When making the decision to host your site on a dedicated server, you need to prepare for an entirely different level of complexity. Unlike a shared server where the web hosting company takes care of all the management tasks, you are essentially on your own and responsible for making sure your site stays operating. There are several factors that need to be considered but one of the most important of all is the control panel software.
The control panel a company offers can make your web hosting experience a smooth one or extremely frustrating. Keep in mind that every provider has their own preference, preferences in which you may be forced to accept upon signing up with them. What is the primary significance of control panels? The answer is simple – power. A control panel gives you the freedom to control the features of your web hosting account. It allows you to access all the essentials such as your domains, email and FTP accounts, files, databases and much more. When it comes to dedicated server hosting, the control panel is what will enable you to create the best site possible by putting the administrative power in your hands.
Available Control Panels
With so many programs available, choosing one for your dedicated server can be a grueling process. The best way to make this determination is to know what you are looking to achieve and what a particular control panel has to offer. In general, control panels are designed for specific platforms or operating systems, which usually boils down to Windows, Linux or Unix. Some of the most popular options include cPanel, Plesk, Ensim, Hostopia, Sphera and vDeck, all of which are very reliable.
If you are new to the dedicated server environment then you want a control panel that is intuitive and easy to use. However, if you already have a bit of experience, you may prefer something that offers more power and flexibility. Programs such as cPanel and vDeck are very popular and extremely easy to use while control panels like Ensim tend to be more functional and suited for advanced users. If you want something that offers the best of both worlds, Plesk might be a good option as it is both user-friendly and highly functional.
Choosing a Control Panel
One way to find a control panel suited for your dedicated server is to play around with a few demo versions. Many companies will provide you with temporary login credentials to get a feel of the software before making a decision. By doing so, you will experience a number of different platforms and are more likely find a control panel that works best for your requirements. Always remember that any program has a learning curve and will take some time getting used to. Because each control panel has its own set of features and capabilities, you should choose a program that matches your skill level. When basing a control panel on your personal needs, its functionality and your abilities, you will be able to find one that is just right for your dedicated server.
A Control Panel for Your Dedicated Server
What to Look for in Colocation
If you feel that a dedicated server or managed hosting provider isn’t able to meet your needs, you always have the option of purchasing your own server and taking it to the data center of a colocation host. In most cases, you pay a housing or rack fee in addition to charges for internet connectivity and possibly other services. The provider is responsible for maintaining its data center and network infrastructure while you are responsible for your own server. Some of today’s most prominent internet companies rely on colocation hosting as it offers the customization needed to achieve the best possible server performance.
Choosing a Provider
When deciding to invest in colocation hosting, choosing a provider is the most important step in the process. As with any type of hosting, you should first determine your individual needs, write out a list and keep it in front of you while listening to offers from different providers. It sounds elementary but if you don’t, you could be easily sold on aggressively marketed services instead of getting exactly what you need.
Below we have listed some factors that must be considered when searching for a colocation provider:
Technical Support
The level of technical support should play a huge role in your final decision. A good provider following industry standards will offer support around the clock via phone and email. It is important to keep in mind that unless you pay an additional fee for maintenance, technical support probably will not cover any issues with your server. Technical support offered by a colocation provider generally includes addressing connectivity and setting up the hardware. In any event, getting a quick response is vital.
Redundancy
Equally important is redundancy as the provider’s infrastructure is what will ensure that your hardware stays running. We strongly recommend that you learn some background information on the connection to make sure you get the best performance. Even if you have a high performance server and all the best hardware, you could still experience unacceptable downtime if the provider doesn’t have a stable internet connection. A respectable colocation host has multiple backbones in place to provide a stable, fast connection to the internet.. Furthermore, they have other redundant systems such as 24/7 monitoring, climate controls and backup generators to keep you online in the case of a power outage.
Price
We saved price for last because although you don’t want to overpay for anything, going with the cheapest colocation provider isn’t always the best decision either. Choosing something more affordable is often tempting but could end up resulting in downtime if you choose the wrong company. The most important thing is to understand the contract and the services you are paying for.
Proceed with Caution
Colocation is one of the biggest moves you will ever make in regard to your business. We have heard far too many stories of business owners who were bombarded with hidden fees from hosts because they overlooked something as simple as a network card for their server. If you are financially strapped, dedicated or managed hosting might be the way to go. However, if you are certain that colocation is the right move, take extreme caution when selecting a provider.
