There are a number of options for hosting your site these days. Do your prefer hosting with Linux or on a Windows platform? Are you going to create one site or does your business call for multiple domains? Some options will actually cover several of your hosting needs. However, if you’re planning to run a database driven operation or simply need more control over the hardware itself, you would be more suited for a dedicated server.
Similar to conventional hosting, a dedicated server is leased to you by a web host. Instead of sharing server space and resources with other clients, the machine is dedicated exclusively to the needs of your business. This gives you complete control over server administration along with all the software configurations. With an entire server to work with, you can create a powerful web presence without concern of the issues associated with shared hosting.
To assist in your mission of acquiring a dedicated server, we have listed a few essentials that need to be considered when looking for a host.
Operating Systems: The platform you choose to run plays a tremendous role for many reasons. First of all, you must have some level of experience with the software in order to administer the server. It will also determine just what software applications you are able to incorporate.
Windows NT is one of the most popular and generally the most expensive solution. This software is very comprehensive as it brings a look and feel from the Windows desktop environment to a server platform. Linux is another option, not as well known and a bit more complex. Many experienced webmasters prefer the flexibility and stability of Linux.
Bandwidth: With your own server, disk storage shouldn’t be much of an issue. However, you still need to be concerned about the amount of transfer. Dedicated server hosts generally provide a certain amount of bandwidth every month. You certainly need to make sure its enough to compensate for the traffic of your business. The good thing is that most companies allow you to purchase higher levels on demand.
Backup and Restoration: A reliable backup solution is vital in any web hosting environment. Because manually backing up your data can be a hassle, you should look for a host that offers an automatic backup solution. This might cost a little extra but the convenience is well worth it, especially if something out of the ordinary should occur.
Monitoring: Since you are leasing the dedicated server, you do not have the ability to physically watch over it. This is why you should invest into a company that provides constant monitoring of their equipment to ensure that your site is always functioning. Do some investigating to find out approximately how frequently they monitor the equipment and then ask how they go about handling issues when they are detected.
Automated Tools: Maintaining your own server takes far more knowledge than managing a shared hosting account. At the same time, you don’t have to be a technical genius to enjoy the benefits of dedicated server hosting. A host that offers some type of automated system can make the task much easier.
