Webmasters who are responsible for the performance of a high-traffic web site generally consider it a no-brainer to utilize a the more reliable, managed dedicated server environment. However, for smaller to mid-size business operations, it is often an issue of cost that will determine whether or not they are ready to go with a managed dedicated server hosting solution. The information below will address some of the benefits associated with the managed dedicated server hosting environment.
In order to be reliable, the dedicated server or cluster being used must be properly managed, whether it is done in-house or outsourced. Some of the general issues of concern include management of hardware, operating systems, applications, and E-commerce. Also of concern is security, data backup, disaster recovery, reporting, monitoring, database management, Virtual Private Networks (VPN), connectivity, bandwidth, and load balancing.  Needless to say, that is a lot to stay on top of on a 24/7/365 basis.
Using dedicated servers in a managed hosting environment means that the managed dedicated hosting provider is not only renting servers to you, but it is also providing system administration for most, if not all of the aforementioned management issues.
Manged dedicated server solutions offer webmasters and businesses of all sizes to rent pre-configured, out of the box web hosting or application hosting servers. The dedicated server is used only by you – unlike shared web hosting or “virtual hosting” which requires sharing on a single server along with often hundreds, if not thousands of other web sites.
While managed dedicated servers can cost quite a bit more than most shared hosting plans, there are often specials by some of the more prominent hosting firms and prices have actually dropped significantly from what they had been several years ago.
For example, in the year 2000, a dedicated server priced at less than $400 – $500 was difficult to find. Since 2003, dozens of quality dedicated hosts have been offering servers for as little as $100 in some cases.
Manged dedicated servers offer advantages almost too numerous to mention over shared hosting. For example, a large web site or a site with considerable traffic should always have a dedicated server in place. When using additional 3rd party security for a web site or having many emails is a concern, a dedicated server will allow for the kind of freedom that a shared hosting environment simply cannot technically offer. Serious webmasters use dedicated servers so that they can have the most intensive access to the server, with the ability to configure and optimize it in any way required.
When everything is considered, there really isn’t a downside to professional managed hosting services with a dedicated server – as long as a good provider is chosen. All in all, dedicated server solutions are extremely cost effective and a good value for most small to medium sized businesses that either have, or desire to have, a busy or rapidly growing web site.
Delegating responsibility for system administration to a managed hosting provider and dedicated server will avoid the need for costly internal resources. Managed hosting with dedicated servers offer a highly trained IT staff at your disposal, something that small to medium businesses can rarely afford in-house.
Ultimately, how you determine the value of managed services could depend on how quickly and efficiently the managed host responds to needs and support issues. Slow response isn’t going to be any better than being short staffed internally during times of heavy administration needs. In fact, it could be worse. But it is safe to say that overall, a good managed hosting company will always understand how mission critical their job is and respond accordingly.
One of the biggest advantages of any managed dedicated server hosting solution is the flexibility allowed for businesses over web site operation expenditures. It is important to keep that in mind while negotiating the terms of service with any provider. To ensure that you are getting the best deal, do some intelligent comparison research before signing on the dotted line.
The cost of managed dedicated server hosting can vary greatly. Depending upon specific needs, below are some of the main considerations:
- Operating System (Unix, Linux, Windows NT, etc.) and System Type
- Server Hardware Options (CPU, Memory, Backup, Number of IP addresses, Bandwidth)
- Number of VPN users
- Software Configurations (SSL, MySQL/PHP, Control Panels)
- Security Options, Firewall
It is a good litmus test for any managed host to be able to help you figure out exactly what is needed for your situation. It could also be an indication of how responsive they will be when support is needed later.
Any prospective managed dedicated server host provider should provide details about connectivity and up-time track record. For instance, their Network Operations Center (NOC) should be located in the US, because you need access to the fastest, most reliable connection. Any reputable company should also offer money back guarantees on their services.
If you still aren’t sure what is needed for your web operations, for many companies, the answer is determined in how well their server can keep up with growth. If it looks like you need to expand internal IT resources, it’s more than likely a good time to explore managed dedicated server hosting options.
Dedicated servers have come a very long way in the past few years. Mission critical and enterprise level applications rely heavily on the dedicated server solution. However, there are still countless uses for dedicated servers in many other situations, and the reduction in prices and extension of features have made the dedicated server a much more affordable, as well as the best overall business choice, for many personal and small business ventures.
Superb Internet provides a complete range of managed dedicated server and web hosting solutions, from virtual shared web hosting through to high-volume, mission-critical dedicated server solutions. SuperbHosting.net’s core focus is customer service, and continuous service improvement, with offices and 24-hour/365-day operations in McLean, VA, Tukwila, WA, and Vancouver, BC, serving customers in over 150 countries worldwide.
View further information on Dedicated Servers here.
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