Dedicated server hosting for a network of Affiliate web sites

So you have a ton of affiliate web sites now and you think you're better off with a dedicated server?

You're wondering what're the advantages and disadvantages of having a dedicated server. It could be that you already know you need a dedicated server, but are not sure about which host go with.

Here're a few guidelines which will help you decide whether you should opt for a dedicated server.

When you host with a company, you have two options. To opt for shared space on a server or get a dedicated server. Server co locations also are available.
When you opt for shared hosting, also called virtual hosting, you share the disk space and resources on a single server with many others, often hundreds of other web sites.

On the other hand, having a dedicated server means you have the entire server and network connection for yourself.

Shared servers are far less expensive as compared to dedicated servers. This is why they're the most feasible option for small web-sites or businesses whose web-sites do not get a lot of traffic.

While shared servers may be the most cost-effective option for smaller web-sites, they are not always a good option for large or high-traffic web-sites where uptime is absolutely essential. For these purposes a dedicated server may well be necessary.

Dedicated servers are usually more expensive to rent than shared servers, and they also require a somewhat higher level of technical skill to operate. More or less expensive usually compares to the same company's offerings. Some companies offering world class support and uptime for shared hosting often charge a lot for their hosting too and dedicated servers from other companies can come in the same range.

If you're making even a few thousand dollars a month you must seriously consider getting a dedicated server or atleast hosting with an excellent host, even if a trifle expensive. When running a business website especially downtime for your web site is the last thing a webmaster should want. Not only does this cause lost sales and opportunities, it may also lead to loss of data and worse, loss of reputation. Your customers will have a poor image of your company if your web site remains down periodically. You could lose important email too.

Figure out how busy your site is, what are the resources it is currently using up in terms of memory, disk space, data transfer and percentage of server resources.

Your host will usually allow a certain specific amount of data transfer per month. Fund out how much you are using. The processing speed needs to be fast for sites which use databases such as MySQL, mSQL, MSSQL or others.

Find out how much disk space you use. If your site is graphics intensive such as a popular wallpaper sote or a download site for free fonts you could be using up more space.

A dedicated server will have some restrictions too but youn will have much more flexibility for the additional money you spend. You will be assured of the full CPU resources as compared to sharing it with other users on the server.

Assess your requirements. Are you going to need special features? A dedicated server will mean you can install your own software. Some hosts have restrictions about this too. Some won't let you change the kernel on Linux.

You can run software that isn't usually allowed with shared hosting, such as java back ends, chat servers, resource intensive cgi scripts, game servers. You can provide services that are unavailable or expensive with shared hosts, such as software downloads and streaming audio/ video.

Your server can be customized and optimized to fit your site's requirements.

With a shared hosting account, your site's speed and availability can be affected by the demands by other web sites on the same server and if your site has a sudden spike in traffic or you run a resource intensive script which hogs resources, it can affect other customers and get you mail from the host asking you to upgrade or turn off the script. With a dedicated server, you can be more sure that the resources your site needs will be available.

What are the resources iyour website is currently using up in terms of memory, disk space, data transfer and percentage of server resources.

Can You Manage a dedicated server? A dedicated server does require some know how and technical knowledge. This doesn't usually have a very step learning curve. For a linux server, you could pick up a good book on unix commands. Many dedicated servers come with control panels.

In case of unmanaged servers, the host usually sets up the machine and connects it to the network. You're given the root password. it is up to you to manage the server.

In case of co located servers, you provide the hardware and place it at the host's facility. They provide the Internet connection and you take it from there.

Unmanaged servers are not recommended for this not very familar with the technical nitty gritties of server management. YOu're better off spending $100 more a month and delegating this task to the people who know it. That way you don't have to worry about obsolete hardware, hard core server management or server failures. Yet you have the power of an entire server at your disposal with dedicated servers.

Dedicated servers don't always have to be expensive. In fact some are available for $50 a month. If you go higher, at $99 a month you can get excellent dedicated server deals with a lot of disk space and very generous data transfer.

Keeping one's costs low is important in any Internet business. Be sure to compare prices and settle for the one you're most comfortable with. Most will offer you a 30 day money back guarantee with only the dedicated server set up fee not being refunded. If you opt for a long term contract you can save money on dedicated server charges.

Good luck!

- By Vikram Chandiramani, Affiliate Mantra. All rights reserved. This article may not be copied or reproduced in any form without prior permission.