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Dedicated web hosting is widely regarded as the most comprehensive and powerful type of web hosting in the industry. Many people praise dedicated servers and their capabilities, but they fail to mention the vast selection of plans and options that one must choose from when investigating prospective hosting providers.
Every web hosting type has many plans to choose from, and each provider is different. Even after you’ve selected a plan there are still options that you have to consider in regards to optimizing your dedicated server for maximum functionality and compatibility with your sites. The following information may help you make some of these crucial decisions if you are in the process of selecting or setting up a dedicated web hosting account.
Managed or Unmanaged
The first decision you have to make is whether you need managed or unmanaged dedicated web hosting. Managed web hosting is perfect for those who have little experience with internet technology and web servers. Since dedicated servers are devoted to sole owners, they need to be maintained by their owners, unless you have managed hosting. If you’re a novice with no technical knowledge then you absolutely need fully manage hosting. If you have technical skills and you’re on a budget then you may want to choose unmanaged hosting.
Operating System
Next you’ll want to choose your operating system, whether it be Linux, Unix or even Windows. Most web hosting companies offer variations of Linux or Unix by default with no additional charge. Dedicated servers usually operate on a corporate network of publicly distributed operating systems known as the Red Hat Network. Some of the operating systems within the Red Hat Network include variations of Linux like FedoreCore, CentOS, Debian and more.
Many times Windows dedicated servers cost slightly more because of the support involved with keeping the operating system running smoothly. Many webmasters simply install virtualization software on their dedicated server that will let them run several partitions of different operating systems. For example, you could install a software like VMware within Linux and then install Windows inside of that virtualization software. You should choose your operating system based on your site’s needs. If you run server-side Microsoft applications then you will need access to Windows in some form, whether it be directly or through a virtualization software.
Server Size
Finally, you’ll need to choose the size of your web server. There are many different configurations and server types available for web hosting providers. Ideally, you should base your decision on your budget and the needs of your web sites. Most webmasters will do fine with a small dedicated server that has about 2GB memory, however, if you plan on running software with your dedicated server then you may want to consider one with 4GB of memory or more. Look for the quad core Xeon servers if you’re a fan of power and functionality. Keep in mind the price difference between a 2GB and 8GB web server is about $150 in most cases. Dedicated hosting plans start at about $120 and go up to around $400, so you definitely have a broad selection to choose from.
(The Hosting News) – ReliaCloud’s recent case study shows that after running out of capacity in previous years, the advertising agency Preston Kelly found the on-demand capacity they were looking for with cloud computing.
Preston Kelly annually hosts an online version of the popular holiday gift exchange game dubbed “White Elephant”. Two years ago, the game was hosted on a single dedicated server. It was such a huge success that its hosting environment couldn’t handle the amount of traffic. During the last twenty minutes of the game, the site was practically unreachable.
Anticipating high demand again, Preston Kelly turned to national cloud provider ReliaCloud for help. ReliaCloud’s pay-as-you-go cloud servers provided a cost-effective way for the agency to offer the game. They deployed four load balanced Windows servers running Microsoft .NET with a backend Microsoft SQL database. Rather than pay top dollar for a dedicated server that had enough capacity to accommodate the high traffic spikes, they scaled ReliaCloud’s servers up and down with demand, allowing them to only pay for what they actually used.
Preston Kelly reported no failed steal attempts, time outs, or database deadlocks during the game. “We were delighted that the game functioned at 100% even during the busiest parts,” said Melody Lentsch, Director of Interactive at Preston Kelly. “We’ve already decided upon using ReliaCloud for future projects.”
The full case study is available on ReliaCloud’s web site at http://www.reliacloud.com/casestudies.
ReliaCloud Cloud Server Platform Provides Solid Gaming Environment
(The Hosting News) – ReliaCloud’s recent case study shows that after running out of capacity in previous years, the advertising agency Preston Kelly found the on-demand capacity they were looking for with cloud computing.
Preston Kelly annually hosts an online version of the popular holiday gift exchange game dubbed “White Elephant”. Two years ago, the game was hosted on a single dedicated server. It was such a huge success that its hosting environment couldn’t handle the amount of traffic. During the last twenty minutes of the game, the site was practically unreachable.
Anticipating high demand again, Preston Kelly turned to national cloud provider ReliaCloud for help. ReliaCloud’s pay-as-you-go cloud servers provided a cost-effective way for the agency to offer the game. They deployed four load balanced Windows servers running Microsoft .NET with a backend Microsoft SQL database. Rather than pay top dollar for a dedicated server that had enough capacity to accommodate the high traffic spikes, they scaled ReliaCloud’s servers up and down with demand, allowing them to only pay for what they actually used.
Preston Kelly reported no failed steal attempts, time outs, or database deadlocks during the game. “We were delighted that the game functioned at 100% even during the busiest parts,” said Melody Lentsch, Director of Interactive at Preston Kelly. “We’ve already decided upon using ReliaCloud for future projects.”
The full case study is available on ReliaCloud’s web site at http://www.reliacloud.com/casestudies.
ReliaCloud Cloud Server Platform Provides Solid Gaming Environment
(The Hosting News) – ReliaCloud’s recent case study shows that after running out of capacity in previous years, the advertising agency Preston Kelly found the on-demand capacity they were looking for with cloud computing.
Preston Kelly annually hosts an online version of the popular holiday gift exchange game dubbed “White Elephant”. Two years ago, the game was hosted on a single dedicated server. It was such a huge success that its hosting environment couldn’t handle the amount of traffic. During the last twenty minutes of the game, the site was practically unreachable.
Anticipating high demand again, Preston Kelly turned to national cloud provider ReliaCloud for help. ReliaCloud’s pay-as-you-go cloud servers provided a cost-effective way for the agency to offer the game. They deployed four load balanced Windows servers running Microsoft .NET with a backend Microsoft SQL database. Rather than pay top dollar for a dedicated server that had enough capacity to accommodate the high traffic spikes, they scaled ReliaCloud’s servers up and down with demand, allowing them to only pay for what they actually used.
Preston Kelly reported no failed steal attempts, time outs, or database deadlocks during the game. “We were delighted that the game functioned at 100% even during the busiest parts,” said Melody Lentsch, Director of Interactive at Preston Kelly. “We’ve already decided upon using ReliaCloud for future projects.”
The full case study is available on ReliaCloud’s web site at http://www.reliacloud.com/casestudies.
ReliaCloud Cloud Server Platform Provides Solid Gaming Environment
(The Hosting News) – Following a detailed evaluation of its solutions-based products and services, Codero has successfully joined the Microsoft® Gold Certified Partner Program – recognizing several areas of technical and business expertise as a hosting provider. This certification represents the highest level of competence and expertise with Microsoft technologies.
Through the detailed enrollment process, Codero was awarded three key Microsoft Competencies ¬– Networking Infrastructure Solutions, Security Solutions and Hosting Solutions – as well as the Small Business Specialist designation. In addition to achieving at least one competency, members are required to earn 120 Partner Points through additional competencies, sales performance, customer references and participation in a Customer Satisfaction Index.
“We’re very proud of this accomplishment and how this reflects on the knowledge and expertise of our Customer Care and Sales professionals,” says Ryan Elledge, Codero’s Chief Operations Officer. “The tools available to us enhance our ability to support all stages of the business cycle for customers, now and in the future.”
As a new Gold Certified Partner, Codero will continue to pursue additional Microsoft competencies while leveraging Microsoft technology to design and deploy small business solutions for Windows Servers, configuration management and server business continuity. For more information, go to Microsoft Gold Certified Partners and Codero Affiliations.
About Codero
Specializing in dedicated and managed hosting services for small-to-mid-sized businesses, Codero offers advanced email, eCommerce, security and networking solutions. This includes a full line of high-performance Windows® and Linux servers as well as EVault Backup, Pinnacle Shopping Cart, and more. An industry innovator, Codero recently launched its Codero Rewards program and the Green with Codero Initiative, powering 100% of its dedicated server and managed hosting operations through renewable energy credits. For more information about Codero, please visit www.codero.com.
Codero Earns Microsoft® Gold Certification is a post from: Hosting News and Reseller Web Hosting information.
(The Hosting News) – Following a detailed evaluation of its solutions-based products and services, Codero has successfully joined the Microsoft® Gold Certified Partner Program – recognizing several areas of technical and business expertise as a hosting provider. This certification represents the highest level of competence and expertise with Microsoft technologies.
Through the detailed enrollment process, Codero was awarded three key Microsoft Competencies ¬– Networking Infrastructure Solutions, Security Solutions and Hosting Solutions – as well as the Small Business Specialist designation. In addition to achieving at least one competency, members are required to earn 120 Partner Points through additional competencies, sales performance, customer references and participation in a Customer Satisfaction Index.
“We’re very proud of this accomplishment and how this reflects on the knowledge and expertise of our Customer Care and Sales professionals,” says Ryan Elledge, Codero’s Chief Operations Officer. “The tools available to us enhance our ability to support all stages of the business cycle for customers, now and in the future.”
As a new Gold Certified Partner, Codero will continue to pursue additional Microsoft competencies while leveraging Microsoft technology to design and deploy small business solutions for Windows Servers, configuration management and server business continuity. For more information, go to Microsoft Gold Certified Partners and Codero Affiliations.
About Codero
Specializing in dedicated and managed hosting services for small-to-mid-sized businesses, Codero offers advanced email, eCommerce, security and networking solutions. This includes a full line of high-performance Windows® and Linux servers as well as EVault Backup, Pinnacle Shopping Cart, and more. An industry innovator, Codero recently launched its Codero Rewards program and the Green with Codero Initiative, powering 100% of its dedicated server and managed hosting operations through renewable energy credits. For more information about Codero, please visit www.codero.com.
Codero Earns Microsoft® Gold Certification is a post from: Hosting News and Reseller Web Hosting information.
(The Hosting News) – Ann Arbor, Mich. – NEXCESS.NET, a provider of shared hosting, dedicated servers, colocation and server clusters, announced today the expansion of its backup services making R1Soft Continuous Data Protection® (CDP) available to its entire client base.
R1Soft’s enterprise-level backup solution protects NEXCESS.NET clients’ mission-critical data on Linux and Windows servers with near-continuous, disk-based backups which can be scheduled as often as every 15 minutes. Clients will also benefit from maximum uptime with Bare-Metal Restores, which skip the OS reinstallation step, allowing data to be recovered from any point-in-time backup within minutes.
NEXCESS.NET will offer R1Soft backup access through the newly integrated InterWorx Control Panel to all shared hosting clients for free and will be offering managed backup services to its VPS and dedicated clients as well.
“Our initial deployment of R1Soft demonstrated how easy-to-use the software was and how simply it just worked. The recent integration of R1Soft CDP with the InterWorx control panel was crucial to our backup services expansion because now we can centralize our entire backup system and provide a more complete offering for our clients. We are very pleased with the outcome and anticipate even further expansion if all goes accordingly,” said Chris Wells, CEO of NEXCESS.NET.
R1Soft’s disk-based CDP software works by reading data at the sector level and only recording data that has changed since the last backup. This type of incremental backups empowers NEXCESS.NET with the ability to offer clients high-performance backup services they can truly depend on without experiencing a negative impact on server performance.
About NEXCESS.NET
NEXCESS.NET is an Ann Arbor, Mich. based company specializing in Web Hosting solutions, offering a range of services from shared hosting to multi-server configurations. NEXCESS.NET provides custom hosting solutions for traffic-heavy and high-profile websites of all genres. NEXCESS.NET owns and operates its own private data center in Dearborn, Mich. and currently services thousands of clients worldwide.
NEXCESS.NET Expands Backup Services to R1Soft’s CDP Solution is a post from: Hosting News and Reseller Web Hosting information.
There is much to consider when choosing a control panel, but one of the most important of all is its user-friendliness. This is especially true for a reseller as your hosting customers will likely range from newcomers to more advanced users. An ideal solution would be finding a control panel that bridges that gap between both types of users. It is understandable that everyone would prefer a control panel which is simple to navigate as it makes it much easier to find the tools and services they need to access. The control panel market is expanding rapidly, but we have listed some of the best options for your reselling hosting endeavors.
HostFlow
Though a relative newcomer, the HostFlow control panel is quickly shaking up the web hosting control panel market and serving as worthy competition to the industry leading players. As of now, HostFlow is the only control panel that allows hosts to sell web hosting plans, bulk web services and dedicated servers through both direct and indirect sales channels. A complete hosting automation system, it supports a number of modules that facilitate server, customer, order and billing management, allowing users to get the most of their reseller business. If you are a seeking a product with the ability to automate virtually every aspect of the hosting delivery process, HostFlow could the solution for you.
Ensim
The Ensim software makes another great choice for a control panel. It offers a wide variety of features as well four levels of administration, reseller option included. Ensim makes it easy to create hosting accounts, manage your clients, monitor bandwidth and much more. All of your administrative tasks can be handled in far less time as everything goes through a streamlined, centralized interface. Ensim is known as a very flexible solution that supports both Linux and Windows platforms.
H-Sphere
H-Sphere also runs on both Linux and Windows servers. This is perhaps one of the most advanced and complex of all web hosting control panels on the market. The major plus as that the software gives you a lot of power as the features are virtually unlimited. This software is ideal for experienced users as it streamlines the reselling process with extensive billing options and total automation. If you want a reseller hosting control panel that does it all, H-Sphere is definitely worth a closer look.
Zervex DSM
While it is not as well known as the other options, Zervex DSM is one control panel that demands attention. The software has a clean, easy navigable interface that benefits both server administrators and webmasters alike. Zervex allows you to administer multiple websites or a multitude of servers through a powerful web-based interface. The software has three levels: Server Administrator, Reseller and End User. Each interface is identical from a graphical aspect, providing easy to use tools at ever level. Equipped with the built-in Plug-ins manager, your customers will enjoy the ability to install well over 30 open-source software applications with the click of a button. Zervex DMS makes a solid choice if you want to give back to your loyal clients.
Redwood City, California – (The Hosting News) – May 28, 2009 – The developer of the LinMin Bare Metal Provisioning, LinMin, has produced its Release 5.4, featuring a high-performance disk imaging subsystem for disaster recovery and new operating system media management.
The newly updated ”Turbo-Imaging” solution also includes an updated Linux and Windows Server provisioning, extensive logging and numerous other features requested by corporate, cloud and hosting company data center managers.
Turbo-Imaging brings disaster recovery to a new level with automatic file system detection, intelligent compression and other capabilities that make it easy for data center managers to quickly roll systems back to a known-good state in case of software corruption, malicious attack or other failure. Combining server provisioning (remote, unattended operating system installation) and disk imaging in a single product makes LinMin an indispensable solution in deploying, repurposing and recovering the commodity hardware infrastructure layer used in hosting, corporate, cloud and other data center environments.
Andrew Cartwright, CTO of FiberHosting remarked, ”We use LinMin extensively in our three hosting data centers for provisioning and imaging our Linux and Windows servers. We are now implementing LinMin’s application programming interface (API) to enable FiberHosting customers with dedicated servers to control their systems from the bare metal up. This increases customer satisfaction and reduces our own operating expenses.”
Laurent Gharda, CEO and founder of LinMin Corp noted, ”The positive feedback we’re getting from customers is most gratifying. There is no substitute for hosting, cloud and corporate data center staff feedback to drive LinMin’s roadmap for solving real world problems. As new vendors and solutions emerge to manage already-deployed physical and virtual systems, the forgotten piece of the data center cost equation remains the labor-intensive deployment, re-purposing and recovery of the hardware layer itself. LinMin helps customers optimize exactly that.”
Pricing:
LinMin Bare Metal Provisioning 5.4 is available immediately and is available for purchase and download at www.LinMin.com. LinMin Bare Metal Provisioning for Linux and Windows is priced at $249 for up to 10 client systems, $999 for up to 100 client systems, $1,999 for up to 250 client systems, $3,499 for up to 500 client systems and $5,999 for up to 1,000 client systems.
LinMin provides software that remotely provisions and images Linux and Windows on servers, blades, PCs, appliances and virtual machines. LinMin Bare Metal Provisioning (LBMP) is the industry’s only truly affordable system provisioning and imaging solution that can be implemented by IT organizations of any size with very limited budgets. LinMin is based in Redwood City, Calif. with development and QA offices in Menlo Park and San Rafael, California.
For more information, please visit: www.LinMin.com.
Redwood City, California – (The Hosting News) – May 28, 2009 – The developer of the LinMin Bare Metal Provisioning, LinMin, has produced its Release 5.4, featuring a high-performance disk imaging subsystem for disaster recovery and new operating system media management.
The newly updated ”Turbo-Imaging” solution also includes an updated Linux and Windows Server provisioning, extensive logging and numerous other features requested by corporate, cloud and hosting company data center managers.
Turbo-Imaging brings disaster recovery to a new level with automatic file system detection, intelligent compression and other capabilities that make it easy for data center managers to quickly roll systems back to a known-good state in case of software corruption, malicious attack or other failure. Combining server provisioning (remote, unattended operating system installation) and disk imaging in a single product makes LinMin an indispensable solution in deploying, repurposing and recovering the commodity hardware infrastructure layer used in hosting, corporate, cloud and other data center environments.
Andrew Cartwright, CTO of FiberHosting remarked, ”We use LinMin extensively in our three hosting data centers for provisioning and imaging our Linux and Windows servers. We are now implementing LinMin’s application programming interface (API) to enable FiberHosting customers with dedicated servers to control their systems from the bare metal up. This increases customer satisfaction and reduces our own operating expenses.”
Laurent Gharda, CEO and founder of LinMin Corp noted, ”The positive feedback we’re getting from customers is most gratifying. There is no substitute for hosting, cloud and corporate data center staff feedback to drive LinMin’s roadmap for solving real world problems. As new vendors and solutions emerge to manage already-deployed physical and virtual systems, the forgotten piece of the data center cost equation remains the labor-intensive deployment, re-purposing and recovery of the hardware layer itself. LinMin helps customers optimize exactly that.”
Pricing:
LinMin Bare Metal Provisioning 5.4 is available immediately and is available for purchase and download at www.LinMin.com. LinMin Bare Metal Provisioning for Linux and Windows is priced at $249 for up to 10 client systems, $999 for up to 100 client systems, $1,999 for up to 250 client systems, $3,499 for up to 500 client systems and $5,999 for up to 1,000 client systems.
LinMin provides software that remotely provisions and images Linux and Windows on servers, blades, PCs, appliances and virtual machines. LinMin Bare Metal Provisioning (LBMP) is the industry’s only truly affordable system provisioning and imaging solution that can be implemented by IT organizations of any size with very limited budgets. LinMin is based in Redwood City, Calif. with development and QA offices in Menlo Park and San Rafael, California.
For more information, please visit: www.LinMin.com.
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