What is a dedicated server?
A dedicated hosting service, dedicated server, or managed hosting service is a type of Internet hosting where the client leases an entire server not shared with anyone. This is more flexible than shared hosting, as organizations have full control over the server(s), including choice of operating system, hardware, etc. Server administration can usually be provided by the hosting company as an add-on service.
What to consider when choosing right dedicated server?
Hardware
Quality server hardware to cope with the high number of users on your server it is paramount that the server hardware and components are quality.
Network
Multiple connections to the Internet for your dedicated servers are imperative. So look out for suppliers who's network has the ability to re-route traffic should a connection go down.
Network speed
Speed is everything on the Internet; so finding the fastest connection possible is a must, particularly as other users are consuming resources on your server. High-grade bandwidth is the key as is using less than 50% of available bandwidth.
Data center
Data centre location: hosting your company in UK based hosting facilities ensures higher performance, easier management and better Google ratings.
Reviews
Take a look at any awards the hosting providers have won, check their availability and performance records, read their customer testimonials and case studies, even talk to their clients and visit forums to see what is being said about them. All these should give you a better view of how good they are.
Remember it is not necessary to go with the cheapest or the most expensive dedicated servers supplier, it's about your budget and getting value for money. Some factors to consider when choosing a dedicated server to help you save money include:
Your needs
Pay for what you need only: only purchase services that your site will require to provide your specific content, don't sign up for an all-inclusive package with a hosting provider if you won't use most of their services, unless you can see the value otherwise this will unnecessarily increase your costs.
Scalability
Choose a scalable solution: make sure that your dedicated server solution can grow as you grow. This means being able to upgrade your site to accommodate increased bandwidth, even server-side scripting, database support and multimedia streaming.
Technical support
Responsive and available tech support: prompt and knowledgeable customer support is key to your hosting solution. A truly dependable and first-rate host will offer 24/7/365 support, whether by phone or email, without the interception of call centres, handled by qualified and helpful technicians.
Billing
Simple and reliable billing: don't let a host get you in a flap over billing. You should have the choice to pay by credit card or direct debit. Your dedicated server supplier should also send you regular invoices and in your control panel you should be able to view your financial account information.
Domain
Own your domain: make sure that your web host does not hold you hostage by letting them having administrative control over your domain name. Your host should only be listed as a technical contact.
Backuping
Have a backup plan: just in case your host goes belly-up or experiences an unrecoverable failure. Redundancy is always a priority if you are running an Internet-based business. Remember that any service outage can completely compromise your source of income.
Rules
As always, do not forget to read the Terms of Service (TOS), the Privacy Policy and the other rules that your hosting company has. Make sure your type of business is allowed (Sometimes Adult, Hosting, etc business is not allowed).
Some cheap dedicated servers to start with (All $0 Setup)
iWeb -
$69/month
- Intel Celeron 3.0Ghz
- 512 MB RAM
- 80 GB IDE
- 1000 GB Traffic
ZipServers -
$79/month
- Barton 3000+
- 1024 MB RAM
- 80 GB HDD
- 1500 GB Traffic
Stargate -
$95/month
- Intel Pentium 4 3.0Ghz
- 1024 MB DDR-RAM
- 80 GB SATA
- 100 Mbps
SurfSpeedy -
$79.95/month
- AMD Sempron 2600 Processor
- 512 MB RAM
- 80 GB HDD
- 1500 GB Traffic
HostForWeb -
$129.95/month
- Intel Celeron 2.6 Ghz
- 1024 MB RAM
- 120 GB SATA
- 2000 GB Traffic
SimraHosting -
$129.95/month
- Pentium 4 2.8 Ghz
- 1024 MB RAM
- 80 GB SATA
- 2500 GB Traffic
North Storm Media Networks -
$69/month
- Pentium 3
- 512 MB RAM
- 80 GB SATA
- 1000 GB Traffic
SingleHop -
$119/month
- Pentium 4 3.0GHz HT
- 1024 MB RAM
- Seagate 320 GB 16 MB Cache
- 2500 GB Bandwidth
If you know another cheap good dedicated server plan, post it here
Thanks for reading.
Kai Sellgren
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