Dedicated server - Its pros and cons
As a new business owner, you probably opted for shared hosting when launching your website. It is a cheap option which is needful when beginning your business. As your website grows, you will experience increased traffic. Shared hosting may lack the resources required to run your website.
What is a dedicated server?
Dedicated hosting is where your business website has its server to meet its resources. Though offered at a higher cost, dedicated servers can cope with system crashes, unexpected power loss, traffic surges, and unexpected security breaches. Site ground is an example of a web host that uses dedicated servers. While the levels of management vary depending on an organization, the most web host will provide the software you require as well as the preinstalled operating system. Multiple devices will be used with separate back-end balances, and load balancers in operations are more demanding.
The dedicated server has been recognized for excellence in
Where will I get dedicated hosting?
The most popular hosting companies offer different plans on a spectrum of price and complexity. Some of the major hosting companies are
Some of the major hosting companies are
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Bluehost
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A2 Hosting
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Oxtrys
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Site ground
Pros of a dedicated server
No shared resources
When you choose a dedicated server, the resources are dedicated to your website. Other websites cannot clog your servers’ CPU or RAM. You do not have to be concerned about bad scripts running on another website. A spike in bandwidth usage will not slow down your servers.
Enhanced performance reliability
A dedicated server guarantees you maximum uptime for your website. When compared to shared hosting, the server uptime is considered higher than 99.99%, with traffic fluctuations having minimal or no significant impact on your website. Dedicated servers are more stable and reliable.
Security
Security is the topmost concern of every business owner and cannot be compromised. A dedicated server does not receive any security threats from neighboring sites. You do not share space with potential spammers or malicious sites. Dedicated hosting allows website enhanced security, especially for companies handling sensitive transactions over SSL or FTP. It is your responsibility to install the security software when using a dedicated server.
Flexibility and scalability
A dedicated server allows the website owner the flexibility to customize the server to meet their own unique needs such as RAM, CPU, software and disk space. Businesses can choose the software and platform they require, giving them more control over the dedicated server they would like configured.
Cost-cutting
With a managed dedicated server, you avoid the following costs
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Infrastructure set up cost
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Staff costs involved in hiring an IT team to resolve technical issues
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Recovery plans in case of a disaster
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Regular updating and maintaining of a server
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Business needs evaluation
The dedicated hosting providers are in charge of building and maintaining server equipment. This leads to a reduction in overhead costs required in purchasing server space, increasing their return on investment.
Dedicated support
If you are using a dedicated server, customer support is available round the clock. As a business owner, you are spending a lot by having a dedicated server, and it is crucial that it is running all the time.
Unique IP address
Dedicated servers have unique IP addresses. This is very crucial if you are running an eCommerce site that processes financial transactions through SSL. With shared hosting, websites share an IP address and run the risk of your website ranking lower.
Services
Dedicated servers offer the following services
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Timely upgrades
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Load balancing
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Regular data backups
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Disaster recovery
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24/7 customer support
Stronger bandwidth
With dedicated servers, all processing power and bandwidth is dedicated to one website. Other websites generating more traffic will not impact the performance of your website.
Increased site speed
Increased site speeds yield more benefits, such as
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Improved SEO: A faster website often shows up first on google search results
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More sales: Customers buy more from a site they can quickly navigate. 46% of people abandon their shopping carts in stores that have a slow website.
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More page views: Delayed website response time results in 11% fewer page views and a reduction in customer satisfaction by 16%.
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Improved conversion: Slow websites reduce conversion by 7%
Customization possibilities
Dedicated servers allow you to configure your websites to include content management systems such as WordPress, Magento for e-commerce or Drupal. You can update your website if it outgrows its current home. You do not have to worry about paying for softwares, upgrades or server equipment.
Technical knowledge
In order to manage your website and establish the server to host your website, you require extensive networking skills and knowledge. Dedicated servers require technical knowledge to set up, run, install, manage and administer the server. You need to be familiar with the following server mechanism, MX records, IP routing, among others.
Cost
Dedicated servers are more expensive as compared to other hosting options. Dedicated host providers charge a hefty monthly fee for the hardware on which the server resides as well as the hosting services. Setting up and repairing a dedicated server requires huge financial implications.
Not your property
The dedicated server is owned by the hosting company. You only own the data but not the server.
Safety
With dedicated servers, it is your responsibility to secure your server. You are required to install essential security features such as antivirus and firewalls.
Usability
Dedicated servers require experience in order to use. You are required to monitor and maintain the server to ensure reliability.
Here are the factors to consider when choosing a dedicated server
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Server stability: This is a measure of accessibility, usability and performance
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Security: Choose a server that will keep you 100% safe from hackers.
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Customization: Consider asking the host provider if they offer Linux Dedicated Server and Windows Dedicated Server option. What hardware options are on offer?
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Customer support: Choose a dedicated server where the host providers have a shorter response time.