Web Hosting Geeks' Blog » web server http://webhostinggeeks.com/blog Web Hosting Industry News, Latest Trends, and Analyses. Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:48:19 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 The Freedom and Flexibility of Colocation Hostinghttp://webhostinggeeks.com/blog/2011/03/31/the-freedom-and-flexibility-of-colocation-hosting/ http://webhostinggeeks.com/blog/2011/03/31/the-freedom-and-flexibility-of-colocation-hosting/#comments Thu, 31 Mar 2011 21:04:58 +0000 Art http://webhostinggeeks.com/blog/?p=1519 Online business owners usually require various services to keep their endeavors operating smoothly and supply the tools and resources needed to continually create new websites and online business opportunities. Web hosting is such a service, as it is the first thing that is needed by every webmaster. In essence, you need access to the web server if you want to host a website on the World Wide Web. However, some people choose not to utilize a conventional web hosting plan, and instead purchase their own private web server. Once the server is purchased it must be stored in a safe area that has an ideal environment for server operation, which is low in dust, has a continually maintained temperature/humidity index, and maintains constant airflow to the server at all times. Web server owners also need to consider the safety of the server in terms of vandalism, theft, and other forms of hardware damage. Fortunately, colocation hosting is a web server storage service that keeps your web server safe all times.

What Is Included with a Colocation Web Hosting Plan?

In essence, a colocation hosting plan is simply a service that allows you to store your private Web server in a data center that is connected to the Internet via multiple high-speed connections. Thus, the colocation hosting plan you will receive access to state-of-the-art facilities, a fully customized private server rack for your Web server’s, multiple connections to the Internet, automatic server backups and redundancy, and (with some more comprehensive plans) technical support. All collocation web hosting plans include 24-hour security, and the facilities are protected by both digital surveillance and state-of-the-art fire extinguisher systems. Without a co-location hosting plan you be forced to store your private Web server in your home, office, or in a storage space (none of which are an ideal location for an operating Web server).

What Are the Advantages of Colocation Hosting?

The main advantages colocation hosting is the safety and stability it provides for your Web server, giving you access to facilities and stability that would otherwise be unobtainable without spending millions of dollars. For a nominal monthly fee you’ll receive full support from trained technical staff, and your Web server will be stored in environmentally controlled server rooms. Many colocation hosting providers also ensure the web hosting equipment, so that if your Web server is damaged in any way while it is being stored at the facility it will be replaced immediately. Colocation hosting providers also make automatic backups of your entire Web server on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis, in order to provide complete redundancy that will ensure your websites are online at all times.

Freedom and Flexibility of a Colocation Hosting Plan

Perhaps the most appealing advantages of colocation hosting is the ability to do whatever you would like that your web server in terms of software and hardware configurations. Regardless of how many web servers you own, or what type of operating system you prefer to use, you’ll be able to do it all collocation hosting, as you are not forfeiting your ownership of the web server. By having complete control over what your web server you can eliminate many of the conventional limitations and restrictions placed on bandwidth, disk space, databases, and other aspects of server expansion.

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]]> http://webhostinggeeks.com/blog/2011/03/31/the-freedom-and-flexibility-of-colocation-hosting/feed/ 0 How to Start a Web Hosting Business from Scratchhttp://webhostinggeeks.com/blog/2011/03/17/how-to-start-a-web-hosting-business-from-scratch/ http://webhostinggeeks.com/blog/2011/03/17/how-to-start-a-web-hosting-business-from-scratch/#comments Thu, 17 Mar 2011 21:37:40 +0000 Art http://webhostinggeeks.com/blog/?p=1481 The web hosting industry is at the heart of all e-commerce and online business opportunities, as every website online needs a web server to function. Not only does web hosting provide the tools and resources needed to build online businesses in nearly any industry, it also provides business opportunities in and of itself. By utilizing reseller hosting plans you can start a web hosting business from scratch with minimal effort and investment, and absolutely no expertise or experience. While not all hosting resellers will be successful, by following the tips below you may be able to build a web hosting business from scratch.

Choosing a Reseller Hosting Plan

Your reseller hosting plan will be the service that gives you access to wholesale server resources, which can be split up into plans and allocated amongst your customers as you see fit. Thus, it is important to consider the features and attributes of each plan carefully before purchasing one. As a general rule of thumb, the more comprehensive the hosting plan, the cheaper the server resources will be overall. Just as in any other industry, if you purchase server resources in bulk you receive the greatest discounts and will be able to earn the highest profit margins from your clients. It is also imperative to choose a hosting provider that is known for being reliable, as their reliability will reflect on the reputation of your own hosting business.

Creating Effective Hosting Plans and Building a Professional Website

Fortunately, during the process of selecting a good reseller hosting plan you’ll get a good idea of what hosting clients are looking for when they shop for a web hosting service. Put yourself in the shoes of your clients and begin creating hosting plans that could realistically compete with other web hosts. One of the best ways to do this is to distinguish your plans from other hosts’  by offering additional web-based services, and sizing your plans differently than other hosts. For example, if you are a web developer, programmer, or Internet marketer, you can bundle your site creation and promotion services with your hosting plans to solicit more clients. You can also use the robust site builder tools provided within your reseller hosting account to create professional web hosting websites that advertise your services.

Branding and Advertising Your Hosting Services

Reseller hosting plans also allow you to customize the control panel of your customers’ hosting accounts with the logo of your business. This will help you effectively establish your company’s brand and portray professionalism to your clients by distinguishing yourself from the competition. Reseller hosting plans also include free advertising credits for search engines and social networking sites such as Yahoo, Google, Bing, and Facebook. You can utilize these advertising credits to immediately begin promoting your hosting services to targeted audiences via pay per click advertising, which appears on the sides and above search engine results when related keywords are searched for.

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]]> http://webhostinggeeks.com/blog/2011/03/17/how-to-start-a-web-hosting-business-from-scratch/feed/ 0 What Does a Managed Web Hosting Provider Do?http://webhostinggeeks.com/blog/2011/02/28/what-does-a-managed-web-hosting-provider-do/ http://webhostinggeeks.com/blog/2011/02/28/what-does-a-managed-web-hosting-provider-do/#comments Mon, 28 Feb 2011 22:24:58 +0000 Art http://webhostinggeeks.com/blog/?p=1447 If you’ve been shopping for a web hosting plan recently, you’ve probably read that plans that utilize dedicated servers are the most powerful and robust on the market. While this is true, it is important to note that there are two types of dedicated hosting – managed and unmanaged – each one geared towards a completely different type of webmaster. An unmanaged dedicated web hosting plan essentially puts you in complete control of the web server, so that you are effectively leasing a server that is stored in a remote location. A managed dedicated web hosting plan gives you access to comprehensive support and customer service that allows you to focus on the important aspects of your online business, while the web hosting provider deals with server administration tasks. So what exactly does a managed web hosting provider do that an unmanaged web hosting provider does not?

Server Setup

When you purchase a managed web hosting plan, you have the option to choose which operating system you would like on your web server. It is important to note that Windows web hosting is usually more expensive than Linux hosting, because Windows is not a free open-source operating system like Linux. When you make your decision and purchase a plan, a managed hosting provider will automatically install the desired operating system and set up the server so that is fully functional before you ever log into your control panel. With many cheaper unmanaged hosting plans there is no operating system installed on the server, or an undesirable operating system is installed, so the webmaster is required to install the software and set up the server themselves.

Server Backups and Maintenance

Managed web hosting providers also perform the task of keeping the hardware and software configuration of your web server secure at all times. To do this, the managed web hosting provider will make complete backups of your entire web server on a routine basis, and then store the backups on several redundant servers to prevent data loss. Within unmanaged web hosting plan you would need to log into your control panel, which you would have to install first,  and manually create a backup of your server. Theoretically you could create a Cron job within an unmanaged hosting plan to have server backups performed automatically on a scheduled basis, however this is much more difficult than simply using a managed hosting plan. Managed hosting providers also defragment web servers and perform daily server maintenance to ensure that the server is functioning optimally at all times.

Technical Support and Customer Service

The level of customer support and services offered with a managed web hosting plan is leaps and bounds above that offered with an unmanaged hosting plan. In fact, many unmanaged hosting providers do not offer technical support at all, and may require the webmaster to use their own internet technology specialist or assistant in order to fix problems that occur within the software installed on the server. Most managed hosting providers offer 24-hour technical support and comprehensive customer service, which is an essential feature for the vast majority of novice to intermediate webmasters.

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]]> http://webhostinggeeks.com/blog/2011/02/28/what-does-a-managed-web-hosting-provider-do/feed/ 0 Difference Between Dedicated Hosting and VPS Hostinghttp://webhostinggeeks.com/blog/2010/11/18/difference-between-dedicated-hosting-and-vps-hosting/ http://webhostinggeeks.com/blog/2010/11/18/difference-between-dedicated-hosting-and-vps-hosting/#comments Thu, 18 Nov 2010 19:35:41 +0000 Art http://webhostinggeeks.com/blog/?p=1230 When it comes to web hosting it seems as if every webmaster is striving to eventually purchase a dedicated hosting plan. However, the new cloud VPS hosting environment has changed that perception somewhat, especially for the more experienced site owners that understand the need for instant expandability. VPS and dedicated hosting have some very striking similarities, and to the untrained eye they may appear to be exactly the same. Both hosting types allow for excellent site performance and are used by business professionals on a daily basis, and both hosting types are a step above shared hosting. However, there are some significant differences between the two. The following information outlines some of the basic differences between dedicated hosting and VPS hosting.

Fundamental Differences

Dedicated hosting is used to describe a server environment in which you are given access to a web server that is not being utilized by any other webmaster. In other words, you have access to the entire web server ad its software configuration at all times, and you are basically leasing your own private web server. VPS (Virtual Private Hosting), while similar, does not give you access to an entire web server, but instead allocates a specific amount of server resources from a web server to your hosting account. VPS hosting is therefore an intermittent step between shared and dedicated hosting, sharing similarities with both hosting types yet leaning more towards a powerful version of shared hosting.

Cost and Setup

In terms of cost, VPS hosting can be purchased for a much lower price than dedicated hosting, with prices starting at only about $10 per month, depending on the plan and hosting provider. However, it should be noted that VPS hosting is one of the most versatile hosting types, with costs ranging into the hundreds for the more comprehensive plans. Dedicated hosting on the other hand is generally more expensive and the pricing is less flexible, with most hosting providers only offering a few dedicated hosting plans in both the Linux and Windows platforms. Fortunately, and ironically, the setup cost of dedicated and VPS hosting is usually less than shared hosting because plans can be paid for on a  monthly basis, whereas shared hosting (while cheaper overall) must be paid annually in many cases. If you’re on a budget and you need a plan that is more powerful than shared hosting then you may want to consider a VPS hosting plan.

Capabilities and Features

In general, unless you’re in need of an extensive hosting solution, you’ll probably find little difference between the performance of a dedicate hosting plan and a VPS hosting plan. However, some VPS hosting plans do have significant restrictions in regards to software configuration and installing your own software on the server. Even so, some VPS plans allow this, which is why it is important to check with the hosting provider if this is an important issue. Regardless of your needs or preferences, it cannot be disputed that dedicated hosting is more powerful than VPS hosting, unless you’re utilizing the cloud hosting environment.

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]]> http://webhostinggeeks.com/blog/2010/11/18/difference-between-dedicated-hosting-and-vps-hosting/feed/ 0 The Benefits of Virtualized Hosting for eCommercehttp://webhostinggeeks.com/blog/2010/10/14/the-benefits-of-virtualized-hosting-for-ecommerce/ http://webhostinggeeks.com/blog/2010/10/14/the-benefits-of-virtualized-hosting-for-ecommerce/#comments Thu, 14 Oct 2010 18:09:17 +0000 Art http://webhostinggeeks.com/blog/?p=1164 When most people think of virtual web hosting they tend to associate it with VPS hosting, or cloud hosting. However a new wave of webmasters are now using virtualization software within their web servers to bring both the Linux and Windows operating system to a single web server. This practically eliminates many of the limitations previously associated with Windows and/or Linux web hosting by removing software restrictions and releasing the true power of a VPS or dedicated hosting plan. Using this for eCommerce can have profound effects by enhancing SEO efforts and allowing the webmaster to use any eCommerce software available, whether it be for Windows or Linux. If you are interested in the benefits of virtualized web hosting for eCommerce the you may want to consider the following information.

Unlimited Compatibility

Today’s virtualization software has unlocked new possibilities by unleashing any compatibility issues that may have previously been a problem when choosing a specific operating system for your web hosting plan. Now webmasters can install any software they’d like in their hosting account, as long as the hosting provider gives them the permissions to do so. It is important to note that virtualization software cannot be used in a shared hosting account because you’re not allowed to change the server configuration. If you’re planning on using visualization software like VMware then you need to shop around for a good VPS or dedicated hosting plan that gives you full control over the server’s software.

Cost Benefits

In the past, if you wanted a web server with Windows and Linux you would need to purchase two separate hosting accounts. However, with the advent of virtualized web server software, it is now possible to have both operating systems running simultaneously for half the cost. Now you no longer have to debate about the pros and cons of Windows web hosting vs Linux web hosting, because you can have the best of both worlds. Since Linux hosting costs less than Windows hosting, it would be ideal to purchase a Linux hosting plan and then install a partition of Windows within a virtualization software.

How Do Virtualized Operating Systems Work?

Virtualized operating systems are actually separate from the original operating system of the web server, Which means any damage done to a virtual operating system will not affect the native operating system. Think of it as a computer within a computer, both completely separate and unique. Some people use virtualized operating system to test out suspicious files that may contain viruses, as even the worse virus will not affect the native operating system or the rest of the computer. Virtualized hosting is also perfect for webmasters that need several operating systems to test and develop compatibility during the construction of new web based software.

It is important to note that you’ll need to consider the amount of RAM your server has when installing additional operating systems. Virtualization software does not enhance your server’s capabilities, it simply splits them up amongst several operating systems.

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]]> http://webhostinggeeks.com/blog/2010/10/14/the-benefits-of-virtualized-hosting-for-ecommerce/feed/ 0 How to Classify Web Hostinghttp://webhostinggeeks.com/blog/2010/09/10/how-to-classify-web-hosting/ http://webhostinggeeks.com/blog/2010/09/10/how-to-classify-web-hosting/#comments Sat, 11 Sep 2010 05:13:19 +0000 Art http://webhostinggeeks.com/blog/?p=1105 There are many metrics for which to classify a web hosting provider. These are commonly used to determine the costs and benefits of starting a website from the ground up. With so many web hosting providers to choose from, it can be difficult to know which companies are the best. The most common aspects of classifying web hosting include:

  • Cost
  • Programming languages
  • Operating systems
  • Web servers
  • Features

The first question most new owners ask is regarding the costs of running a site in order to set a budget. Over the past 10 years, web hosting has become inexpensive due to budget hosting. Many of the inexpensive hosts cost less than $5 per month. For only a few dollars more per month, you can acquire some excellent features.

Another inquiry by website owners is the programming languages used on the server. This will allow them to customize the site by increasing interactive features. Commonly used languages include, ASP, JSP, PHP and Perl. These are all web-based programming languages that provide full user’s command.

The third classification is the operating system used on the server. The choices are usually Windows or Linux. The above programming languages only work on one operating system or the other. Therefore, you must choose which operating system based on your specific needs. There are equal advantages and disadvantages of both.

The next classification is the features of the web servers. These commonly include performance and connection speed as well as the type of hosting. The choices are, shared hosting, dedicated hosting and Virtual Private Server (VPS) hosting. Each option has a different cost for monthly service.

The last classification is the features offered by the web hosting provider. These are typically the extras you receive after signing up. For instance, many web hosting providers are now offering simple WordPress setup from the control panel which makes it much easier for users to create a blog or storefront.

Due to the number of web hosting providers currently available on the internet, it can be difficult to classify them all. Using these five categories can help you make a more informed decision and discover what you really want your website to be and what tools you need to achieve that goal. As more providers are added to the internet offering additional features to have an edge on their competition, more categories will develop to differentiate the good from the bad.

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]]> http://webhostinggeeks.com/blog/2010/09/10/how-to-classify-web-hosting/feed/ 0 Cloud VPS Hosting for eCommerce Storeshttp://webhostinggeeks.com/blog/2010/08/27/cloud-vps-hosting-for-ecommerce-stores/ http://webhostinggeeks.com/blog/2010/08/27/cloud-vps-hosting-for-ecommerce-stores/#comments Fri, 27 Aug 2010 20:10:40 +0000 Art http://webhostinggeeks.com/blog/?p=1081 Cloud VPS hosting is reshaping the way corporate and massive web sites operate on a daily basis, by allocating a seemingly infinite amount of server resources to a single website at any given point in time. This concept has revolutionized the way web sites interact with web severs, and how web site visitors experience the internet as a whole. Some of the biggest sites on the internet, including Google, Yahoo, Amazon, and eBay, utilize the cloud hosting concept to host their web sites.

What is Cloud Hosting?

Cloud hosting is different from any other type of hosting because it combines the power of dozens, or even hundreds of web servers within a datacenter, to power thousands of web sites simultaneously without compromising performance. Today, the cloud hosting concept is being expanded into the consumer market with cheap cloud VPS plans that start at about $20 per month. By offering unlimited access to multiple servers, cloud VPS hosting plans provide instant scalability. This concept works because cloud VPS hosting plans are billed on a per-usage basis. Which means you only have to pay for what you use on a daily basis. With cloud VPS hosting you’ll never have to worry about upgrading because you’ll already have instant access to all of the server resources you need.

How Can Cloud Hosting Help an eCommerce Store?

The cloud hosting environment is perfect for the eCommerce setting because sales and search engine traffic can both be very unpredictable. Since the amount of web site traffic cannot be accurately predicted it is helpful to have access to as much bandwidth needed. If you own a busy eCommerce site then you know just how inconsistent it can be. On some days there may be 1000 visitors, while others there may only be a hundred, and then there are days where the traffic spikes to more than 10,000. This is especially true if your site is currently growing and you are building a client base. Cloud Hosting is also perfect for eCommerce stores because you only pay for what you use, which means you can increase your profits by deceasing unnecessary web hosting costs.

Can I Build Stores with Cloud Hosting?

Most cloud hosting plans have a very flexible software configuration that allows you to install site builders and other applications that will enhance your web server and the functionality and design of your web site. Although with eCommerce hosting all of the site building and store management tools needed are included automatically, it is still possible to install these tools within the control panel of a cloud hosting plan. From a cost perspective, cloud hosting is actually more beneficial than eCommerce hosting because there is no risk of overestimating your server needs and paying an excessive amount for your monthly web hosting needs.

Conclusion

While eCommerce hosting makes it easier to setup an online store and provides all of the necessary tools to do so, cloud hosting provides an instantly scalable hosting environment that only charges on a per use basis. If both of these concepts united it would be the perfect hosting plan for online stores, but as it stands, consumers have to choose one or the other.

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]]> http://webhostinggeeks.com/blog/2010/08/27/cloud-vps-hosting-for-ecommerce-stores/feed/ 1 What Are Web Servers and Why Are They Needed?http://webhostinggeeks.com/blog/2010/08/23/what-are-web-servers-and-why-are-they-needed/ http://webhostinggeeks.com/blog/2010/08/23/what-are-web-servers-and-why-are-they-needed/#comments Mon, 23 Aug 2010 16:00:29 +0000 Art http://webhostinggeeks.com/blog/?p=1065 The web hosting industry appears to be incredibly complex to most novice webmasters, especially those that are not familiar with crucial web hosting terms. One of the most basic web hosting terms is “web server.” Web servers are the focal point of web hosting. In fact, web hosting is simply a service in which you remotely lease web servers for your web site’s use. If you have been struggling to figure out what a web server is and why it is needed then you may want to continue reading.

The Main Purpose of a Web Server

A web server’s main purpose is to store web site files and broadcast them over the internet for you site visitor’s to see. In essence, a web server is simply a powerful computer that stores and transmits data via the internet. When someone visits a web page on your site their browser communicates with your web server, sending and receiving information that ultimately dictates what appears on the visitor’s computer screen. Thus, the main purpose of a web server is to store and transfer web site data upon the request of a visitor’s browser.

How Do Web Servers Work?

Every web server and computer that is connected to the internet is assigned an IP address that identifies that device on the network. Even standard computers are assigned IP addresses when they connect to the internet. An IP address is almost like the return address on a postal package. When you visit a web site, a request is sent out from your IP address to the IP address of the web server. The web server then responds by sending data to the requesting IP address, and this is the process through which all data is transferred to your computer from a web site. More than ninety percent of the web sites on the internet are currently utilizing a leased web server that is being provided by a web hosting company. Web server capabilities differ depending upon the type, size and provider of the hosting plan.

Why Are Web Servers Needed?

Without web servers the internet as we know it would cease to exist. Web servers are an integral part of the way the internet works. The web hosting industry is simply used to lease out web servers, providing average business owners and individuals with the opportunity to use high-tech servers that make it possible to expand their outreach to the entire world. Without rental web servers the internet would be a fraction of the size it is today, as most web site owners can afford to buy their own web server in cash.

Web servers are the gateway between the average individual and the world wide web, yet surprisingly web hosting plans start at only a couple of dollars per month. Now that you’re familiar with web servers you can begin shopping for a quality web hosting plan without the usual confusion that most novices experience.

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]]> http://webhostinggeeks.com/blog/2010/08/23/what-are-web-servers-and-why-are-they-needed/feed/ 0 Web Hosting For Online Businesses – Dedicated vs. eCommercehttp://webhostinggeeks.com/blog/2010/08/19/web-hosting-for-online-businesses-%e2%80%93-dedicated-vs-ecommerce/ http://webhostinggeeks.com/blog/2010/08/19/web-hosting-for-online-businesses-%e2%80%93-dedicated-vs-ecommerce/#comments Thu, 19 Aug 2010 06:47:21 +0000 Art http://webhostinggeeks.com/blog/?p=1061 Establishing and operating an online business requires knowledge, skill and perseverance. However, even with the right mindset and skill set it is impossible to succeed without tools and resources. In order to ensure the optimal functionality of your website you’ll need access to a powerful web server that can transfer data to hundreds of computers simultaneously without sacrificing performance.

Although most webmasters start with a shared web hosting plan, it is important to note that 90% of successful online business owners will upgrade to a more powerful plan eventually. In order to prevent the unnecessary hassle of site relocation and data migration, it is best to consider the needs of your site and choose a competent plan initially. Dedicated and eCommerce hosting plans are perfect for online businesses, however each one presents unique advantages and disadvantages.

Dedicated Hosting

Dedicated hosting is a service in which you can lease a powerful web server that is dedicated exclusively to your web sites. This kind of private server environment is ideal for larger sites that are in need of extensive server resources. Dedicated web servers are synonymous with the most powerful kind of web hosting plans in the world. With a seemingly unlimited amount of disk space and bandwidth it is possible to host sites that have massive product catalogs and thousands of daily visitors. Although dedicated hosting plans provide powerful servers, it is important to note that they are not made for novice webmasters and many of the tools needed to operate an online store are not included.

eCommerce Hosting

Although eCommerce web servers are not as strong as dedicated servers, eCommerce hosting was designed specifically for online retail shops. Many prefer eCommerce plans because they are an “out-of-the-box” solution for online store owners that need a plethora of eCommerce tools in an inclusive package. Ecommerce hosting plans come with site building tools, shopping carts, product catalog creation and management applications, payment processing integration, SSL certificates and other resources that simplify, expedite and facilitate the establishment and operation of a secure and successful online storefront.

Conclusion

Both eCommerce and dedicated hosting plans come in various sizes and packages, so the capabilities of each plan will depend entirely upon the hosting provider and the chosen service. In general, dedicated servers are for more experienced webmasters that need a powerful solution for many web sites, or one large site. eCommerce hosting plans are perfect for novice webmasters, or online business owners that do not have the time or technical skills to manage and set up all of the necessary eCommerce tools on a dedicated server.

It is important to note that dedicated servers can host all of the aforementioned eCommerce applications such as shopping carts and product catalogs, however in many cases these tools are not automatically integrated. Ultimately the decision will depend upon your skill level, budget, and needs as a webmaster.

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]]> http://webhostinggeeks.com/blog/2010/08/19/web-hosting-for-online-businesses-%e2%80%93-dedicated-vs-ecommerce/feed/ 0 Dedicated Web Hosting – Is it Worth the Price?http://webhostinggeeks.com/blog/2010/06/24/dedicated-web-hosting-%e2%80%93-is-it-worth-the-price/ http://webhostinggeeks.com/blog/2010/06/24/dedicated-web-hosting-%e2%80%93-is-it-worth-the-price/#comments Thu, 24 Jun 2010 16:17:16 +0000 Art http://webhostinggeeks.com/blog/?p=966 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.

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