Choosing a Dedicated Server Hosting Company
A Web Hosting Article Contributed by Frances Rhea
Choosing a Dedicated Server to Host Your Web Site
Your company finally decided they require a dedicated server to host their web site. How do you begin to choose the right host? There are a few things you will need to consider to make your choice a wise one.
Dedicated Server Platform
Your company's choice of server platform will largely depend on the types of applications that are used or plan on being used along with the skills and knowledge your company already possesses.
The two most widely known operating systems for a dedicated server are Windows NT and Unix, which includes the Linux, and Solaris platforms. Windows NT is the more expensive of these options but is often regarded as the most user friendly and easiest to install. This is because most people use Windows on their personal computer systems. Unix is cheaper and is much harder to learn for those who are not already familiar with the Unix environment.
Data Transfer Limits
Most dedicated server hosting providers give you the ability to choose the level of data transfer your company requires. This is usually determined in gigabytes per month. The more data transfer you require, the greater the cost, so do not purchase more than your company realistically needs. Data transfer rates can always be increased as your company's needs grow.
Dedicated Server Data Backups
If your company web site is constantly being updated and/or modified, it will need to be backed up frequently. This can be inconvenient to do yourself. Many dedicated server hosting companies will provide back up services for you. There is normally an additional fee but the convenience of not having to do it yourself may be worth the expense.
Web Site Monitoring
Your dedicated server needs to be monitored constantly to prevent any service interruptions to your visitors. Determine whether or not the hosting company will provide this monitoring. Find out how frequently it will be done (e.g. every 5-10 minutes), and how they deal with problems that are detected when they performing the monitoring.
Automation of Server Tasks
Running a dedicated server usually requires a greater level of technical knowledge than other hosting options. This does not mean that if you have little technical knowledge that you can not operate a dedicated server. Most web hosting companies offer some form of automation such as cPanel which will simplify the process of managing your dedicated server. If you think your company will need this type of assistance, determine whether the hosting company offers this type of automation.
Conclusion
Armed with this information, you should be able to obtain the services of a hosting company that will allow your company's web site the freedom to grow and prosper. There are literally thousands of companies that provide this type of hosting service. Take your time to explore your options and if the first company you find can not meet your needs, go on to the next one. Eventually you will find a company that suits all of your dedicated server needs.
