If you are reading this article, you are probably looking into website hosting. You are probably weighing the options of whether to do shared hosting or dedicated server. Well, this piece may just narrow down your choices. Whether you have a product or service to sell or an idea to blog about, let’s face it, you need a website of your own. If you expect your website to support multiple online services such as filling out forms and exchanging reports or serious video, photo and audio downloads or have heavy traffic from forums or online classes or you just expect heavy data management; then read on, you may need dedicated hosting.
This is more flexible than shared hosting since an organization or the website owner will have full control over the server(s). Having full control means being able to manage the choice of operating system, hardware, etc. Outsourcing this service from providers can mean less overhead and therefore have a larger return on investment. The server hardware is owned by these providers and often housed in data centers that provide redundant power sources and HVAC systems. They are staffed with highly competent technicians and update their software frequently.
You will be in control of the reigns when you have your dedicated servers. However, you need advanced skills and knowledge in server administrations. Or you can just employ a professional who can manage it for you (even that you can outsource). What does being in control of this hardware mean to you? It means you have control over the operating system and root access to the server. You can install and configure any software you like. You can have data management flexibility both online and offline.
This industry has not gone to the extent of being regulated by a government or a standardization agency. Terms may have been standardized but they have been subject o different interpretations by these hosting providers. Take “fully managed” for example. It can be defined as having a control panel that is web based. Others interpret it has having dedicated systems engineers, who are available to handle all server and network related operations. The following are the various supports you may receive from these hosting providers: fully managed, managed, self-managed or unmanaged. These providers maintain security on the network regardless of the support levels you get.
From the thousands of hosting providers available, ensure yourself the following minimum requirements: full root-level access, the highest uptime, your choice of operating system and control panels, 24/7 customer support at the least cost possible. To top it off, you must be assured that your data is safe. These providers ensure safety by constantly doing systems scans so that the network is free of viruses, worms and crashers. Remember that some providers have data restrictions as well, like no adult content or copyright infringement.
With the profitability of having your dedicated servers outsourced, hosting providers claim that they are the best. But no one can really say for sure because the industry is not even regulated. As their client, only you can judge for yourself. Dedicated hosting is not for everyone since it required advance server and network administration knowledge. Do your homework first before subscribing to one.
