Dedicated server provider, how do you choose?
When it comes to a dedicated server its all about reliability, quality of service and value for money.
It's not simply about signing up with the cheapest supplier to save money, to then discover various technical difficulties, or when you need it the technical support is none existence. You then have the frustrating task of starting all over again and changing web hosts.
To avoid this experience, you need to choose the right dedicated server company straightway. Ensuring that you choose a dedicated server supplier with the following qualities will increase your chances of customer satisfaction, and uptime!
- quality server hardware: to cope with the high number of users on your server it is paramount that the server hardware and components are quality.
- redundant network: multiple connections to the Internet for your dedicated servers are imperative. So look out for suppliers who's network has the ability to re-route traffic should a connection go down.
- network connectivity: speed is everything on the Internet; so finding the fastest connection possible is a must, particularly as other users are consuming resources on your server. High-grade bandwidth is the key as is using less than 50% of available bandwidth.
- data centre location: hosting your company in UK based hosting facilities ensures higher performance, easier management and better Google ratings.
- customer support and administrators: talk with the system administrators; ensure they are knowledgeable and if possible fully qualified to operate your hosting company, and find out how available they are.
- track record: take a look at any awards the hosting providers have won, check their availability and performance records, read their customer testimonials and case studies, even talk to their clients and visit forums to see what is being said about them. All these should give you a better view of how good they are.
- pay for what you need only: only purchase services that your site will require to provide your specific content, don't sign up for an all-inclusive package with a hosting provider if you won't use most of their services, unless you can see the value otherwise this will unnecessarily increase your costs.
- choose a scalable solution: make sure that your dedicated server solution can grow as you grow. This means being able to upgrade your site to accommodate increased bandwidth, even server-side scripting, database support and multimedia streaming.
- responsive and available tech support: prompt and knowledgeable customer support is key to your hosting solution. A truly dependable and first-rate host will offer 24/7/365 support, whether by phone or email, without the interception of call centres, handled by qualified and helpful technicians.
- simple and reliable billing: don't let a host get you in a flap over billing. You should have the choice to pay by credit card or direct debit. Your dedicated server supplier should also send you regular invoices and in your control panel you should be able to view your financial account information.
- own your domain: make sure that your web host does not hold you hostage by letting them having administrative control over your domain name. Your host should only be listed as a technical contact.
- understand your obligations: before you sign up on the dotted line with your chosen dedicated server provider, you must understand what your obligations are concerning payment for service and permissible behaviour, get a copy of the terms and conditions, openness of the host usually means a more trusting supplier.
- have a backup plan: just in case your host goes belly-up or experiences an unrecoverable failure. Redundancy is always a priority if you are running an Internet-based business. Remember that any service outage can completely compromise your source of income.
