When you first started your online application, database, or mail server, you undoubtedly chose cloud computing, as did many other businesses. Cloud computing services, after all, appear to be convenient, adaptable, and cost-effective. However, cloud services are not the only ones available.
Many people are realising that dedicated servers can be less expensive, have higher throughput, and be just as dependable as cloud computing. “What is a dedicated server, and why should I choose one?” you might wonder. Find out more in this article.
What Is a Dedicated Server?
A dedicated server is exactly what its name implies: a server dedicated solely to the responsibilities and performance of your company. A dedicated server, unlike a regular PC, contains enterprise-grade hardware resources that businesses can use to power mission-critical applications.
You do not share CPU, RAM, or disc resources with other organisations when you use dedicated servers. Dedicated servers are sometimes referred to as “bare metal servers” since the user is in close proximity to the physical hardware, as opposed to cloud servers, which employ hypervisors to abstract the physical hardware.
Because a dedicated server does not share processing power or connectivity with another company, organisations can achieve the fastest feasible job speeds. The management of the server can be completed by the IT admins. So, the dedicated servers have a limitless number of applications. They can be used for web hosting, database operations, email hosting, and reseller hosting, for example.
Dedicated Server Components
Dedicated servers include enterprise-grade CPUs and RAM, making them far more powerful, dependable, and less prone to failure than cloud services.
1. Dedicated server-grade CPUs
Server-grade CPUs, unlike consumer-grade CPUs, are subjected to more rigorous testing, resulting in a more durable and dependable component. Higher frequencies (to process more data) and Error Code Correction are also included in server-grade CPUs (ECC).
2. Dedicated server-grade RAM
ECC RAM, which is more reliable than consumer-grade RAM, is used in dedicated servers. When data errors arise, the ECC RAM can detect and fix them, making it more dependable and reliable for business-critical applications. They can also store more data than standard RAM. ECC RAM is more expensive than normal RAM since it is made of higher-quality components.
3. Server OS
Dedicated servers require a specific operating system in addition to enterprise-grade CPUs and RAM. There are thousands of different server operating systems to choose from, but it essentially comes down to two choices: Windows Server OSs and Linux. While Linux is still the most common server operating system, Windows Server operating systems are gaining ground.
Use Cases for Dedicated Servers
Dedicated servers can be used in a variety of ways by businesses, including:
1. Running mission-critical applications
Dedicated servers should be considered by businesses with mission-critical applications to boost uptime and dependability. These apps, which might range from customer-facing to staff data, are critical to an organization’s smooth running. Dedicated servers provide workload control in addition to reliability.
2. Running high-traffic websites
Dedicated servers are most commonly used to host resource-intensive websites like e-commerce businesses. Thousands of concurrent requests and millions of hits each day are received by such websites. An organisation can scale up using a single dedicated server rather than scaling out across several less powerful servers.
3. Hosting multiple websites
Dedicated servers are used by the majority of web hosting companies. This is because a high-end dedicated server may host an endless number of websites as long as you keep the server’s resource utilisation under control.
4. Running a dedicated firewall
Firewalls are necessary as the first line of defense against attacks in an organization. Yet commercial hardware and software can be costly. An organization can leverage a dedicated server as the first line of defense against cyber-attacks.
5. Hosting private clouds
A dedicated server can be used to run a private cloud and Virtual Machines for an enterprise (VMs). Companies can also use high-end dedicated servers to run high-availability services while leveraging public cloud hosting services.
5 Benefits of a Dedicated Server
A dedicated server offers numerous benefits, including enhanced performance, security, flexibility, and customization, as well as on-premises support 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
1. Enhanced performance
Dedicated servers are used by organisations that do not share computing resources with others. This improves the performance of a variety of applications, including websites and databases.
2. Higher security
Opting for a dedicated server means that no one else has access to the server, potentially boosting business security. You can also enforce firewall controls to further enhance the security of your assets without impacting performance.
3. Improved flexibility
A dedicated server, unlike a cloud server, can be used for almost anything, from web hosting and e-commerce to virtual private networks (VPNs) and email servers.
4. Easy customization
Unlike a shared server, the dedicated server is completely under your control. As a result, they may easily change the CPU, RAM, disc space, and software to meet the needs of the company.
5. Constant on-premises support
Dedicated server users can rest easy knowing that their servers are supported by an on-site professional 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Factors to Consider when Evaluating Service Providers
The most difficult aspect of evaluating different hosting packages is deciding on a dedicated server provider. Many aspects influence the choice of a dedicated server provider, from performance stability to 24/7 on-premises support. Some of these elements are:
1. Performance
The hardware requirements of a dedicated server have a significant impact on its performance. As a result, you should think about the following:
- What is the CPU’s clock speed in gigahertz?
- What is the number of threads and cores on the CPU?
- How much RAM does the computer have?
- Is it a Double Data Rate 4 (DDR4) or a Double Data Rate 3 (DDR3) type of RAM?
- What is the size of the storage space provided by the service provider?
- What is the read/write speeds of the storage device?
- Is it a hard disc drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD) that you’re using?
- Setup of the datacenter
The service provider should have multiple data centers at different geolocation sites. Under normal circumstances, an organization should select only a data center located close to its customers. This ensures the least-latency network (the fastest connections for end-users). In case of a calamity, such as an earthquake or hurricane, other datacenters provide continuity of business operations.
2. Security
A dependable service provider is one that provides the highest level of security and scalability. Consider the following factors when choosing a service provider:
- Is multi-factor authentication (MFA) supported by the service provider?
- Is intrusion detection and prevention (IDS & IPS) supported by the service provider?
- What types of data encryption protocols does the business support?
- Is there an enterprise-grade firewall in place at the company?
- Agreements on Service Levels (SLAs)
A service level agreement (SLA) outlines and documents all of the commitments that the service provider will honour in the event of a server failure. As a result, before selecting a dedicated server provider, enterprises must thoroughly assess SLAs.
3. Pricing
Ultimately, every decision you make is based on cost. While a low-cost dedicated server provider may appear appealing, it may not deliver the greatest results. This does not, however, imply that you should choose the most expensive service provider. Comparing all of the service providers and haggling for the best deal is the greatest option.
4. Support
Some service providers offer limited assistance during normal business hours and for a restricted range of situations. If your staff or clients work on weekends or holidays, you should choose a service provider that offers round-the-clock support.
Choosing between Shared Hosting and Dedicated Hosting
If you value stability and security, dedicated hosting is the way to go. If you want something cheap and fast, though, shared hosting is the way to go. There are some key distinctions between shared and dedicated hosting, which are listed below:
1. Hosted sites
A shared hosting server hosts numerous companies’ websites, as the name implies. Your organization’s website is the only dedicated website hosted on the server when you choose dedicated hosting.
2. Disk space and bandwidth
Because other organisations use the same space, shared hosting limits your organization’s disc space and bandwidth. You will be charged extra if you exceed your assigned limit. Dedicated hosting, on the other hand, dedicates all available disc space and bandwidth to your business, removing the limits imposed by limited disc space and bandwidth.
3. Technical skills
Because shared hosting is managed, maintained, and administered by the shared hosting provider, there is little to no technical expertise required on the side of the company. As a result, shared hosting facilitates installation, administration, and upgrades.
Dedicated hosting, on the other hand, necessitates the technical expertise of IT professionals because everything from installation, upgrades, administration, and management must be completed in-house.
4. Costs
Because the costs are spread equally among numerous users, shared hosting is substantially less expensive than dedicated hosting.
5. Security
In comparison to shared hosting, dedicated hosting provides more security. This is because dedicated hosting allows you to choose the security measures to implement, and because your space is not shared with other businesses, there is little risk of getting malware from poorly set neighbours.
6. Performance and response time
Because shared hosting is prone to an unexpected spike of web traffic that drains the server’s bandwidth capacity, dedicated hosting is the clear winner in terms of performance and reaction time. Dedicated hosting servers are extremely responsive, with great performance and response times.
7. Website and IP blacklisting
If a member of your shared hosting network commits a crime, the entire server may be blacklisted. This issue does not occur on dedicated servers.
8. Control
The level of control you have over your infrastructure in dedicated hosting is greater than in shared hosting.
Finally, the type of hosting you select is determined by your specific organisational requirements. If you have a tiny business and don’t care about performance or security, shared hosting is the way to go. If you have the budget for a high-performing, secure configuration, dedicated hosting is the way to go.
Feel free to visit our Casbay Singapore for more information about a dedicated server. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.
