Dedicated versus Shared Web Hosting

In today's business climate, having a website is essential. When clients or potential clients want to find out information about a company, they will almost always first turn to the Internet to find out that information. If they can't find a website for the company they are searching for, there is a good chance that they will find a website for a company that offers a similar service and use them for their needs instead.

When a company does decide to create a website or update their current website, unless they are large enough to be able to host a site internally, they will need to find a web hosting service. This service will provide the company with space on a server where they can store their website and their website can be accessed from online. There are two basic types of web hosting services that are available – dedicated and shared.

A dedicated web hosting service is one where a company, organization or individual contracts with a web hosting service to have an entire server dedicated to just their website. No other website will be placed onto that server. Since the server is dedicated to just one website, the company or organization that is purchasing the web hosting can have more flexibility with their website than if they were on a shared server. They can usually choose the type of operating system and the type of hardware they want, something they would not be able to do if there were other company’s websites on the same server.

A company who purchases dedicated web hosting services usually also has the option of purchasing advanced support from the web hosting company. That support comes in the form of services such as managing the server, trouble shooting, assistance in system administration and technical advice and assistance when new technologies are developed that can benefit their website.

Of the two basic types of web hosting, choosing a dedicated web hosting service will most often be the more expensive of the two. However, for companies with a large, intricate web site that helps bring in money to the company, the expense if often necessary.

A shared web hosting service is one where more than one website is hosted on the same server. Since more than one company or organization is sharing the server, the cost for a shared web hosting service is almost always less expensive than a dedicated web hosting service. System administration is built in to the cost of the service because someone must oversee the multiple websites on one server.

Shared web hosting is beneficial for smaller companies who do not have the need for a dedicated server nor the budget to cover a dedicated server. It is also beneficial because of the support that automatically comes with the hosting. Many smaller companies do not have their own technical support.

If a company or organization is looking for cheap web hosting and built in basic support, then a shared web hosting service will be the answer. If they are looking for flexibility, advanced support, and the ability to host a large, intricate website, then a dedicated web hosting service is what they need.