What is a dedicated server?
A dedicated server is one that is managed for the exclusive use of a single client. It might contain a single, large website, or it might host numerous websites in a shared hosting environment.
The server might include all the ‘physical hardware’, or as is now more common, a virtual private server which is a ‘segment’ of a server, but operated in a way that it’s completely independent of other ‘virtual servers’ also running on the hardware.
The server can be configured in a way that best meets the client’s business needs.
Using the server for shared hosting can also dramatically reduce the ongoing costs per hosted site. It allows greater flexibility and control, a level of security that can be set by the client, and scalability of the utilised services e.g. website disk space constraints and ingoing /outgoing data.
How is a server managed?
The client can either manage the server themself (using your own staff Server Administrator) or outsourced to a third-party contractor.
The responsibility of the day-to-day operation of the server is borne by the client and their Server Administrator. Some of these services might be outsourced, and some will be done in-house. If the server breaks, the client is responsible for fixing it, at their own cost.
Red Rook can also provide a selection of server management services on a client’s behalf.