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Network / System Security:
What do the following terms mean and what's the difference?
- Virtual/Shared Hosting: [ Back To Top ]
Virtual, or as it is now being called Shared, hosting means you are put on a server with a bunch of other people. You have no control as to how many people/accounts are placed on the same server as you. Generally it is around 250. You also have no control as to what software may or may not be on the server, nor can you control how the server is setup.
You are usually limited as to how much space, email addresses, email forwarders, MySQL databases, sub domains, etc you are allowed. Also, any of the users can run scripts or preform actions that may slow down the server, thus effecting your business and clients and you have little to no recourse.
- Dedicated & Co-location Hosting: [ Back To Top ]
Dedicated and co-location hosting allow you full control over the server. This means you can control how the server is setup and what policies you feel are right for your company. You are not limited to how many e-mail addresses, space, databases etc you are allowed. The only limitations are the size of your hard drive(s), RAM and strength of the server, which can be upgraded.
The difference between dedicated and co-location hosting is with dedicated everything is setup for you in a package deal. In addition, the hosting company owns the server and not you. You simply pay the company to use one of their servers as if you owned it.
This can be compared to renting a house. When you a rent a house everything is ready for you. You can setup the house how you want (in most cases). Since you don't own the house you don't have to worry about (well you shouldn't) the mortgage itself, title, insurance on the house, property tax etc. Also if the roof leaks or the driveway cracks it is the owner's problem.
The dedicated server equivalent of this is you don't have to deal with hard drive, RAM, CPU, mainboard, power supply, fan, etc failures. It is up to the dedicated server company to replace the failed part and deal with the warranties or pay out of pocket for these expenses.
Dedicated servers are usually cheaper than co-location and a lot less of a headache!
In the case of co-location you pay a fee for bandwidth and space for your server. You own the server itself, however you must buy the server and deal with the hardware failures. If a mainboard, hard drive, power supply, fan, etc fails you must deal with it or pay the hosting company server administration fees.
This is like buying your own house. It is true you own the house, however if the roof leaks you must fix. You must deal with the cracked driveway. This option usually costs a lot more but in some situations is the way to go.
Visit our dedicated server page for more details on our dedicated server solutions.
- Managed Servers: [ Back To Top ]
Managed servers are NOT actual servers but rather a term. This term that can apply to both dedicated and co-location servers, however is generally associated with dedicated servers. A managed server simply means that the company hosting your dedicated or co-location server(s) maintains the server for you.
This means the company will install new software, setup configuration files, download patches, handle security issues, etc. Managed hosting is typically handled in blocks of time. For example, a company might buy 5 hours a month for $300. Should the company need more than 5 hours of time in any given month they are simply charged for additional time.
If you are looking to add managed services to your server please contact us. You may also visit our managed server page.
- Hosted Applications Servers: [ Back To Top ]
Hosted application servers are NOT actual servers but a term. Hosted application servers incorporates managed server hosting AND usually dedicated hosting, however can include co-location hosting. In hosted application servers one or a few programs are maintained by the hosting company.
For example, lets say you wanted a hosted e-mail server. This means you would have a dedicated server and ALL the hosting company would do is maintain the e-mail system and operating system. In general you do NOT have full access to the server. This is because there is no need or reason for you to make server changes on your own. Afterall, this is why you are paying the hosting company.
Hosted application servers cost a little more than dedicated servers, but are generally cheaper than managed and co-location servers.
We offer many hosted applications and will host just about any application(s). For more details on our hosted applications please contact us and/or visit our hosted application page.
