Dedicated Servers
A dedicated server is an enterprise-grade physical server used to host a single hosting client's application and services. They're usually used to host web applications with high traffic where performance is extremely critical.
A distinct feature of a dedicated server is that a client lease an entire server that's not shared with anyone else. This is more flexible than shared hosting, as you'll have complete control over the server(s), including the choice of the operating system, hardware among other items
Dedicated Server with Dedicated Hosting Comparison Chart
Benefits of a Dedicated Server
Here's the thing: A dedicated server is pricier than a shared web hosting arrangement. However, the benefits are worth the increased costs. It leverages the power and scalability capabilities to realize a compound return on your monthly investment through the following ways:
Exclusive Use of Dedicated Resources
A dedicated server provides you with exclusive access to its server's resources such as:
- CPU, RAM and bandwidth are giving you peak performance even at peak business times.
- Root access server, enabling you to add your software and configure settings to your preferences and access the server logs.
It also allows you to implement security measures based on your work preferences, in a flexible, scalable and responsive way.
Increased Flexibility and Scalability
A dedicated server allows you to configure your server settings to your preferences, as your business grows. It is also scalable as it enables you to add more or modify existing services and applications in line with your business growth.
Improved Reliability and Performance
During peak times, a dedicated server will dedicate extra resources to your web application requirements such as; video & image displays to ensure it has enough bandwidth capacity. This contributes to an optimum customer experience, and the extra resources allocated to your web application prevents it from crashing. Dedicated and managed hosting also provides 24/7 support, ensuring that there is always someone to troubleshoot any problem for you.
Enhanced Security through Data Segmentation
Dedicated services reduce data breaches' chances by limiting access to your data to only authorized persons in your company. Data segmentation isolates your dedicated server from a hosting company's data warehouse that stores data belonging to other customers.
Additional security features for dedicated servers include firewalls and security monitoring.Flexible Payment Plans
Hosting companies provide subscription-based monthly payment charges for dedicated server hosting plans. Subscription-based monthly payment plans and packages offer high payment flexibility levels as payments are staggered across the year instead of one-time off payments.
Factors to Consider When Evaluating Dedicated Server Providers
The best dedicated server hosting plan should provide easy configuration requirements, server load support, and enhanced security. Here's a couple of factors you should consider before purchasing a dedicated server hosting plan:
Reputation
A great way of gauging a provider's credibility is checking what other people and businesses say about it. Is it good, bad, or is there simply nothing about it online? Another strategy you can use is to ask members within relevant industry community forums.
Reliability
The reliability of your provider should be paramount. Businesses demand their web applications be available to their customers 24 hours a day, seven days a week for 365 days a year. Sure, providers offering the lowest monthly subscription rates may seem like a good deal at the initial stages when starting. However, as your business grows, you'll need to upgrade to package plans with higher service offerings.
Support
24/7 support is critical to your business, even if you're administering your server. Therefore, get a provider with multiple support channels such as live chat, email, and phone.
Service Level Agreements
Service-level agreements (SLA) defines the level of service you expect from a vendor, laying out the metrics by which service is measured, as well as remedies or penalties should agreed-on service levels not be achieved. It is a critical component of any technology vendor contract, and more so within dedicated service providers. Should a provider that offers agreements on uptime, support response times, replacement and deployment times.
Hardware Quality
Web applications require optimum performance with 24/7 uptime environments and require top-notch hardware that can support these demands. Make sure that your provider offers server-grade hardware, not desktop-grade hardware resources.
Almost all businesses yearn for the best hardware configurations and resources at the lowest possible price offered by dedicated server providers. However, caution should be taken as to not compromise quality over price points.
AppliPlus is a recognized leader in the provision of dedicated server resources to businesses of all sizes.