Benefits of a Dedicated Server
Along with all of the other Web hosting considerations to be made when deciding on a service, we suggest that you think about which type of server will best suit your site: shared or dedicated.
Hosting your site on a shared server can cut costs for traffic-light sites, but can become crowded should your site's traffic or amount of content increase. Dedicated servers (that are completely yours and yours alone) carry their own batch of pros and cons, as well; we recommend you consider each factor before choosing which path is right for your site.
On the plus side...
- Speed performance increases on your site since you don't have to share processor power, memory, or disk space with other sites. This may also improve your site's traffic rates since impatient visitors won't be so inclined to leave your site for slow load times.
- Reliability increases, as well, with less risk of slow-downs, traffic jams, or crashes.
- Security risks are lessened since access to a dedicated server is limited.
- Custom Configuration allows for special software installation without the added fuss.
- Custom Firewall protection enables you to run and enforce your own access control policy.
- Your Own IP Address is non-existent with most shared hosting sites, but dedicated servers allow for unique addresses. If you're planning to launch, or currently run, an online marketing campaign, this can be a crucial factor.
- Upgraded path options mean that you can add more memory (RAM), disk space, or processors when you need to.
Control of your own server means you can...
- ...add additional websites for no cost.
- ...install software without type or quantity limits.
- ...host services other than Websites.
But...
- Costs increase thanks to the increase of server function and control.
- More costs can be incurred from redundancy increases.
- Even more costs may result from having to purchase software licenses separately.
- Technical skills are necessary for operating and maintaining a dedicated server.