Servers are the backbone of any IT infrastructure; A robust IT infrastructure is more important than you might realize. A well-established IT infrastructure needs to be reliable, flexible, and secure. In this blog, we will explain the basics of dedicated servers, discuss its benefits, and help you decide if a dedicated server is the best option for your business.
What is a dedicated server?
Dedicated servers are known for their high performing features in processing power and storage speed, connected to high-speed internet connections and hosted in data centers with companies such as Netrouting. Dedicated servers can be used for any number of things, some of which is the hosting of websites or database-intensive applications. A good example of this could be CRM systems such as Microsoft Dynamics or SAP. The word ‘dedicated’ means that a user or business owner has the exclusive use of an entire server, or in some cases multiple.
Why would you need a dedicated server?
- Backup solution
Planning and implementing your IT infrastructure is one of the most important decisions you will make for your business. Backing up your critical data is a simple and essential step in protecting your business. A proper backup and data storage solution along with a full business continuity and disaster recovery plan, work together to reduce threats to your business. A server can function as a secure environment for mission-critical data and more.
- Flexibility
As your business expands, dedicated servers can accommodate your growing business needs. Compared to other hosting options, dedicated servers give you ultimate flexibility and resilience. Dedicated server hosting enables businesses to control resources without any restrictions and can be upgraded or scaled back easily within the limits of your contract.
- Security is a concern
The key advantage of dedicated servers is security. Since you are not sharing resources with other users; it is for your exclusive use only – the security of your server is entirely in your hands. Controlling what happens with your server’s operating system and its applications puts you in the driver’s seat. You will not need to worry about other users and their potentially outdated applications or bad code. An off-site dedicated server in a secure data center will protect your server from power outages and any other physical harm (robbery, flooding, etc) in addition to having 24/7 support vs an on-premise server.
- Optimal performance
A dedicated server is entirely dedicated to you and you alone. This means that users of a dedicated server do not have to share any of their resources with other users. Your dedicated server will give better performance. This way you can enjoy the best of both worlds when it comes to hosting as the performance and reliability are not impacted by others.
Key benefits of dedicated servers
- Reliability & Performance
Unlike shared hosting, dedicated server hosting involves the usage of a server’s resources by one individual or a single business only. This means that users of a dedicated server don’t have to share any of its resources with other users that might degrade or limit your processing power – allowing you to enjoy the best of both worlds when it comes to hosting as the performance and reliability are not impacted by others.
- Security
A key benefit of a dedicated server hosting solution is security. Since the resource is not shared with other users and is for your exclusive use only – the security of your server is entirely in your hands. Controlling what happens with your server’s operating system and its applications puts you in the driver’s seat. There is no need to worry about other users and their potentially outdated applications or bad code.
- Static IP Address
Businesses opting for a dedicated server get a static IP address. Providing a public static IP address means that you do not need to update your records every time a lease expires or when IP addresses are rotated. You no longer need to worry about other people’s activity on the network either as you manage and control the health/reputation of your static IP address(es), which can be very important for example for mail servers.
- Flexibility & Customization
As your business is growing, a dedicated server can accommodate your growing business needs. Compared to other hosting options, dedicated servers give you ultimate flexibility and resilience. Dedicated server hosting enables businesses to control resources without any restrictions and can be upgraded or scaled back easily within the limits of your contract. For example, at Netrouting, our dedicated servers can be customized and tailored exactly to meet your specific needs. Your environment can be fully managed remotely with administrator access and the help of our industry-leading control panel. Netrouting offers dedicated servers in Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Stockholm, Bucharest, New York, Chicago, Miami, and Hong Kong.
Choose a Hosting Provider
Choosing the right hosting provider can be just as difficult as choosing the right dedicated server. You must be sure that the services they offer fit your needs. These are the top factors to consider when selecting a hosting provider.
- Server Stability
Having a 24×7 operating web host is essential. A web host, operating on a powerful server and stable network connections is what you need, and the recommended uptime score is 99.5% and uptime below 99% is unacceptable. There are many ways to obtain a web host uptime info. One way is with server monitor tools which can help you track your web hosting provider. Ask your hosting provider explicit questions with regards to server reliability and uptime scores.
- Security
Make sure to check what security measures are taken by the hosting provider to secure your data. An off-site dedicated server in a secure data center will protect your server from power outages and any other physical harm (mismanaged equipment, natural disasters, etc.)
- Support
Does the provider offer support? On-site support availability means quick response to emergency re-boots or other issues, particularly if the staff is not located near the facility or cannot get to the facility. This can also help prevent minor incidents from turning into larger issues. Support technicians should be available to you at any time on-site, by phone, email, or web-based support portal in the event of a problem.
Determining the best requirements for your hosting needs can be challenging. Whether you are looking at dedicated server hosting or perhaps going cloud, establishing the requirements for your business can help save you time and money.
Make sure to check out some infographics to decide what you might need:
Netrouting’s Solutions
Netrouting is here to help you make the right decision for your business needs. Our experts are happy to assess your business needs with you to help improve your business’ IT infrastructure. Please contact us at sales@netrouting.com or +31 (0)88 270 02 00.
Do you have any questions about dedicated servers and why you might need one? Get in touch with us today and we’ll be happy to help!
