Web hosting services allow users to get their own website or application online without having to invest all the time, money, and space of housing all the hardware and network software themselves. They also don’t have to acquire a lot of computer networking expertise, since the web server hosting service, depending on the kind selected, often provides full network support. The client can then focus on administrative duties with their network and not take time away from their own business. Some hosting services offer shared server hosting, with many clients on the same server, or they offer dedicated server hosting.

What is Dedicated Server Hosting?

Some web hosting services take care of multiple clients on the same single piece of hardware, or server. With a shared server, all users share the equipment, bandwidth, and space on that server. The server can be partitioned so that each client can have their own operating system, but they’re all on the same piece of equipment. However, with dedicated server hosting, it is one server per client. No two clients share the same piece of hardware. You can visit a dedicated hosting provider like 100TB.com to learn more about dedicated servers.

What are the Benefits of a Dedicated Server?

As on a shared server, clients on dedicated servers have a greater amount of overall control. Using a shared server may limit a client’s choices as to what operating system they want to use. The technical support at the hosting service may not have enough expertise in the client’s preferred operating system, or the cost to choose it may be prohibitive.

There are several important benefits of choosing a dedicated server.

  • First off, with a dedicated server web hosting, clients can choose their preferred operating system. They aren’t limited by the hosting service’s knowledge of that system.
  • Second, the client has a greater deal of control over the server, the operating system, and administrative duties.
  • Third, a dedicated web hosting service will often be able to provide the client with their choice of server hardware. Those with more storage capacity and memory may have a higher monthly least cost, so this allows the client to choose what they need at a price that fits their budget.
  • Four, another consideration is that not having to share resources on a server increases security for the client against spammers, hacking attempts, and against Trojans.
  • Finally, the hosting service company purchases the equipment and takes care of all maintenance and hardware upgrades. The client doesn’t have the outlay of the initial purchase cost, the cost of upgrading equipment, the investment of the time and expertise to maintain the equipment, and the client doesn’t have to provide a secure, temperature-controlled space to house the server.

Levels of Server Management

A dedicated server may be fully managed, self-managed, or unmanaged. A fully managed dedicated server means meaning the host takes care of maintaining and upgrading hardware, updating software, and security patches.

With a self-managed server, the client has even more responsibility for hardware maintenance. Under an unmanaged server arrangement, the client handles all their own hardware maintenance, software upgrades, and security. This option is best for clients with sufficient system administration or networking expertise.

This post has been contributed by Clint Reeves – the content marketing manager of 100TB.com.