What is a dedicated server?

A dedicated server is a computer that is leased to a single customer. The hardware is owned and managed by the leasor (Stellarhost™). If a component of the server fails, it will be replaced at no charge to you. The server is setup and monitored by the skilled staff of Stellarhost™ and the company leasing the server can concentrate on their online business and not put resources into hardware and internet connection management. Our telco class network operations center would be prohibitively expensive to replicate for a single server. However, leasing a dedicated server gives you the security and reliability of a telco class NOC with 24/7 monitoring of the hardware and internet connections.

How does a dedicated server compare with virtual hosting and colocated servers?

As we discuss on the page about virtual hosting, virtual hosting is a shared resource. If you online business requires a large amount of resources, such as for application hosting, data mining, or running a database management system, these shared resources can be quickly overburdened resulting in poor performance. With a dedicated server, all of the computer's resources are dedicated to one company's online business. All of the CPU cycles, RAM, disk space and bandwidth are available for the tasks required for that companies business. No resource is shared with other users as with virtual webhosting.

A colocated server is where a company puts a server they own in an offsite NOC. A colocated server could potentially be a more flexible platform for some companies, but it requires upfront equipment costs, and more importantly, technical expertise in setting up and managing a server. Colocation services generally do not include technical support.

When is a dedicated server the right choice for an online business?