You have definitely heard about shared hosting, but you barely know a thing or two about dedicated hosting. Actually, these two come hand in hand, especially since web hosting providers offer them collectively. In a nutshell, dedicated hosting is the complete opposite of shared hosting. It has its own features and/or options to offer.
However, what you need to keep in mind is that a dedicated server is not necessarily the holy grail of web hosting. While it comes with a handful of benefits, it also has its own cons to offer. To help you determine whether this hosing option is good for you, we have compiled a list of advantages and disadvantages. Check them out below.
What Is a Dedicated Hosting?
Dedicated hosting means you have your own personal server. For instance, you are planning to put a website using the WordPress platform. As you search for cheap WordPress hosting, you realize it is better to move to dedicated hosting simply because it caters your needs. Perhaps you are planning to collect personal info from customers. Unlike shared hosting, dedicated hosting is proven to be safer and more secure.
Now that you have an idea or two about what dedicated hosting is, let’s take a dive on its different advantages and disadvantages. Remember to check them out!
Advantages of Using a Dedicated Hosting
Resources – By essence, a dedicated hosting means you have the server all to yourself. No one is getting access to it except you. And since it is not shared with anyone, all of the features and/or resources it comes with are yours to leverage. And yes, the same thing can be said for connectivity. Your website has all access to these when you move forward with dedicated hosting.
Flexibility – Imagine living in the comfort of your own home, the property you bought yourself. Is it not more comfortable to live in this set-up than in an apartment which you have to pay for the rent on a monthly basis? The same thing happens with a dedicated hosting plan. The server is yours for the taking; hence, you can use it as you like. If you want to install programs, then so be it. You have the freedom to do so.
Security – This is perhaps the biggest advantage of choosing a dedicated hosting. Basically, dedicated servers are more secure simply due to the fact that no other website owners are using it. All potential risks that can exist in a shared hosting are immediately eliminated in dedicated hosting. For example, a website is being hacked on a shared server. There is a possibility that other websites could be affected. By having a personal server, these threats are significantly minimized.
The Range of Options – The coolest thing about moving forward with dedicated hosting is that you will be introduced to a range of options. For instance, you are given the ability to choose how much disk space and RAM you need in order to jumpstart your website. Basically, you will be given the ability to select the option that can meet your site’s requirements. This also means that you will not have to pay for resources you do not really need.
Disadvantages of Using a Dedicated Hosting
Cost – This one right here is definitely the first thing that you will notice with dedicated hosting. The cost is not as low as shared hosting. In fact, the difference is quite enormous. If you are looking to improve your site’s performance, you really need to shell out.
Usability – The problem with a dedicated server is that you really need to have sufficient technical knowledge of web development and management. It is not the go-to option for inexperienced users. Remember that tasks like software implementation, regular maintenance, and other important stuff are required. What is more, these tasks totally rely on your ability to manage and complete them. With dedicated hosting, you must be equipped enough with technical web development knowledge in order to keep up with the needs and wants of your site.
Control – As already mentioned above, a dedicated hosting means having your own hosting server. This also means that you are the one in-charge. You cannot expect others to help you. But the only catch with this freedom is that you never know what could happen, such as accidentally deleting information or implementing software by mistake. And since you are the only one in-charge (unless you have your own website team to look after it), you need to pinpoint all accidental errors in an instant.
The Final Verdict
It is easy to say that a dedicated hosting plan is much better than shared hosting. Unfortunately, this is not the case all the time; otherwise, the former will not have its own cons. That is it is important to determine what your website needs are, so you can make an informed decision. At the end of the day, you want to make sure that dedicated hosting is the right option for you.
