Possession which is absolute. Your bewildering passport to the unique dedicated world.

This is your very own. And nobody gets a share of it. But then you should compare apples to apples. Price is important as well as with other services. Get a detailed look at various factors of dedicated server. Why you should go for it ? The basic advantages of the server along with how it can enhance your business’ performance, scalability, flexibility and security and much more, discussed in detail.

What is a Dedicated Server?

Unlike a shared or virtual hosting account where multiple customers reside on one server, dedicated servers are used by just one client. Dedicated servers support a wide variety of platforms including Linux, Windows NT, Windows 2000 and Sun. They can also provide faster access to information and greater flexibility for applications (Web, database, e-commerce, etc…). In a dedicated server environment, customers lease a server, rack space, Internet connectivity, hardware maintenance and certain levels of support. Outsourcing these variables ensures maximum performance, reliability and cost effectiveness. Most importantly, it frees up time for what you should be focusing on…running an effective e-business.

So, dedicated hosting means – you rent an entire server from a hosting company that is dedicated to your use only. You are NOT sharing disk space or server resources with anyone else like you do with the shared-server environment of Virtual Hosting. That is the key difference that makes Dedicated Hosting is more reliable and secure than Virtual Hosting since you never have to worry that someone who is sharing your server causes a problem by overloading or corrupting it.

Practically the only reason Virtual Hosting still tops Dedicated Hosting in popularity is cost. While Virtual is a whole lot cheaper, you’ll spend a lot more anxious time thinking about security and secrecy about your data . Though your service provider will insist into it, somewhere in your mind you wont be much sure about the safe and exclusive ceiling it had as its roof. On the other hand dedicated server costs exponentially more but it comes stocked with your favorite goodies, tackles your problem exclusively and entirely.

Moving from Shared Hosting to Dedicated Server Hosting

As your company’s web presence grows, it may find shared hosting restrictive. Outsourcing your dedicated server hosting is one of the best ways to achieve maximum flexibility and access speedy networks, while keeping immediate overhead costs low.

Dedicated server hosting is a great way to provide web hosting solutions without immediately investing a large amount of capital in hardware.

So administrating your server is easy with web-based hosting automation software on the common Linux servers. With a few clicks from a GUI interface you will be able to create your own plans exactly how you want them.

Basic Advantages

• Unlimited Domains (Not shared and exclusive)
• Unlimited Emails (Not shared and exclusive)
• Private Resources (Not shared and exclusive)
• Any third party software (Not shared and exclusive)
• Private Security (Not shared and exclusive)

Choosing a Dedicated Server

When you are choosing your dedicated server it’s important to make sure you are always comparing apples to apples. Often buyers search on price factor alone find themselves stuck months into their deal frustrated with lack of service, while others use overkill, and end up paying for services never even used. For the very basics, here are a few things to consider for your dedicated server.

Linux Server

The perfect server option for advanced users with the expertise to manage their own server and who need the flexibility to run their own applications.

Windows Server

It offers different server options for customers who need to host Windows-based applications. Host your business with experienced Microsoft Certified Professionals! All Windows servers should come installed with Windows 2003 Web Edition, the latest in Microsoft technology. It’s .NET ready and offers everything you need to launch a stable Microsoft platform.

OS System

Your choice of platform will depend to a large extent on the types of applications you are using and the skills and knowledge you already possess. The two most well known operating systems are Windows 2000 and Unix (which includes the Linux, and Solaris platforms). Typically your purpose for the server will determine what platform you will need. If you are looking for a cost effective way to host a bunch of web sites, Unix is probably your best bet. If you have a site that uses ASP and needs Microsoft SQL server then you are going to need a Windows server. If you are using a dedicated server for something like an email server or a firewall then it can really boil down to what you are most comfortable with. There are great applications for these cases available for both Unix and Windows environments.

Bandwidth and data transfer

Data transfer options are getting more and more generous as the industry gets more and more competitive. Beware, just because a host says you can have unlimited transfer, does not necessarily guarantee that they can make it available. Most dedicated server plans are going to offer anywhere from 50 – 500 GB of transfer each month. Take note of who each host uses for their internet connectivity. A dedicated server provider should have at least 2 redundant internet connections from various providers but most have even more than that these days.

Managed Services

You have to very sure you know what managed services you will need from your provider and whether or not it is included with your plan. For example, some hosts may perform various monitoring, upgrade and backup services with your plan, while some provide nothing but the server. A crude analogy may be something like renting a parking space in a big city – some places may charge the battery once a month, wash it and make sure your radio does not get stolen, while others may simply be providing a place for you to park your car.

Who needs a Dedicated Server?

Dedicated server plans are the ideal solution for the growing business. They’re the logical progression for the small-to-medium sized business that encounters the limitations on sustained growth associated with a shared hosting environment. Because dedicated servers cater to the needs of only one client as opposed to hundreds, performance, scalability, reliability and security are greatly enhanced.

Performance: In a dedicated server environment, all the resources on a particular server are allocated to one customer. This allows for faster connection times, faster processing times and greater capacity.

Scalability: When increased traffic to your Web site becomes an issue, dedicated solutions are easily scalable to e-volve with your business. All it takes is a simple phone call to add or upgrade components and services like hard drives, RAM, processors, software applications, monitoring services and backup services.

Flexibility: Sharing a server with hundreds of other customers means sharing all applications and services loaded on that server. Dedicated solutions provide the freedom to choose what combination of software and services best suit your business needs.

Security: In this day and age of increased security concerns, dedicated servers provide a more secure mechanism since you and only you reside on that server. All data and hosting activity is independent from that of other customers.

Easy as 1-2-3: In today’s economy, many companies require a powerful, versatile hosting solution to compete in the marketplace. Most companies, however, suffer from a lack of internal infrastructure and resources. Most can provide the solutions you need at a fraction of the cost without the headaches associated with support, lack of technical expertise and depreciation of assets. Most custom solutions are available within 24 hours.

So, dedicated hosting means – you rent an entire server from a hosting company that is dedicated to your use only. You are NOT sharing disk space or server resources with anyone else like you do with the shared-server environment of Virtual Hosting. That is the key difference that makes Dedicated Hosting is more reliable and secure than Virtual Hosting since you never have to worry that someone who is sharing your server causes a problem by overloading or corrupting it.

Practically the only reason Virtual Hosting still tops Dedicated Hosting in popularity is cost. While Virtual is a whole lot cheaper, you’ll spend a lot more anxious time thinking about security and secrecy about your data . Though your service provider will insist into it, somewhere in your mind you wont be much sure about the safe and exclusive ceiling it had as its roof. On the other hand dedicated server costs exponentially more but it comes stocked with your favorite goodies, tackles your problem exclusively and entirely.