicated servers than it would to shared services. The lack of support can be frustrating at times especially to those that are newcomers.

A Customized Experience is Required

The next drawback is the lack of scripts and other features that are usually included in shared hosting. Most web hosting providers offer these applications as part of shared hosting packages to entice new customers. This is due to the fact that most dedicated hosting customers require a more customized experience than the average shared hosting user.

An additional downside to using a dedicated server is not having physical access to the server. Since the web hosting provider maintains, protects and backups the server, they usually do not allow unauthorized individuals into the server rooms. At an office, information technology employees have easy access to upgrade and maintain the hardware and software.

Additional Limitations

The final limitation is the allowance of specific types of content. For instance, IRC bots, clients or daemons are generally not allowed on a dedicated server. Also, adult content is usually filtered due to legal issues and also the amount of bandwidth it eats up. Additionally copyrighted material violates the terms of service for the same aforementioned reasons.

The few disadvantages of utilizing a dedicated server to run a network are small compared to the numerous benefits. Smaller companies will have difficulty using a dedicated server as they’re built more for mid-to-large businesses. Those that have the desire to switch should be in for a bit of sticker shock as dedicated servers do not run cheap.

Tags: dedicated connection,  daemons,  clients,  dedicated server,  RC bots