What is a Dedicated Server?
First, let’s review the basics of a dedicated server and explain how it works. When you purchase a dedicated server, you’re essentially paying for complete control of one of the provider company’s servers, which you can then use for website hosting, private video hosting, and even gaming. Both the hardware and software are customizable based on the needs of the business or individual end-user. The product’s scalability for businesses, from computing power to storage, makes dedicated servers a reliable yet affordable solution for hosting and setting up internal private cloud storage.
Dedicated servers use some of the best processors available, in addition to NVMe SSD storage and 32 or more GBs of RAM. The variety of price points at which dedicated servers are offered usually depends on the hardware specifications. Unlike a VPS, you’ll have complete control over the entire server, which means there are plenty of options and opportunities for customization. They can provide valuable computing power that’s often too difficult for individuals and businesses to purchase and maintain.
How to Select a Dedicated Server
Ready to integrate a dedicated server for hosting into your business? While every cloud services provider offers different hardware, accessibility, and pricing options, there are a few key specs you should always consider before purchasing. Here are a few of the most important factors to consider when selecting a server for your business.
Memory and Storage Allowances
The memory and storage that comes with the dedicated server dictate what kind of computing power you’ll have on hand with your server. Basic dedicated servers usually contain somewhere between 16 and 32 GB of RAM, with options for scaling this hardware upwards for an additional monthly fee. Storage for the server works in a similar fashion, though it’s always important to review whether the server offers hard drives or SSDs. While it might seem like you’re getting more for your money with a dedicated server that contains a hard drive, the speed of the storage for that product is likely significantly lower, ultimately limiting the product’s usability.
Processors and Other Hardware Details
One of the key components of the server is the processor, the quality of which can also dictate the value and usability of the product for your business. Dedicated servers tend to use some of the best technology on the market, which means they often start with AMD Ryzen and Intel Xeon products. If you can’t find concrete information about the dedicated server’s processor, you may want to consider other cloud services providers.
The AMD products tend to favor multi-core performance, which can essentially help your server become a more efficient multitasking machine. Xeon Gold and other similar Intel products favor single-core performance and tend to use significantly more energy. However, this isn’t really a concern because the dedicated server is located in the provider company’s data center. Before you purchase a dedicated server, you’ll also need to check to make sure that the memory provided is in DDR format. SSD drives should also be NVMe hardware.
Price and Usability Without Commitments
In many cases, the price of your dedicated server will change depending on the length of time you’re committing to with the provider company. If you’re renting out a dedicated server for a single month, the monthly fee will be higher, and you’ll still need to pay the one-time activation fee. If you’re purchasing a dedicated server with a twelve or more month contract, you’ll usually save a considerable amount of money.
Reputation and Reliability of the Provider Company
Beyond the technical stats of the server, it’s always a good idea to review the provider company itself. What kind of security record do they have in keeping their customer’s information safe? Who is their target audience? While many dedicated server providers tailor their offerings to business and enterprise clients, other similar companies may bring a more budget-friendly approach, which is usually more fitting for gamers rather than professionals.
Security Features
The security of your business’s data should always be a top priority for the provider company. In addition to digital security parameters, the company you’re purchasing the dedicated server from should also have some form of physical security for its data center. The privacy of vital business records, financial data, and internal process information is often of paramount concern to businesses looking for a dedicated server.
Scalability of the Product
Before you purchase a dedicated server, consider what your options will be in the event that you need more bandwidth, storage, memory, or a better processor. Essentially, how scalable is the product you are purchasing? Does it offer adequate customization options that can increase or decrease your monthly hosting expenses moving forward? The best cloud services providers can help you find the dedicated server for your business that helps ensure you’re spending only as much as you need to when it comes to web hosting.
Conclusion- How to Select a Dedicated Server for Your Business
If maintaining your website using in-house hardware and hosting technology is too much of a hassle or too expensive to maintain, it’s time to switch to a dedicated server. The hardware, scalability, and reliable security that come with these products make them a must for many businesses, regardless of their size or scale of operations.