Dedicated Web Hosting – Is it Worth the Price?

Art — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 16:17:16 +0000

Out of all of the web hosting types available, dedicated hosting perhaps costs the most. The only other hosting solution which costs more than dedicated hosting is colocation hosting, which requires you to purchase and maintain your own web server. In a world in which high cost translates into high quality, many people assume that dedicated hosting is simply the best choice, and thus are tempted to purchase a dedicated hosting plan based on the price alone. However, the truth is dedicated hosting may not be the best solution for all webmasters.

Advantages of a Dedicated Server

Dedicated servers are capable of computing huge amounts of data, and are rarely ever met with a challenge that cannot be dealt with efficiently. For this reason there are many software combinations that would run flawlessly on a dedicated server, without hindering the server’s ability to process data. If you frequently run server-based software that consumes a lot of system resources, then you may want to consider a dedicated web server due to their unmatched multitasking capabilities. The added power means that you will never have to worry about downtime, slow page loads, or any other problems that are frequently associated with shared hosting plans.

The Price of a Dedicated Server

Of course, with the above features and capabilities come an increased price tag and more maintenance responsibilities. Instead of the usual $5-$30 that you would pay for a shared hosting plan, you can expect to pay around $100-$150 for your dedicated server, depending upon what kind of server it is and what web hosting company you purchase your plan from. Since dedicated web servers are very complex pieces of machinery they require daily maintenance and support, therefore they represent a greater initial investment on behalf of the hosting company. In order to receive a desirable return on their investment web hosting companies are forced to charge higher prices for dedicated hosting plans.

Choosing a Plan Based on Your Site’s Needs

Dedicated web servers provide a vast amount of server resources, and thus are capable of dealing with massive spikes in traffic and bandwidth. For megasite owners, or people that own hundreds of websites, this kind of server setup is optimal, maybe even essential. However for those that own just a few websites or are just starting out online, it may not be necessary to have this much power at their disposal. In many cases having more than is needed is simply an extra monthly financial burden, and an unwarranted one at that. There are so many expenses involved with keeping an online business running smoothly, and in many cases new webmasters can strive for months before seeing even a small fraction of a return.

Conclusion

Instead of purchasing the best hosting plan on the market, you should consider purchasing the best hosting plan for you. Starting with a simple and convenient hosting plan and then gradually progressing into a more robust hosting setup is undoubtedly the most practical solution for any new webmaster.

What is Managed Hosting?

Art — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 18:44:42 +0000

Most large enterprises have an infrastructure in place that allows them to host their own web servers. They have a team of IT experts to handle all the technical aspects along with developers to step in when updates are required. However, if you are running a successful yet small to medium sized business, there is a good chance that you don’t have such resources. In this case, you just may need a managed hosting provider.

Managed hosting refers to a hosting solution in which the provider tends to all the administrative tasks and operation of a dedicated server. This type of arrangement is ideal for business owners who need a full turnkey service for managing hardware and software components, storage, network connectivity and all the requirements associated with a dedicated server. Managed hosting is preferred by the those who desire a high level of support and services while maintaining significant control over their server. Because so many businesses rely on dedicated servers for mission critical tasks, the technical support, responsiveness and infrastructure of a managed hosting solution is typically greater than any other form of web hosting.

Though more expensive on the surface, managed hosting is actually a cost effective solution as it spares you of the large up front investment on the necessary software and hardware for the server. Instead, you simply pay a monthly fee in return for a fully managed hosting solution. In this regard, managed hosting is quite similar to outsourcing the technical aspects of your business to a team of professionals who are better equipped to handle them.

Who Needs Managed Hosting?

Ideal for the business who lacks technical knowledge and resources, managed hosting is also the perfect solution for those who need to focus on the core of their business. This environment alleviates the hassle of maintaining a web server as well as the performance and security issues that come along with shared hosting. The backing of a reliable infrastructure pretty much guarantees stability and all the flexibility you need at a fixed cost.

Managed Hosting Features

The services provided by a managed host range widely but generally include private networks, security products and database administration. Some also extend their services to fully managed SQL server hosting. In regard to server administration which is the standard feature, you can expect services like managed storage, connectivity, load balancing and monitoring and reporting of the server. In most cases, physical maintenance such as servicing of the equipment is covered by the provider as well. Add-on features such as software management can usually be obtained for an additional fee.

Summary

Managed hosting can be viewed as a tailor made hosting solution, allowing organizations to focus on marketing and actually running their businesses while all the complex tasks are handled by the experts. As this solution doesn’t require a large up front investment, businesses can enjoy significant cost savings on handling a dedicated server. When signing up with a good provider, you can better assure the availability of your online business with a server that puts out the best performance.

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Dedicated Web Hosting – Is it Worth the Price?

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