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Choosing a server – VPS or Full Dedicated Server

kappa — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 13:50:40 +0000

Nowadays when it comes to web hosting there are so many choices in this field that people have a hard time on taking a decision about so many aspects. It is exactly the same thing that happens when it comes to choosing between a VPS (Virtual Private Server) and a dedicated server, while these two webhosting categories are very alike and confusion is unavoidable.

What are the major differences between VPS and dedicated server?

A VPS is a cheaper hosting method where numerous servers run on a solitary hardware installation assisted by virtualization software that runs on top of the machines’ OS. In contrast with traditional shared hosting, VPS permit users to have a separate OS and root access; therefore, even if there are multiple users on a similar server, all persons have their own personal settings. This solution offers hosting vendors access to deliver customer lower prices while they will not buy many server machines and the licensing costs will get lower, being charged on CPU number instead on users’ number.

The conventional method of hosting is the one using a dedicated server. This one still holds top position when it comes to web hosting. In this situation, each server runs on a separate hardware installation devoid of sharing resources with other servers. It means renting a personal server, which allows users a total control on it. It is best to use when it comes to large websites with higher amounts of traffic and information. In contrast to using a VPS, with a dedicated server you’ll not be sharing the bandwidth with nobody else, load time and upload time become better than on VPS, but this comes, of course, with higher costs than with the VPS.

The major question would be: What should I choose finally?

You should approach this issue with great caution while choosing a wrong method could mean a step-back in your business. When it comes to choosing between those two, analyze your needs, see how you are up with the traffic pattern and what volume of traffic your website supports daily. Price should not be the major factor if your traffic is on a high edge and growing constantly. On the other hand, choosing VPS would be a best choice if your website lacks high amounts of traffic while it offers all the functionality and protection needed.

Here are some features for both hosting methods apart:

Unique VPS features:
Easy setup
Each server works independently
Any software upgrade on a virtual server has no consequence on the others located on the same physical server
Each VPS has complete security and privacy
Lower costs

Unique Dedicated Hosting features:
Ability to run more advanced scripts
Dedicated bandwith
Faster CPU
Not sharing server with someone else

1&1.CO.UK – Best web hosting company in UK?

temi — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 12:34:44 +0000

1&1.co.uk

Brief Introduction

This company claims to be one of the fastest growing companies in the field of web hosting and that is evidenced by their customer base of over 9million and the fact that they are adding almost 2500 clients every day. These figures have been corroborated by independent studies conducted by Netcraft and are sure to give customers the confidence that this company is going to be in existence for a long time and are financially very stable.

They were one of the early starters more than a decade back to offer customers online state of art technological and telecommunication solutions. Customers even then could chat online and enjoy other interactive services.

The company went public in 1998 and has been rewarding its shareholders with decent returns.

Services offered

a) Web hosting

The company has categorised its offering into 5 categories such as Beginners, Home, Business, Business Pro and Professional. They are currently running a very attractive scheme across all categories wherein you can signup and not pay anything for the first three months.

The features offered include web space, domain registration, external domains, usage of the internet and online account management facilities. The extent of bandwidth, space and domains offered obviously differ depending upon the package chosen. It is least for the Beginner package and maximum for the Professional one.

b) Email

IMAP/POP3 accounts with a 2GB capacity and email aliases are provided with this service with the Business, Business 1 and Professional packages getting unlimited email aliases facilities.

c) Website building

Building your own website is now easy without the need for any programming. Moreover you can also blog, get access to RSS feed and even share your photos online when you choose any of the packages barring the Beginner one.

d) Ecommerce

The Easy Setup option allows you to launch your online shop very quickly and you will find it convenient to sell your products or services thanks to the integration with eBay. Moreover, you can also get access to Marketing tools and eShop Management facilities to help you control and review your business in a much better fashion.

e) Marketing tools

Customers keen to receive quick marketing feedback can choose this feature which will enable them to chat live with customers, send them email based marketing material and even get website statistics. This is available for those choosing the Home, Business, Business Pro and Professional packages.

Strengths

* Strong track record
* Customised packages for different categories of customers
* Robust data center and choice of servers to meet any customer requirement

Support Provided

* Email assistance
* Access to technical support 24×7
* Access to product information on phone
* Online account management with single log in

What customers have to say?

Customers feel that this company offers them good value for money and has an attitude that is customer focused. They also feel that they can present them selves very professionally to their clients using the packages provided by 1&1.

Heartinternet.co.uk

temi — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 17:24:46 +0000

Heart Internet

Brief Introduction

This company was started in the year 2004 by Jonathan Brealey and Tim Beresford and claim to be the second company growing the fastest in the UK. They have brought in a high degree of automation with the intent to present customers more control over their account and what’s more they have been able to keep the prices at very affordable levels.

They have experienced tremendous growth over the last half a decade and that has been possible due to their varied service offerings backed up by strong support and reliable back up systems.

Services offered

a) Domain names

Facilities such as multiple web forwarding and registering the domain through email are offered under this service. Free registration and transfer of existing domains is also in the package and at £2.79 per year, it appears to be a very reasonable rate.

b) Web hosting

They offer three types of packages by way of the Starter Pro, Home Pro and Business Pro packages with the Business Pro being the most expensive at £10.75 per month. The Starter and Home Pro packages are priced at £2.49 and £8.99 respectively.

All of them carry interesting features such as:

* Bandwidth without restrictions
* Facility of unrestricted emails and mail boxes
* Exclusive control panel for better account management
* Commercial use allowed

c) Reseller hosting services

The reseller professional account has been specifically customized to suit internet integrators, web designers and those wanting to set up their own hosting services. The features include unrestricted access to bandwidth, hosting of unlimited domains, usage of control panel that is branded as per the customer choice, option of adding unlimited Windows or Linux hosting accounts and the flexibility to create individual packages according to need.

At 29.99 per month, they claim to be offering some of the features free of cost.

d) Dedicated servers facility

They use the latest Dell and Intel technologies without charging for any set up. The processors used are Dual and Quad Core Xeon. Both Linux and Windows servers are supported with programming languages such as PHP, Perl & Python and ASP, ASP.net, .NET Framework respectively. Bandwidth provided is unlimited with instant web rebooting.

They also have a service level agreement in place.

Strengths

* Rapid growth within Europe, Middle East and Africa

* Web hosting services offered with rich features

* Powerful scripting tools such as phpBB, Word Press, Joomla and many more

* Consistently winning awards for customer service

* Judged by Deloitte as the company growing the fastest

* Consistently providing unrestricted traffic and web space over the last half a decade

Support Provided

Customers can chat live, send emails or call the Sales number 0845 644 7750 to solve problems they face on a day to day basis. The company claims to offer the quickest response time.

What customers have to say?

Customers are happy with the services and keep sending in their feedback as well as suggestions which the company takes note of and makes necessary changes to their processes and services.

They claim that they have implemented more than 1000 such ideas from customers till date.

Streamline.Net budget web hosting company

temi — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 13:43:34 +0000

Streamline.net web hosting review

Brief Introduction

This is yet another company that was launched a decade back as an off shoot of Dollamore – the parent company and managed to make a name for itself in a very short time by hosting close to over 150,000 websites.

They pride themselves on the fact that their customers find it easy to do business with them and ascribe that to the fact that they have been able to make the process of web hosting a very convenient and uncomplicated one.

Another striking aspect about this company is their benevolent stance in giving away discounts of as much as 50% to registered charity organisations. The company claims that they have supported charities across the globe to the tune of £20,000 and that indeed is a commendable achievement not very commonly seen.

Services offered

1) Web hosting

They offer five different packages as under:

a) Free trial

Here, the first three months are free and is ideal for somebody wishing to just test out the services. They offer unlimited facilities for web space, web traffic and mailboxes as part of the package.

b) Home

In this the first month of use is not charged though there are restrictions on web space and mailboxes that you can have.

c) Power

Here again the first month of usage is free and the web space is increased to 1.5 GB

d) Unlimited

As the name suggests, all facilities like web space, traffic, mailboxes are unlimited and the first month usage is also free. It is very similar to the free trial offer except for the increased value of free advertising vouchers.

e) Bulk

Under this package, you have no free period offer but get charged a modest £99.90 per annum

2) Domain registration services

They offer domain registration and transfer at a very reasonable fee. Depending upon the extension selected, you may need to hold it for a minimum period to avail of these reasonable rates.

3) SEO services

Under their search engine optimisation services, they offer Hyper submit, which is a service available under four different variants designed to offer customers advice on how to optimise search engine submission and listings. They make available various reports on a regular basis to enable you to know exactly how your sites are faring in ranking and popularity ratings.

Strengths

* Experience of over a decade
* Good perception amongst customers of a company easy to do business with
* Free trial offer of up to three months
* Great discounts on domain names

Support offered

There is a sales and service number 0844 941 1000 that is listed on the site and there is also email support offered. Their support web site helps customers understand their services in a better manner as well.