Thinking about making the switch to a dedicated server is probably one of the best investments you can make for your small business. Dedicated servers provide a new tier of service that takes it one step beyond shared hosting. Instead of hooking into a hosting service that supports the sites of various other companies or individuals, your dedicated server is selectively yours.
So, what are the benefits? Having a dedicated server offers enhanced control, speed and functionality over shared hosting. If your site is significantly large and you have plans to boost traffic over time, having a dedicated server can help prevent crippling computer crashes, downtime and limited operation capabilities. You can choose a dedicated server over a VPS (Virtual Private Server) and knowing the pros and cons between the two is critical to obtaining the best service for your short and long-term goals.
Dedicated Servers: When it comes to running a website, a "server" is a particular type of computer that is created for the purpose of processing user requests and then delivering the resulting data to other computers. In this case, the server supports your site and allows others to see and use your site. A dedicated server is an actual physical server that you can lease from a company and use for your own purposes. This allows you to choose your own hardware, operating system and other specifications, as well as utilize the server specifically for your own growth and function as opposed to having to work within the parameters of a sharing hosting service.
VPS: The Virtual Private Server gives you an alternative to using a physical server. Instead of a physical server, you use a server that is available online or from "the cloud." Although a VPS works through a physical computer it is designed mimic the functionality of a private computer. This is because the system can be modified to fit the individual users' needs for their sites. Though users will not likely be aware of the difference between a VPS and a true dedicated server, other than not having a physical machine at their disposal, these systems save energy, materials and other costs.
Creating a major buzz in the last year was the introduction of Dell's AMD's Opteron 6200 processor (code-named Interlagos). The called by ZD Net "a runaway success" due to its high-power delivery for all servers, dedicated and VPS. ZD Net says the server process is "particularly popular with buyers looking for high performance on a budget. Moreover, as shown in this exclusive review, there's a lot more to come, thanks to the first 16-core x86 processor."
According to ZD Net, the 32nm Interlagos processor family was released to server vendors back in September, and is the first to be based on AMD's new modular Bulldozer architecture. "This uses a completely new building-block module containing two tightly-coupled integer cores designed to share resources, including a Floating Point Unit (FPU) and L2 cache, rather than have resources dedicated to each core," according to ZD Net. "One result is a space saving on silicon real estate; another -- according to AMD -- is more efficient multi-threading across the two core modules compared to the independent-core approach taken by Intel on its Xeon chips."
Dedicated servers and VPS servers both allow for a high-degree of customization for your Web site. Unlike hosting services that require you to prescribe to another providers specifications, a dedicated or VPS server enables you to create, manage and modify your Web sites to match your own specific needs. You can also use a very large amount of space to expand and grow the number of Web sites you use over time. And, the dedicated and VPS both offer improved speed and security over hosting services and you can select your own hardware and OS preferences and access the information and formats that best suit your needs.
Having a dedicated server means you will have a physical server you can see and manage. Many business owners and individuals prefer to have this option because it gives them more control over the operation of their server. Having a VPS means there is no physical machine. Instead, the VPS uses a single, large computer to behave as multiple computers, with various sub-systems that can be individually managed.
Making the choice between a dedicated server and a VPS is going to vary depending on the users knowledge of the OS and server functions; their web site requirements and investment capital for purchases of either system. A VPS is typically less costly than a dedicated server and often includes other levels of support that a dedicated server does not.
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