Are You Ready for Dedicated?

Dedicated Server Hosting

A dedicated server is a server made available only for a single client from a host. The client leases an entire server, not shared with anyone! This is so much more flexible than Shared Hosting as the client has the choice of the OS and the hardware (CPU, RAM, etc.) Not to mention, full control over their server including the ability to manage not only the files on that server, but also all apps AND their configurations. The server can be managed via the Internet or by the host as the hosting company provides administration as an add-on service. Dedicated server hosting is intended for websites and web apps which generate big hardware loads and is ideal for websites that generate thousands of visitors a day.

A dedicated server includes an operating system (mostly some variants of Linux or Windows), a web server, related software (SQL server, CPanel and much more) and connection to the Internet. They are most often housed in data centers and in certain cases can offer less overhead and a larger ROI.

Operating Systems

The client is free to choose the operating system for their dedicated server, including Linux distros free open source like Ubuntu or commercial ones, Windows Server for example. Open source Linux are offered by the hosting company at no charge. Ubuntu, Fedora, Debian, Open Suse, CentOs (the free open Redhat distribution).

Windows Server is provided as a special program called Microsoft SPLA (Service Provider License Agreement). It is a pay-as-you go subscription to service providers who offer SaaS (Software as a Service) and it includes Windows Operating System, Microsoft Exchange Server, Microsoft SQL Server, Microsoft SharePoint and more.

Managed Hosting

With this hosting option, the hosting company is responsible for a clients’ servers, often supplying and managing not only the hardware but the software as well. The user gets his/her own Web server but is NOT allowed full control over it. However, they are allowed to manage their data via FTP or other remote management tools. The user typically does not own the server as it is leased to the client. The hosting company manages the server administration for you.

Managed Hosting is a service that any reliable dedicated hosting provider should offer. Typically, there will be various levels of managed hosting solutions available at varying costs. Depending on your level of knowledge with dedicated servers, you may want to add the cheaper option or go with the more expensive one. Knowing exactly what managing a dedicated server involves, will help you to understand if it is something you will need to include in your dedicated server purchase.

Dedicated Server Management

For a more intense managed hosting solution, clients should get the following for their dedicated server:

Free setup of APF Firewall

Free Root Kit Check on your server or servers

Unlimited rebooting instances for your server

Operating system and application updates, installation and configuration

Server and application monitoring: Apache, MySql, FTP, Email, SSH, Load balancing

Antivirus updates, security audits, DDoS protection, intrusion detection

Environment security

User management

Programming consultation

Disaster recovery

Self-Managed Hosting

A self-managed dedicated server hosting plan allows you to take over the reins that are maintenance and installation. For that matter, anything associated with running your own dedicated web hosting server. You will have to pay for even the most basic Managed Hosting options, so if it isn’t your will to spend the extra money every month, you can manage the server internally yourself. However, be careful with a self-managed fix. This approach is definitely best left to the technically savvy who have probably managed their own dedicated server in the past. With self-managed hosting, you have complete SSH/root access to your dedicated server to install anything you’d like. Setting up and maintaining your dedicated server is not an easy task. But why do I think that tech guy/gal has a big grin on their face right about now?

Unmanaged Dedicated

Little to no involvement from service provider. Customers provide all maintenance, upgrades, patches, and security. With unmanaged hosting you have the freedom and capacity to host many more visitors with higher bandwidth and storage capacity.

What Can You Host?

Web Hosting Servers

High Quality Radio Servers (ShoutCast Servers)

Game Servers

Adult/XXX Content Servers

Personal Unix/Linux/Windows Server

Considerations

While a dedicated server can bring many benefits to your business, this hosting option is not for everyone. First and foremost, you should carefully weigh whether or not your needs even warrant the use of an entire server. Another consideration is price. Simply put, leasing a dedicated server is more expensive than renting space on a shared one. If you do decide to host your site on a dedicated server, you need to prepare yourself for a whole different level of involvement. Unlike a shared environment, where the hosting company takes care of all the management tasks, you are pretty much on your own and must take responsibility for the day to day operation of your site.

Pamela A. Langhart makes her home in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Writing since the age of 11, she also enjoys a career in Internet Marketing.

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