Dedicated Server: Is it Right For You?

Picture it. You build a web site, you host it at a web hosting company (preferably Superb) and before you know it, you have a successful web presence. Suddenly you need more memory, more web space, more bandwidth and more features. You know you need a more comprehensive web hosting solution but do you upgrade your virtual account or do you go to a dedicated server - a server dedicated to your needs alone?

While Virtual or shared hosting may be enough for your web site, you should keep in mind that you do share resources with others, much like living in an apartment building.

On the other hand, dedicated hosting is like owning the house. Your web site will have complete usage of the server's resources therefore will be served faster. Unlike shared hosting, a Dedicated Server is where you lease the entire server from your web hosting company, in this case, Superb, including the hardware and the operating system. The hardware, operating system, connectivity, redundancy, and monitoring costs are usually spread out over the duration of the service agreement. Typically, this includes connectivity to the Internet, redundancy measures, and monitoring.

This option does costs more than shared hosting, but when your web site or business requires it, it is the most effective solution.

If your hosting needs have outgrown a shared hosting account, one of Superb Internet's dedicated server solutions is an ideal way to keep your online presence moving forward. Our knowledgeable Sales staff are always available to assist with your needs analysis, and recommend the best configuration and pricing to suit your specific requirements.

1. Operating Systems:   The two most popular are Unix and Windows. For more on this read "Deciding Between Unix and Windows". Usually the decision comes down to the scalability of Unix versus the standardization of Windows.
   
   
2. Control Panels:   Control panels run on top of the operating system and provide a web-based interface your server. They greatly simplify the work of running many websites on your server, handling DNS functions, email, user accounts, FTP, and general server administration. Web hosting control panels have greatly matured over the years and are now virtually indispensible for those that are serious about hosting many sites on their dedicated server. Superb is proud to offer the Ensim, Cpanel, and Plesk control panels.
   
   
3. Hardware:  As with buying your home computer, the primary aspects to consider are CPU speed, amount of RAM, and disk size.
   
   
4. Bandwidth/Traffic:  How much is included and how much is additional traffic?
   
   
5. Network Utilization:  It is very important to ask the web host about how much of their network is currently being utilized (at Superb currently about 30%). Remember, a web hosting company may have a number of DS3s but if they are 95% utilized, there isn't much room for growth on those lines. The speed of the network will suffer because of congestion.
   
   
6. Support: When choosing a dedicated server package, consider what sort of support you will need. Those wishing for a fully managed server should choose Superb Enterprise servers. Those who wish to manage their own servers should choose a regular Superb Server. With regular servers, Superb's Technical Support team can help with issues as they arise for you, on a credit basis, using our advanced ticket system. You receive 4 free credits (one hour) of support for each server that you host with us. Server reboots are free, and fast.
   
   
7. Site migration: If you are moving your site from a shared server to a dedicated server, site migration should be well planned to prevent downtime for your users. If your site is simple HTML, you can simply re-upload the site to the dedicated server, and arrange for the DNS changes. If the site has customized code (with paths to programs on the shared server), SQL databases, security certficates, dynamic content, or a Miva Merchant store, then more planning should be done. Feel free to contact our Technical Support team and we will be able to offer you some guidelines for your migration. The Technical Support team can migrate your site for you as custom work.