We host, support and maintain servers for SLA customers for the last 10 years and we have a wealth of experience when it comes to migrating customers from on-premises to a cloud based solution.
We offer customers the option to run a dedicated server, (the full resources of the server will be allocated to the customer) or run a virtual server where a servers resources get’s shared over multiple virtual machines.
Herewith some more information related to Dedicated and Virtual Servers.
Benefits of Dedicated Servers over Virtual Servers
All that said, there are some situations in which a dedicated server is preferable.
The major benefit of dedicated servers, which are also called bare metal servers, is power and performance. Dedicated servers are the most powerful server hosting option available. Virtualization can, in limited cases, cause resource contention issues that impact performance. Dedicated servers don’t suffer from this particular problem. If performance is the most important factor, then a dedicated server is the right choice. Dedicated servers are also excellent for predictable workloads, or workloads that don’t change quickly enough to require the by-the-minute scalability of cloud servers.
Dedicated servers are single-tenant environments: only one client has access to the hardware. Virtual servers are multi-tenant environments: a client has sole access to the virtual server environment, but they share the hardware with two or more clients. Although the security implications of a multi-tenant hosting environment are minimal, some server users prefer the privacy of a single-tenant environment.
Virtual Private Hosting (VPS)
VPS hosting provides clients with their own virtual world. While VPS enables multiple websites to utilize and share resources available on one physical server, it is slightly different from shared hosting. VPS hosting places restrictions on who can use the resources by using a hypervisor to create separate virtual machines on the server.
Resource allocation is divided evenly, making it impossible for one website to steal another website’s resources. The separation provided by the hypervisor protects each website from its neighbor website, even though all websites are tapping into this shared pool of resources.
Dedicated Servers
Dedicated servers are just what they sound like: a dedicated server that is for you and your software/website alone. Essentially, you are given an empty server to do with as you wish. Most hosting providers that offer dedicated hosting will provide several different physical server configurations from which to choose. Others will allow you to build a server per your exact specifications.
Dedicated servers differ greatly from shared hosting and VPS plans. Shared hosting provides little to no control over the server environment. VPS provides a little control with various limitations. Dedicated hosting empowers you with total control over the hardware and software used.
One Final Consideration: Managed vs. Unmanaged
Consider how much work will be required on your part to configure, manage, and maintain your specific web hosting environment. If you feel up to the challenge of managing everything from soup to nuts, consider an unmanaged plan. You’ll be responsible for nearly everything related to server software. If you have opted for a VPS plan, this means that your host will provide you with a virtual machine and let you run free with the rest.
For those who are looking for less intensive involvement, a managed plan may be best. The web host will handle almost everything, per your specifications. That includes installations, configurations, and maintenance.
Consider how much you are comfortable handling by yourself as well as your budget. Managed plans will cost more, so be prepared to pay extra for this convenience. In some cases, web hosts will offer options in between. Each managed hosting provider will detail what they do and do not handle, so be sure to get that information up front.
Both dedicated servers and virtual servers have a role to play, and hopefully this article has helped you understand the key differences between them.
If you need additional information, or if you would like to request pricing, please reach out to us by filling in the contact form below.
