:: SUPPORT ::

> Do I need a Dedicated Server ? <

<back to Linux Servers > :: <back to Windows Servers> :: <back to support>

The decision on when to upgrade to having your own dedicated web server all depends on your budget along with the type of site you have. Dedicated Servers can be expensive for some pockets, but if you are running a business oriented site which receives quite a bit of queries it maybe time for you to make the switch from shared hosting to dedicated hosting. Some factors to consider are below:

1. Bandwidth Transfer

How much bandwidth is your site transferring on a daily basis? That should be one of the main factors contributing to your decision on upgrading to having your own web server. For instance if your site is transferring over 1 GIG of traffic a day or more, then you should upgrade to a web server for the sole purpose of having all the server's resources and bandwidth for your one site. This will definitely be a major plus when you begin to receive an increase in traffic. Rather than sharing traffic and having limitations on a web hosting plan, you'll be able to ensure that all the bandwidth allocated to the server is going towards *your* sites only.

2. Web Space

With shared hosting you may have a plan that offers 500 MB of web space, but with a server you can have all 36 GIGS or more available to host your site or any other sites you are planning on developing in the near future. This is more than enough space to host your sites. Very effective if you are planning on developing an entire network of sites.

3. Software

Since we (and most other hosting providers) are not going to allow custom installation of dll's and com objects on a shared hosting environment the software you want to run on your site may be the deciding factor. If you have reached the point where it would be beneficial to have a dll installation or com object then you should get make the desision to lease a server that would allow you to install the dll's and com objects and any other software you need. Another postive is that you'll be able to handle the security updates, ensure patches are installed, firewalls, etc yourself and the way you want them applied. This way you won't have to rely on how we run our security policies or what specific patches we apply to our platforms.. By having your own dedicated server, you can make any updates or upgrades on your own, since you will have total access to manage the server.

4. Future Sites

If you are going to be building a network of sites, it maybe more feasible to have a virtual server where you can continue to add your network of sites without having to contact us OR order a new hosing plan. This would also allow you the feature to even host a few paid sites if you wish to earn back some of the investment you pay monthly for leasing the server. Another option is to open your own web hosting business reselling the space on your server as hosting accounts. We have quite a few customers offering web hosting on their web servers.

5. Pricing

Can I afford this? It all depends on your budget, and how big of an upgrade it would be from your current hosting plan. There are a few companies who offer budget rentals. For instance some companies start their servers prices at $99/month and you have full access to the server but be CAUTIOUS of any service that seems too cheap. Usually if the price is too low it means that service will be lacking someplace.

Those are just some of the factors to consider when deciding if upgrading to your own server is for you. In most cases if you need flexibility, have technical knowledge and do no want to be waiting on us to complete support requests then by all means upgrade. It's a perfect choice for anyone who will be running multiple websites.

If you need more assistance please call 714-669-9638 or sales@primenetwork.net.

<back to support>