Do You Really Need A Dedicated Hosting Service?

A dedicated hosting service, as the name suggests, is a hosting service that provides one server for each account.  This is different from a shared hosting service, where many accounts are run from the same computer server.  So, is a dedicated hosting service something you should consider?  As always, it depends on your requirements.  In this article, we'll look at some of the key features of a dedicated hosting service, so that you can make an informed choice.

When I need a dedicated server?

• You're looking to build a high traffic, high data website.  In practice, this means a commercial website where you're looking to attract a lot of customers to buy your products.  Dedicated hosting gives you the ability to meet the sort of demand you require, with bandwidth allowances that far outstrip those of shared hosting packages.
• You want a professional, fast loading website.  Internet customers are notoriously impatient.  They want websites that load fast, especially if they're buying products or services from you.  If your website is inefficient in any way, your potential customers will have no qualms about looking elsewhere.
• You want your online business to expand.  Dedicated hosting gives you the option to add more hardware and software as your business grows.  It also allows you to add more data space and memory, with no hassle.
• You want your website to be secure - and you should definitely want your website to be secure if you're handling other people's money and personal details.  Nobody will buy from you if they even suspect that it's not safe to do so.  Dedicated hosting offers the most advanced security solutions as standard.
• You're running a complex website of any sort.  Dedicated hosting means you have full control of the server, so you can alter it to fit your exact requirements.  With shared hosting, you're pretty much stuck with the server settings you're given right at the beginning.

In the end, the decision to go for a dedicated hosting package or not comes down to a balancing act.  There is no doubt that dedicated hosting has all the benefits that serious online business owners should expect. On the other hand, it is considerably more expensive than other types of hosting.  Look at your website, decide what you're trying to do, and make a costs-benefits analysis accordingly.