Dedicated Hosting

September 26th, 2008

What is Dedicated Hosting?

Dedicated hosting is where one customer rents or leases one or more dedicated servers for their own use. The Dedicated server customer does not share RAM, disk space or a connection to the router, dedicated servers provide customers with the most advanced Web hosting solutions.

Where shared web hosting has the provider placing as many sites per box as they can fit on the box (often 100 to 250 per server), a dedicated server is

in the hands of one customer to do with as they please within reasons of the providers terms of service.

In shared hosting, the provider dictates which email server to use, which Web server to use, what database servers to offer, and so on.

In a dedicated hosting environment, the client decides which Internet services — mail, Web, FTP, etc. fit their needs the best.

Dedicated hosting is extremely flexible, and often fits the needs of the more sophisticated users.

Linux Windows Dedicated servers come complete with 24×7x365 monitoring of the server and network availability on world class network connections.

Because we own the dedicated server, you have a significant benefit of letting us worry about maintaining the equipment. If a hardware part fails,

we are responsible for replacing it at no cost to you.

Intended Clients and Uses

Dedicated servers are designed for mid to advanced-level hosting needs such as “mission critical” and high-traffic sites. The dedicated servers can handle heavy data-driven sites, advanced e-commerce programs, video streaming, and multimedia programs.

Dedicated Server Response Time

Dedicated server response time depends solely on the volume of activity on the customer’s Web site.

Dedicated Server Flexibility and Scalability

All aspects of the platform (hard disk space, memory, etc.) are upgradeable since dedicated servers are single client machine.

Software

Unlimited ability to download software programs to your server.

Advanced technical knowledge is recommended-experienced programming and database capabilities.

Dedicated servers provide high levels of security, connectivity and scalability, to support high volume and mission critical Web-based applications

Dedicated Server Hosting Overview

September 25th, 2008

Dedicated server hosting services provide extremely powerful and secure web hosting solutions. Unlike shared hosting where a customer “shares” a server with other hosting clients, dedicated server hosting provides each customer with their own server. When a hosting client “leases” an entire server from a hosting provider, this is referred to as dedicated server hosting. The web hosting company still owns the server.

A client will have only their website or websites hosted on server when they use dedicated server hosting. This allows a higher performance and more security for their website. When people utilize shared hosting services their site is hosted on a server with many others and therefore the server’s resources can be taxed, causing a lower level of performance for the function of the websites. This is not the case with dedicated servers since one server is used for a single website and not multiple websites from multiple customers. Dedicated server hosting also provides customers with a higher level of security. Only their website is hosted on that server. The customer does not need to worry about any other customers finding a way to tamper with their website or data.

There are many reasons as to why a website might be a good candidate for dedicated server hosting. Websites receiving large volumes of traffic often work best when hosted on a dedicated server. This is often also the case for websites using an extremely large amount of disk space. If a website requires custom hardware and applications, dedicated server hosting will most likely be needed. Highly specialized e-commerce sites often function best when hosted on dedicated servers.

Dedicated server hosting works well for large business websites. It provides businesses with highly secure, powerful websites without the cost of having an in-house solution. Businesses can use customized software and applications meeting the specific needs of their business. However, they can do this at a much lower cost than owning and maintaining their own server. By utilizing dedicated server hosting rather than owning a server they also will not need to operate and maintain and data center.

A hosting customer does not typically need a dedicated server for a basic website. If the website does not use a great deal of bandwidth or disk space, shared hosting services work quite well and at a lower cost. If a website does not require customized hardware and applications, shared hosting rather than dedicated server hosting is typically the best choice.

When a person or business does opt for dedicated server hosting services, the hosting company will provide the maintenance and security for the server. They will also perform backups of the data stored on the server. It is the responsibility of the web-hosting provider to maintain the data center where the server is stored. They will update and manage all the hosting equipment needed to host the website. The web-hosting provider offers technical support for the server.

For business websites and other websites requiring a large volume of bandwidth and disk space dedicated hosting can be an excellent choice. It provides powerful, reliable and secure hosting services. Only a client’s website is hosted on that server which allows for fast load time and more secure hosting services.

Dedicated Server Hosting Benefits

September 25th, 2008

There are several reasons as to why an individual, business or other organization might decide to use a dedicated server to host their websites. Dedicated server hosting can provide many benefits to a hosting client depending on their particular needs and the function of their website.

Dedicated server hosting is typically more reliable and secure than shared hosting services. There are many excellent shared hosting providers, but dedicated hosting provides a good deal more stability and security. When utilizing dedicated hosting services, a customer does not need to worry about sharing a server with other websites. Only their website or in some cases websites will be hosted on that server.

By having a dedicated server just for their website, hosting clients can avoid many of the potential pitfalls of shared hosting services. With dedicated server hosting, a customer does not need to worry that the server will be overloaded due to an excess number of websites being hosted on one web server. A client also does not need to worry about another website on the web server having bad coding or scripts that would affect the hosting and performance of their own website.

Dedicated server hosting allows a customer to customize their hosting experience, which is not usually the case with shared hosting services. Shared hosting packages include an assortment of applications and features. A customer often finds that many features are available that they do not need and others that they could use are not included with the shared hosting package. On the other hand, dedicated server clients can select the software and applications that are best suited to the needs of their website.

Fully Managed Hosting Benefits

September 25th, 2008

To start with, you probably want to know what exactly managed hosting is. And you probably want to know what options are available to you other than managed hosting. How do they compare when it comes to security, expertise, included services, cost and value? It’s just the beginning of the questions, but it’s a good starting point for us to explain the differences between what we do, and what other types of providers do or don’t do.

Managed hosting

WebHosting UK concentrates solely upon managed hosting, an advanced type of dedicated server hosting. Unlike basic dedicated server hosting, managed hosting offers system level administration and support, comprehensive Internet infrastructure and extensive services that relieve IT departments of many critical, but costly responsibilities. These services typically include advanced monitoring, load balancing, elevated security, data storage, stress testing, industry-leading technical expertise and content delivery. The provider owns the data centers, the network, the dedicated server and other devices, and is responsible for installing, maintaining and monitoring them. The customer retains full control of their operating systems and applications. This balance of responsibilities allows for levels of security, scalability and uptime that far exceed basic dedicated server hosting and other hosting options.

Although seemingly expensive, managed hosting is the smart and cost-effective hosting solution for those needing 100% network uptime, responsiveness, technical expertise and a secure, high-end infrastructure. The cost of building and maintaining these capabilities in-house is far too demanding for most IT budgets and staffs.

Dedicated Hosting

August 16th, 2008

If there are expectations of a larger website and traffic, then website owners will want to check into a dedicated hosting server. With a dedicated hosting server, website owners do not share an IP location with other web sites or services. A dedicated hosting web server and the conveniences it offers can, in the long run, save the larger website frustrations. A web host that offers a dedicated server can offer customers more control, faster response times, and simple setups. A dedicated hosting server can cost more, but may be worth the investment because there will be a full server servicing the account or website. A dedicated host server will also give their customers access to the server, making control much like operating from a personal computer at home.

The Internet is good place to begin the search for finding the right web service and comparing dedicated hosting web server to virtual or shared accounts. There are directories online that compare costs and services of the many web hosts. Those looking for a space for their web sites can find agencies online that will match up criteria with web hosts that can meet them. There are also web sites online that rate the top ten dedicated hosting server agencies, giving quick access to the most reliable companies on the web hosting market.

It is always a good idea to conduct ample research when making financial and business decisions. Choosing a dedicated hosting web server is a decision that needs to be carefully considered and researched, knowing that what is being paid for will offer the best quality service, not only for personal or business benefits, but for the benefit of customers as well. The Bible teaches us to gather wisdom about all areas of our lives and not just the spiritual side of things. “Where no counsel is, the people fall; but in the multitude of counsellors, there is safety.” Before making final decisions about a host for your website, speak with others who are using the host under consideration. Be sure to get referrals and ask about the quality of service. The time and research invested will be time well spent!

Windows Dedicated Server Hosting

August 16th, 2008

Support is a major issue for many who are determining which OS to choose for their business dedicated servers. Dedicated windows servers have access to wider support than do Linux systems, even though the Unix based system is making continued strides in that area. Most hardware companies provide support for Microsoft based OS while not all companies currently support drivers and hardware problems in the Linux format. This can be of serious concern to some operators who want no-hassle, immediate support for their functions in order to circumvent time loss and function inhibition to their systems. Two typical concerns for those who choose Microsoft systems are reliability and security factors. For all its other superior, consumer appealing advancements, Microsoft has still not reached the elevated security measures that Linux offers.

Unfortunately hackers, viruses and other types of attackers can more easily assault a Microsoft based system. Also, Linux tends to provide more assurance of reliability for some versions that may not need to be restarted for even years. These factors, however, have not dampened the continued popularity of dedicated windows servers because Microsoft OSs ease of use and the huge assortment of advanced compatible products continually streams from Microsoft that keeps users coming back. When choosing between hosting solutions for either of these systems, there are generally two basic options for all users. Shared or dedicated servers can meet the requirements for any number of applications that may be required. From personal web sites to full featured global mall portals, there is a solution for everyone.

A shared server solution is generally used by individuals and small businesses that do not require massive amounts of space and storage for immense, daily data transfers. Companies that provide shared solutions for hosting needs offer support, maintenance and generally enough speed and space for smaller endeavors. Since a shared server will host many different web sites on one server, there can be problems with speed and transfer of data when one site overloads the pathways with large amounts of traffic in one day. That is one reason that large, online companies prefer to use solutions such as dedicated Windows servers to meet their current and future growth patterns for a hosting source. “The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of everyone that is hasty only to want.

Dedicated servers provide the option of one server completely at the disposal of one client who chooses to have it managed or unmanaged by a central data center. More control over software, hardware, support, configurations and functionality are available through Windows dedicated servers than are available through shared servers. In order to make the best decision regarding server requirements for any business, first determine the exact functional needs of online transactions. Then, determine which operating system and server solution is the most advantageous to the online business concept.

Dedicated Server Hosting

August 16th, 2008

Often, dedicated server hosting is the preferred choice when a customer wants control over the server completely, and when the customer wants to have the ability to manage the server. This type of server hosting works as a rented full server. Dedicated web servers will also provide plenty of space for traffic and website usage. Large companies that offer e-commerce and expect thousands of visitors daily will prefer the dedicated server option. Having control and having space can cost in the financial department, though. Most website owners believe that dedicated servers hosting is both reliable and offers the flexibility needed to control a business online, but this selection of hosting account is generally more expensive than the other host options.

There are also other host services that can be considered. Shared server hosting, or virtual hosting, and even free hosting are available. The Internet is good place to begin the search for finding the right web hosting service and comparing all of the options available on the host market today. There are directories online that compare costs and services of the many web hosts, and explain the services and features of each. There are also web sites online that rate the top web hosting server agencies, giving the seeker quick access to the most reliable companies on the web service market. After determining needs, find services that will match up with hosts that can meet all business and personal expectations.

The Bible is also a good source of information when making all kinds of decisions. While choosing to join the World Wide Web may be a good decision for you and your company, be sure and take any concerns or decisions to the Lord in prayer and read through the book of Proverbs, looking for practical advise on daily concerns. “Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your request be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” God is even interested in your business decisions and which web host options that are chosen.

Right time to upgrade from virutal hosting to dedicated server

August 15th, 2008

When should you Upgrade from Virtual Hosting to Dedicated Web Server Hosting?

Virtual hosting is an inexpensive way to gain access to the internet if you have relatively few pages viewed on your web site or files downloaded. However, it is very easy to outgrow virtual hosting. Ask yourself these questions:

If high volume on someone else’s site that shares my virtual hosting server slows down my web site, is it a major issue to me? You are one of many customers on the hosting server and your site can easily be affected by things beyond your control.

Do I need to add an application, such as a database to my site for my customers or employees? Because this hosting dedicated server has to meet the needs of many different companies the applications available are typically limited to email and similar basic applications.

Has the volume to my web site increased enough to slow down the response time? The available bandwidth on a virtual hosting server is quite limited. Growth is the leading cause of upgrading to dedicated web server hosting.

Are the services provided by my virtual hosting server critical to my business or could I easily overlook it if the server went down for a day or two?

Virtual hosting is much less reliable than dedicated hosting. You are taking a large risk being on a virtual hosting server if you can not afford your web server to be down.

Do I need easy access to experienced engineers to help me support my site? A virtual hosting company may have thousands of clients so it is difficult to get expert support.

If you answered yes to any of these questions it is probably time to seriously consider migrating to a dedicated web server hosting.

When to upgrade from dedicated web server to server clustering

August 15th, 2008

When should you Upgrade from Dedicated Web Server Hosting to Clustered Server Hosting?

Dedicated web server hosting gives you much greater flexibility and control than virtual hosting, but it still has volume constraints and failures can be caused by a single point of error. Here are questions that should help you determine if it is time for clustered server hosting:

Are the services on my web server so critical that I can not afford them to be down even an hour or two? Dedicated web server hosting is much more robust that a virtual hosting, but there are still many single points of error that could cause downtime.

Are so many people trying to access the applications on my dedicated hosting server that it is becoming too slow? Good applications get a lot of use, however as you get many people using them at the same time the system slows down and productivity suffers.

Are so many people visiting my web site or trying to download information that it is becoming too slow? Getting a lot of visitors to your web site is great, but a single dedicated server only can handle so many requests for information before response time slows and potential customers leave.

Would placing applications on different web servers simplify troubleshooting performance issues? When too many things get loaded onto a single dedicated web server it is very difficult to tell what is causing the problem when troubles start.

Does the traffic volume or system load fluctuate greatly from high to low in unpredictable ways? Trying to handle wide swings in volume on a single dedicated web server is very difficult as you end up with too much or too little capacity.

Is my business growing so rapidly that I need an easy way to scale my web servers? Adding more web servers to handle growth to a properly configured cluster is very easy.

If you answered yes to any of these questions it is probably time to seriously consider migrating to clustered hosting.

Web Server Clustering

August 15th, 2008

What is Web Server Clustering ?

Web Server Clustering is where two or more web servers are configured to act as a single system. Web server clustering can improve the reliability and throughput of an Internet-based system. Troubleshooting and determining the root cause of problems also can be much simpler with web server clustering. However, clustering requires a great deal of technical knowledge if the system is to be properly set-up and maintained.

Advantages of Web Server Clustering

Clustering improves the reliability of Internet-based systems because it eliminates many of the single points of failure that are possible in a single web server system. For example, with web server clustering you could have two or more web servers supporting your Internet site. If one of the web servers fails your throughput might be impacted to some degree but the site would still be available on the second web server. In a single server system your site would be offline if this happened.

The throughput of a system can be vastly improved with clustering because you can put a load balancer in the system that will send traffic to the least busy resource. This also means clustering can handle huge swings in volume that may occur during the day.

Web server clustering also makes it much easier to troubleshoot systems if properly configured. Instead of having many different items loaded on one web server you can put similar programs on each web server so it is easier to determine if a problem is related to an application, database, bandwidth, etc.

Web Server Clustering Issues

The drawback to clustering is you have to know what you are doing. Web server clustering done right is easily scalable and easily maintained. Clustering configured wrong is a nightmare you don’t want to experience.