If your website is constantly being slowed by other users on the same server, you’d likely benefit from moving to a dedicated server. Several industries utilize these for more control, privacy, and performance. But we’ll get into the list of benefits later.
In this blog, we’re breaking down exactly what a dedicated server is, its pros and cons, and who really benefits from using one on a daily basis. And it’s not just big industries that use them; they’re great for gamers and Minecraft server hosting, for example. The truth is they are quite versatile and practical considering how everyone is looking to share the web. Much like a study room or private office, sometimes you need your own private server.
Table of Contents
What Is A Dedicated Server?
A dedicated server is a form of web hosting where an organization, client, or individual has exclusive access and use of an entire server. No one else can use the server for their web hosting needs, unless invited by the original host of the dedicated server.
What Are The Pros of A Dedicated Server?
Dedicated hosting comes with a slew of pros and cons, and whether you should invest in private hosting depends on your web performance needs and bandwidth, your budget, and several other factors. Here are some pros:
- Stronger performance
- Higher page speed
- Stronger security
- More privacy
- Unlimited access
- Flexibility
- Reliability
Are There Any Cons?
They can be a great resource if you invest, however, there are some cons of dedicated hosting compared to shared hosting. We listed a few of them below:
- Cost
- Requires expertise to manage
- Lack of control
- Lack of flexibility
- More limited access
- Weaker performance
Because of these reasons, a dedicated server might be a tricky investment for a small business with limited resources or a company without the knowledge to manage a dedicated server. It might be a foolish investment if you have to call an expert every time something goes wrong; that’s why expertise is essential for managing one. If you don’t have the expertise, you might do well with a shared server.
Think of it like having a landlord versus owning a house. If anything goes wrong in your apartment, it’s up to your landlord to fix the issue. If you own the house, it’s up to you. It might be a good investment if you’re prepared for it.
What Industries Utilize Dedicated Servers?
We already spoke about how the gaming industry relies on dedicated hosting for particular gamers and events. Twitch streamers and other professional gamers utilize them often. But here are some other industries that use dedicated servers very often.
- Telecommunications
- Banking/Financial Institutions
- Cybersecurity companies
- Healthcare
- E-commerce and retail
Conclusion
You likely get it by now: you need money and resources to invest in a private dedicated server. It’s mostly used for companies that host sensitive data and information that must be secure and perform at its best.
Most companies and individuals can get away with shared hosting and have no issues. There’s less maintenance, it costs less, and it’s widely available. But if you want that little bit of extra security and performance, and have the knowledge to manage one, a dedicated server could be an optimal investment.