What is Dedicated Hosting?

Dedicated hosting refers to a single web server allocated to the needs of a single customer or business. You lease the server from the hosting provider and it generally comes with related network monitoring, internet connectivity and routing equipment.

Unlike shared hosting, you have all access to all the resources of a typical hosting environment such as computing power, memory, disk space, bandwidth and other vital resources, resulting in a much better performance.

Dedicated servers are most commonly used by those who have outgrown the shared hosting environment. With a dedicated server you have complete administrative control via software that allows you to remotely manage the server, which is actively maintained in the hosting provider’s data center.

Perhaps the greatest advantage of a dedicated server is the administrative authority it provides. In most cases, you have the option to install the software programs of your choice. This ranges from operating system and control panel to programming languages and security applications. And since you do not have to share the server with other customers, you can effectively plan for upgrades and traffic spikes as you see fit.

Virtual Private Servers (VPS) and Co-location

Virtual private server hosting is also known as semi or virtual dedicated server hosting. A single server is partitioned into multiple virtual machines each with their operating system and allocated processing power, bandwidth, control panel and memory. You get root access which allows you to install any software that you want and they can also be independently rebooted much like a dedicated server. VPS is suitable for you if you have a small budget but have requirements that exceed what shared hosting can provide.

Co-location is when you place your server in high quality hosting facilities with excellent network connectivity. It is much like dedicated hosting except that you do not lease their server but buy your own.

Dedicated Servers: Managed and Unmanaged Hosting

Dedicated hosting can come with managed or unmanaged option.

Managed hosting is a solution where the server is often actively monitored and maintained by the service provider. You lease the server and receive features such as software patches and updates, security measures, hardware replacements, internet connectivity and end-to-end network management. With managed hosting you leave all the software, hardware and other technical aspects in the hands of the service provider. This is a popular option for customers with little to no server administration skills or those who do not have the time to keep a dedicated server up and running efficiently.

Unmanaged hosting is a solution where the bulk of server management falls on your shoulders. You do not need to physically maintain the hardware but almost everything else such as software updates, apply system patches and fixes, boot and shut down the server, backups, install and configure web services, administer database applications, implement adequate security mechanisms and much more are your responsibility.

While unmanaged hosting leaves you to deal with the burden of day to day maintenance and operation, you are not totally alone. The hosting provider monitors the network, physically maintains and repairs the hardware, provides connectivity and troubleshoots network issues. In addition, many hosts offer semi-managed services such as software upgrades and database administration.

As a rule, unmanaged hosting is recommended for customers with the experience, resources and time needed to keep a dedicated server running efficiently.

Do You Need a Dedicated Server?

You should carefully consider whether or not your needs warrant the use of an entire server. If you have yet to surpass the capacity of a shared hosting platform, moving up to a dedicated server could result in a responsibility you are not equipped to handle.

Leasing a dedicated server is also considerably more expensive than renting space on a shared server. It also requires more skill and time to manage especially if you opt for the unmanaged option.

Factors to Consider when Choosing Dedicated Hosting

Before leasing a dedicated web server there are a number of factors that you should consider.

Number one of the list is the server hardware. Servers come in various configurations and you should make sure that you get one with the right a mount of computing power, disk space and memory.

Second is network connectivity. A dedicated server comes with a dedicated connect to the internet. Check the speed of the line and whether it comes with redundant connection connections. You may also wish to find out who the backbone providers are as they will tell you a lot about the performance and reliability.

Third is the bandwidth that is allocated. Most companies impose a monthly limit. Some do not. When choosing a dedicated hosting solution, it is a good idea to find out if “unlimited” bandwidth really means unlimited! If not find out how you can obtain more when as your needs increases.

Fourth is the number of IP’s allotted. A dedicated server usually guarantees you at least one unique IP address. However, there may be instances in which you require more. Find out how many IP’s are provided or can be obtain as an option. It is not uncommon to require a few IP’s for each website, for example every SSL certificate requires its own IP address in order to be installed on the server.

Fifth is data backup and restoration. Most hosting providers provide back up and restore services. However you should also perform back ups as data can be loss due to failures, theft, sabotage or natural disaster. A combination of effort on both sides would be the ideal solution

Sixth is technical support. Find out how much of technical support is provided whether that is sufficient for you before entering a contract with the service provider. Make sure you get 24 hours a day and 7 days a week support through phone and email. Since you do not have physical access to the hardware and network, you simply cannot succeed without quality technical support for your dedicated server.

Seventh is server uptime and network reliability. Dedicated web hosts generally offer a 99.5% to 100% uptime guarantee, but it is your responsibility to investigate this matter and determine how it works. Dig in to find the uptime of the network and the actual server and what is guaranteed. Find out how you will be compensated if this guarantee is not upheld?


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