Charles, a regular contributor here, gives us some good reasons for using dedicated hosting.
Anyone looking for a web hosting solution can choose between virtual private hosting (VPS), shared hosting, reseller hosting, cloud hosting and dedicated hosting. So, what exactly is dedicated hosting? This refers to a situation where a site is hosted on its own server. This means that none of its software and hardware is shared with any other site. Dedicated servers are usually suitable for hosting sites which experience high levels of traffic. However, you need to note that the support, flexibility and specifications offered vary from one hosting provider to another. You will therefore need to take time to look around and weigh your options before settling for any package.
Here are some of the advantages of dedicated web hosting:
1. Dedicated resources
The main benefit of dedicated hosting is that you have the server all to yourself, meaning that all the server’s resources are at your disposal. Unlike other hosting packages where the CPU is shared, dedicated servers offer a CPU exclusively for you. If you are running a site which requires high specification hardware or software, you will be able to access it without any interference from other sites. This will ensure that your site remains available at all times. In addition, a dedicated server offers you a large amount of bandwidth and RAM. As a result, you can always upgrade your RAM or bandwidth easily whenever the need arises.
2. Uptime and security
A dedicated server guarantees efficient performance and uptime for sites which experience heavy site activity and high traffic frequently. Dedicated hosting solutions normally offer redundancy options for software and hardware. This ensures that little uptime is lost in event of a server failure. In addition, since your site is hosted exclusively on one server, it is protected from the dangers associated with sharing resources with others. This includes threats from hackers, malware or even contamination from other sites.
3. Privacy
All kinds of hosting solution usually offer some degree of security so as to protect the information contained in your site. However, if you are planning to carry out transactions on your site involving personal or sensitive data, your security can be enhanced by using a dedicated hosting solution. Hosting your site on a separate server offers more security compared to hosting on a shared server.
4. Performance
Unlike in shared hosting where sites compete for resources, a site hosted on a dedicated server has exclusive access to the resources offered by the server. Having access to the entire bandwidth of the server ensures enhanced performance of the site. In addition, the disk space available can accommodate the site’s growth in terms of content.
5. Scalability
Dedicated servers usually make provision for a site to continue running effectively when there is an increase in transactions or traffic. Since your site is hosted exclusively on the server, the hosting provider is able to act fast whenever it is necessary to upgrade resources. For instance, you can upgrade the CPUs or RAM or increase bandwidth without being constrained by other sites on the server.
6. Optimization
Dedicated hosting gives you the freedom to optimize your site by reconfiguring the set up. It allows you to select the preferred software and hardware specifications for operating your site, including the database and operating system. This is contrary to shared hosting where you have to work with a predefined software or hardware package.
Conclusion
When choosing a dedicated hosting service, you need to keep the following things in mind.
- Make sure you have the technical expertise required to administrate the server with ease. Select an operating system which you can use comfortably
- Keep the server secure and up to date so as to ensure hackers and other malicious attackers cannot access it
- Get conversant with the important dedicated server terms. This way, when anything goes wrong with the server, you will know exactly what you need to do
- Make sure your intended use of the dedicated server does not contravene your web host’s acceptance usage policy (AUP). In case you carry out activities which might affect other servers in your network and are not in line with the AUP, the web host is likely to suspend your account as the matter is being resolved
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Charles often writes reviews about offers such as westhost and yahoo web hosting. He is also a regular contributor to a number of tech blogs which cover topics such blogging, internet marketing, web hosting, social media, web design and domain names. Lately, he has been writing for Free Blog Help.