Dedicated server v. shared hosting

Elaine · 20-02-04

My next step in the affiliate world is going to be quite a major one and the subject of a dedicated server was raised - something else I know next to nothing about!

Would someone please enlighten me as to the pros and cons of using a dedicated server - apart from the cost.

Is it more secure? - the main reason why it was up for discussion.

Do they take more 'looking after' - I never give my present arrangement a thought unless its obvious its down - only happened once.

What is the main reason others use a dedicated server?

How difficult would it be to move from my present host - 1&1 - I've heard horror stories.

Can anyone recommend a dedicated server?

How much do they cost - do they differ much in price - and if they do, is more necessarily better?

Cheers

Renners · 20-02-04

I was offered it recently @ 20GBP more per month, looked into it and felt there was no benefit unless I was going to load non standard applications such as shopping carts or postcode software.

Not sure if you have to restore it if it falls over either, if this was true I definetly wouldn't, much prefer to shout at the WPP.

Hear endith my 1st post!

Regards,
Renners

mibut · 20-02-04

1&1 offer dedicated servers and even offer a managed one.

renegade · 21-02-04

As a web design business we manage a cheapo virtual server for non-demanding customers and our own dedicated server for more demanding customers.
Our main site isn't currently on a dedicated server but we'll probably go that route in the near future.
There are a couple of disadvantages with shared hosting. Because all the websites on a shared server (generally) share a single IP address if any site on the server gets blacklisted it's likely all the sites on the server will also be blacklisted.
There's also the problem of one or two sites hogging the resources downgrading the performance of other sites on the server.
Most of the time it's no problem but a dedicated server for a popular website is a sensible move.
If you don't have any technical expertise you'll going to need help, go for a managed server.
Then you can worry about whether to opt for MS technology or run a linux server.

gerry180 · 21-02-04

Hi Elaine

I can’t answer all your questions as I only ordered one yesterday. However, over the last month I contacted 50 UK providers offering dedicated servers so this may be of interest

I found those providers with their own data centres, engineers and strong technical support tended to be the most expensive. Of the 50 I contacted 4 couldn’t meet my budget of £200/month. The majority (apart from 8 who didn’t get back to me) offered similar specified servers between £90 - £200/month. A few pointed out that their servers where located in the US. These had a very competitive spec/price compared to the UK servers.

One difficulty I found was evaluating what sort of set-up was behind the hosting company’s web site. Even though most of the people I contacted where very helpful I got the impression some may be one-man bands.

Recently a number of low-cost dedicated servers have been appearing. This months .NET magazine (issue 121) ‘Making money from a dedicated server lists 10 providers offering dedicated servers at less then £100/month 3 of these at £29/month.

Pros
Full control of the server;
Allows complex configurations;
You have an entire machine to yourself;
Not affected by other users;
You can put what you like on it (within T&C and legal constraints).

Cons
More expensive. This is not just the initial cost. Firewalls & backup
options are often additional monthly costs.
Requires more in-depth knowledge especially if
Unmanaged.(setting up and managing the server)

Security should be better as no other websites are using your server.
Then again, last year an engineer at the data centre managed to infect a dedicated server I was developing on from his laptop.

You will need to decide on a number options including:
Type of operating system (Windows/Linux);

Unmanaged (requires experienced administrator)
or
Fully Managed (System administration done by Hosts, You access & configure through a control panel).

The main reasons I went for dedicated are:
1. I need full control,
2. Ability to choose what development tools/apps & versions I use.
3. Unrestricted use of the server’s resources.
4. Database driven sites needing regular batch processing.
.
Finally, I went with Hostway-UK. Too early to say how they perform. If anyone has any horror stories about them let me know as I’m still covered by the 30-day money back guarantee.

Regards

Gerry