Shared web hosting or Dedicated web hosting: Which should you choose?
One of the most important concerns that arise when looking for a web
host is the issue of sharing the web space. Before looking out for a web
host, one needs to ascertain whether the web hosting space offered is
shared by others, or dedicated and reserved exclusive for your own use.
Essentially, a shared web hosting account is the one that you must share
with others within a single hosting server. On the other hand, a
dedicated web hosting account is an exclusive account solely dedicated
to one or just a few numbers of web sites. A dedicated web hosting is a
total, one-in-all package for the use for bigger businesses and
corporate portals.
Now, which one would you choose among the two? Each one of these two web
hosting solutions has its own merits and disadvantages. You will need to
consider these factors and parameters before settling for one of them.
Shared Web Hosting
The actual number of web hosting accounts in a
shared web hosting package may differ widely; some service providers may even host
thousands of web portals under one single server. Shared web hosting
servers are just like a commercial bank that holds thousands of accounts
within the same premises.
Tip: Shared web hosting solutions are worthwhile when your
budgetary allocations are small and limited. As these accounts are
cheaper than the dedicated web hosting servers, they form a workable
solution for a small scale, SOHO type of business.
One of the negative aspects of the shared web hosting services is that
it limits your accessibility to the core administrative and management
functions of server. However, shared web hosting providers offer good
technical support to offset this perceived limitation. Almost all
well-known shared web hosting service providers include a comprehensive,
24x7 technical support desk to help you in case there are any problems.
In shared web hosting environment, you are bound to face certain
disadvantages as like:
-
Sharing Similar IP addresses: Sharing similar IP address with
other web site, seems to be the biggest problem with a shared web
hosting service provider. If any of the other websites in your web
server commits an illegal act like spamming or generating illegal
scripts, then all websites within the shared web server will be affected
directly. In case of a punitive action like blacklisting by the Internet
service provider (ISP), then you will withstand the worst of the
situation without your own fault. The best solution would be to purchase
your own, dedicated IP address by paying an extra amount.
-
Slow Server Response Time: In a shared web hosting service, the
servers are in general slower response compared to dedicated hosting due
to excessive bandwidth consumed by many websites simultaneously. Most of
the shared web servers process the URL requests in a prioritized queue.
-
Higher Possibilities of Server Crashes: An excessive bandwidth
consumption, server overloading and a mixture of complex scripts/programs
running on the server may result in a high chances of serious and
frequent server crash that ultimately hinder your day-to-day website
activities. You may wish to ascertain that the shared web hosting
service provider that you choose must be proficient with technical
issues of managing web servers in a better way.
Dedicated Web Hosting
On the other hand, a
dedicated server hosting package offers you
unlimited number of features and advantages though at a higher price.
The positive point with a dedicated web hosting is that you have the
complete access to every component of the web server management and
administrative panel. However, if you feel that you are not technically
equipped to handle the technically difficult, control panel management
system, then you may need to hire a competent network administrator to
manage the day-to-day activities of the dedicated server. If you are
facing difficulties of finding trained management personnel, you can
even opt for a "managed dedicated server" hosting plan that will help
you manage your server in a better way.
With a dedicated web hosting server, you will have the following
advantages and benefits:
-
You are on your own: With a dedicated web server, you can control
anything and everything you want. You can install, remove or change any
applications or scripts. You can even customize the whole server to make
it suitable for your daily use.
-
Enhanced Security: With dedicated server hosting, you can ensure
complete safety and security to your web server and web site. A built-in
firewall assures you 100% safety and security both for your data and
sensitive information. You can also find your own security solutions to
prevent hackers and unscrupulous people from taking over your server.
-
Better Performance: As dedicated hosting means that you are the
only one in that server, the response/reaction time of the server to
requested files and folders, will be so much quicker and faster when
compared with shared web hosting. Web visitors will be amazed to see
that your web site is loading in a lightening way!
Under usual circumstances, choosing a particular type of web hosting
solely depends on your needs and requirements. Thus, it becomes
imperative on your part to conduct more advanced research and evaluation
on the available hosting services, as well consult professionals on the
issue. Taking a smart and thoughtful decision could save you a large
amount of money as well as precious time lost when you have chosen a
right web hosting service.
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