Choosing the best dedicated server is a big decision, one that can have a huge impact on the success of your website. There are a number of factors to consider, including the storage, support and response time of the server. The cost of the server should also be considered, as should the scalability of the hosting platform.
Managed vs unmanaged
Choosing between managed and unmanaged dedicated servers involves a number of factors. The type of server you choose will depend on your needs, the quality of support provided by your hosting provider, and the amount of time and resources you can allocate to maintaining it.
Managing a server isn’t a simple task. It requires knowledge of updated operational best practices, security, and data monitoring procedures. You’ll also need to understand the latest threats. You should know the basics of setting up a network, installing and configuring a server, and performing maintenance.
Although both types of dedicated servers offer similar benefits, you may be surprised at the differences. In particular, you’ll notice that managed dedicated servers have more features than their less sophisticated counterparts.
Storage options
Choosing the right storage options for a dedicated server can help ensure data safety and security. Depending on your needs, you can choose between traditional hard drives, Solid-State Drives (SSDs), or Network Attached Storage (NAS).
A NAS is an ideal solution for archiving large amounts of unstructured data. NAS systems are also useful for sharing files within a company. They are a good option for video production businesses.
SSDs are faster than traditional hard drives, and provide a more secure solution. These solid state disks eliminate moving parts, reducing the risk of data loss. However, they are more expensive than hard drives.
FS_MAX servers support NVMe hard drives, which offer higher data transfer rates than standard SSD hardware.
Response time
Getting a decent response time from your dedicated server is an important part of website performance. If your visitors leave your site before it loads, you are losing out on a valuable customer.
A fast loading page is a must in today’s competitive environment. A slow website will hamper user experience, reduce conversions and harm your brand.
There are many tools to help you calculate your response time. These include webmaster panels, benchmark data and third party tools. However, the real magic comes from implementing the right combination of server hardware, configuration and software to deliver the best possible performance.
Google recommends that the best response time is 200 milliseconds or less. A faster server will boost your search engine rankings and improve user experiences.
Scalability
Having a dedicated server means a lot more than simply a place to house your website and associated content. Depending on how large your online empire is, you may find yourself in need of a bigger and better home. With a dedicated server in the picture, your website can enjoy the benefits of unlimited power as your business grows. A well-maintained and scalable server can also serve as a backup and disaster recovery solution.
One of the best ways to flex your server’s muscles is by adding a hypervisor to the mix. A well-tuned virtualisation layer can turn a single dedicated server into a powerhouse of capacity and performance.
Uptime guarantee
Choosing the best dedicated server hosting company means making sure you’re getting a good deal and that your website will always be available. Depending on your needs, there are several different uptime guarantees you can choose from. But before you choose the one that works for you, you’ll need to make sure you read the fine print.
Generally, uptime guarantees have several contingencies, so it’s important to read the terms of service carefully. Some hosts offer a service level agreement (SLA), which means they will refund you if your site’s downtime exceeds a specified period. Typically, this means a minimum outage period. Other providers are willing to compensate you based on how many minutes your site was unavailable.
Support
Choosing a dedicated server is a big decision and you want to make sure you get the best deal possible. The best way to go about it is to shop around, and you should be able to find the top notch hosting provider with all the features you’re looking for. You also need to do your research on the company’s background, reputation and service record. A reputable company will have multiple support channels to choose from, and you should be able to get prompt and courteous responses from customer service representatives.
A great server provider should give you the ability to customize your server’s specs to meet your needs and budget, as well as offer you a wide selection of support options, a la carte. While some providers will charge extra for a support plan, they’ll also be more than happy to answer any of your questions. You should also be able to choose from a variety of hosting plans, from shared to managed and even dedicated.