A dedicated server is a hosting service provided by a hosting company that rents out one or more physical servers. Besides the client, access to the resource can only be granted to administrators of the leasing company.
What is a dedicated server, its features, and alternatives
Let’s imagine a computer (a desktop or a laptop). It can be used by one person or several. Considering that in multi-user mode, processes launched by other users remain always active. And here, the user decides how they want to use the “hardware”. Solo or sharing resources with someone else.
With servers provided for rent by hosting providers, a similar situation exists. The client can choose from several service options:
- Hosting under a tariff plan. This involves allocating one server to a group of different users. All are offered the same server specifications. In reality, resources are distributed unevenly. Which can lead to periodic failures in website or service operation.
- Virtual private server (VPS). Multiple virtual machines are created on a physical server, each assigned specific resources. The feature of VPS is that the work of “neighbors” does not affect the performance of the rented server. The drawback is limited system capacity. If maximum computational power or instant resource response is required, it cannot be obtained.
- Dedicated server. A physical server is leased to the tenant. Moreover, technical specifications can be individually tailored for each task. There are no restrictions on platform performance. This is the most convenient and practical solution for business.
Advantages and disadvantages of dedicated servers
Dedicated servers are designed for business use. They host websites and portals that help generate profit from providing services or sales. Physical servers are used for remote work with business applications (e.g., Accounting or Warehouse, Data Centers, Business Portals, and aggregator websites). The main advantage of a dedicated server is high performance. Where software utilizes all the computer’s resources, not just some part of it. Additional advantages include:
- Full control over the server. This includes standard and custom settings, configuration for one or multiple different tasks. The ability to install any operating system and software.
- Maximum reliability and fault tolerance. The “Dedicated Server” service itself is not cheap. But the price always accounts for any force majeure. Administrators guarantee security. And, in case of failure, they promptly restore server operability.
The only disadvantage of a dedicated server is its relatively high rental cost. But it’s up to the business owner to decide what is more important – performance or savings. Another point is the need for an administrator to manage the dedicated server. The leasing company should have a relevant vacancy and a specialized professional.
Where to order a dedicated server – location, company
A very important factor affecting the performance of dedicated servers is the geographical location matching the audience. If the website or programs are intended for use in Europe, a server from the USA will operate with latency. For European and Euro-Asian audiences, it’s better to order a dedicated server from Blueservers Estonia, for example. In Australia, it’s better to choose a hosting provider from local companies. And so on.
The technical components of dedicated servers from different providers are almost identical. When a new processor, memory, or other components are released, servers are immediately updated. Often, performance improvements happen without user notification. This is a kind of bonus. It’s done to retain clients by creating ideal conditions for their business growth.
When choosing a dedicated server, attention is paid to the company’s service support. The same hosting provider Blueservers has on-duty administrators working 24/7. When questions or assistance are needed, one call solves all problems. This is convenient and cost-effective for business. After all, we all know that time is money. Downtime in business should not happen.
