subject: An Introduction To Dedicated Hosting [print this page] Dedicated Hosting is a form of web hosting whereby an entire server is leased by a single client. This is then used to host their website and only their website.
Dedicated Hosting is the opposite of shared hosting, whereby a number of clients share the same server. This is cheaper and usually adequate for small websites, whereas dedicated hosting is more appropriate for larger sites or those with large databases. It is more expensive but for some sites it can end up being more cost effective due to the benefits it offers.
One advantage of a dedicated server is that the client has full control over the server. The server is not affected by other sites sharing the server as it could be with shared hosting. They also have a choice of operating system and hardware as well as other variables. They have complete control over any changes they wish to make with regard to their hosting. The impact of other websites on the server is completely redundant, as there are no other websites sharing it with them.
On a shared server other sites may use an unexpectedly large amount of bandwidth at times and this could affect other sites on the same server by leaving less bandwidth for them. This is obviously not the case with a dedicated server. There is generally plenty of extra bandwidth available and if there is suddenly a significant increase in visitors then it is able to cope with this. Security is another factor that is improved by a dedicated server. Again, because there is only one website on the server there are no other sites to compromise security. For websites where security is of particular importance paying the extra for dedicated hosting is a wise decision.
Dedicated Hosting can be either managed or unmanaged. With a Managed Dedicated Hosting package the hosting company runs the server and the hosting. They provide all hardware and software and make sure the server is running properly. They also provide support, often on a 24/7 basis. They may also take care of certain administration tasks and are responsible for making sure the server remains secure.
These benefits are not offered with unmanaged dedicated hosting. Here the client is in control; something that is seen as a positive by some but a negative by others. It means all choices are made by the client which can have its benefits. It is a disadvantage though for clients who dont have the skills or the time to deal with the hosting and any problems that may arise. Unmanaged dedicated hosting should therefore only be chosen by clients who are willing and able to perform all hosting tasks themselves.
Dedicated hosting has many benefits for those websites that have the need for it. For small websites it is generally not necessary and shared hosting is adequate, but for many the benefits if offers are worth the extra financial outlay.
