When choosing a server hosting provider, most business owners need to address issues such as reliability, performance, functionality, flexibility, security and cost. Most small and medium enterprises (SMEs) require the minimum specifications, whereas bigger companies require higher capacity due to the demands of their business and customers.
For most, the choices boil down to two – dedicated server hosting and shared server hosting. What exactly are they and what is the difference between these two types of hosting? Which one is best suited for your company? Every business owner should ask these questions prior to signing any contract with a server hosting company.
What is dedicated server hosting?
Dedicated Server Hosting is a type of server where users get exclusive access to their servers and the hosting company often provides management software that enables the company to monitor, control and troubleshoot problems with the dedicated server. The company must hire an IT or technical support group to manage the server.
What is shared hosting?
Shared Hosting is a type of server hosting that shares your websites with other websites on a single server. Multiple sites are running simultaneously on the same physical server.
Shared vs. Dedicated Hosting
The major differences between dedicated server hosting and shared hosting are control, price and performance. A shared server costs significantly lower than dedicated servers for the simple reason that with a shared server, many companies use a single physical server. Meanwhile, a dedicated server offers exclusive access to the business owner, offering more privacy, safety and security.
What works best for your business?
Deciding between a dedicated server and a shared server is simple if you know what your company’s business needs are. List down your company’s major needs and issues, including the pros and cons of choosing one type of server hosting company over another and use that as your guide. Consider each factor carefully and do your research well to make an informed decision.
