A dedicated server is absolutely what it sounds like – a server dedicated entirely to your website and its needs. Unlike shared servers, all the server resources and power are yours and no other website has access to them. Thus, leading to increased speed, reliability, and security. Also, you have full control over how to set up the server, including custom software and hardware configuration options.
A dedicated server is known to be one of the high-performing hosting options. It is like owning your own house, and no one will bother you. You can do whatever you like. In contrast, a shared server is like living in a condo where you need to share the resources with others.
The key benefit of using dedicated servers is that they come with unlimited configuration capabilities for every practical purpose. Once you decide on the web hosting company whose services you may want to avail, you can buy and configure the server.
Even when you have finalized a dedicated server, there’s a lot more that you need to decide as all dedicated servers are not the same. The differences lie over parameters like location of servers, quality of the network, and operating systems. However, first of all, you need to decide between unmanaged and managed dedicated servers.
In this article, we’ll take you through three of the most important factors that you need to consider while configuring dedicated servers.
1. Managed or Unmanaged Dedicated Servers
Managed dedicated servers – The hosting companies are fully responsible to monitor, configure and handles these servers. Businesses that opt for managed dedicated servers do not have to deal with any performance, hardware, monitoring or security headaches.
Usually, managed dedicated server options tend to deliver a high level of performance and security through power and network uptime and real-time traffic monitoring.
Unmanaged dedicated servers – Companies who buy a dedicated server are themselves responsible for their web hosting server and software and have full control over the server. The hosting company will be responsible only to ensure the infrastructure runs properly and smoothly (from a hardware perspective).
This can be a reasonable option for companies having human resources as well as the expertise they would need for efficient server management.
2. Operating System
Windows and Linux are the two widely preferred operating systems for dedicated servers.
Windows Server OS
Windows server operating systems are universally preferred because of their highly functional programs that are regularly updated. Unlike Linux, the software is proprietary. Meaning, you’ll have to pay for the software license. This cost will either be an addition to the web hosting cost or if it is included in the price, the hosting will be expensive.
Though the price can be an issue for a few companies, the Windows server is a good solution and can be set up easily. It has an intuitive and user-friendly interface, offers remote access, and does not require command-line programming.
Linux Server OS
Linux is a free-to-use, open-source operating system, which makes it a cost-effective solution as compared to Windows. Its open-source development also means that it is available in multiple, commercially backed versions, making it a great choice. These include distributions like CentOS and Ubuntu.
Like Windows is designed to work with different Microsoft applications, Linux is developed to be compatible with open-source apps like cloud applications. Moreover, Linux OS offers companies the freedom to add features and functions and make programming changes to the Linux software as and when the need arises.
Though both operating systems are powerful solutions, your choice would depend on your needs. You’ll need to consider whether you are having your server hosted or running it on-site; the apps that you need to run now or may have to run in future; the cost of using the proprietary software over the open-source one, and the technical expertise that you have within your company.
3. Location of servers
The location of your dedicated server has an impact on the performance for end-users. The further away your server is from the location of your users, the greater would be the distance that data packets will travel to reach their servers. This, in turn, would affect the speed at which the data is being transferred, thus, hampering the performance.
For example, if someone is gaming in India, the performance of the server located in India will be far better than the one located in the US, even if the other factors remain the same. In this case, it is advisable to go for a reasonably priced dedicated server in India.
Evaluate where the majority of your audience is and choose a dedicated server located in their close vicinity.
In addition to the three important factors explained above, you can consider common factors like customization capabilities, customer support, security features, and technological advancements.
Conclusion
As a dedicated server involves a significant investment, it is advisable to make the right choice in one go.
Besides all the factors mentioned above, ensure that you choose a reputable company that has a track record of providing quick, reliable, and secure web hosting services.
Bluehost offers powerful SSD Dedicated Hosting (managed as well as unmanaged) with full root access, advanced capabilities, maximum control, improved cPanel, access control, database management, and most importantly, 99.99% uptime. Additionally, our security features include SiteLock, SSL certificate, and domain privacy.
Depending on your website needs and budget, you can choose any of our dedicated server hosting plans and be assured of best-in-class services.
Write A Comment