Dedicated Servers and Chocolate Cake

Dedicated Server and Chocolate CakeWhen I think of dedicated servers I think of chocolate cake.

I know it sounds weird so let me explain…

 

Most internet users, including online business owners, don’t know what a “dedicated server” is, or why they might want to consider one for their online business. I didn’t either until recently.

 

What is a Dedicated Server?

A dedicated server is a web server “computer on the Internet that hosts websites, serving pages to viewers upon request.” – WiseGeek.com that is dedicated “given over to a particular purpose” – Mirriam-Webster.com to one person or business.

 

Why Consider a Dedicated Server?

A public server is only so big and has to be shared with hundreds, if not thousands, of other websites. Because the server is shared among so many other people the choices and space you’re allowed may be limited, but if you’ve got a dedicated server you’re only limited by the server itself.

 

Didn’t you say Chocolate Cake?

Oooh, yeah, chocolate cake!

To make this easier to understand, pretend your server is a ginormous chocolate cake. With fudge ganache filling. Mmmm!

Now pretend you’ve got to share that cake with a bunch of other websites.

You’ll have limits in the choices you’re allowed to make Chocolate or vanilla frosting? Sprinkles? Ice cream? and the size of the piece you can have. You’ll also need to worry about what everyone else is doing – if someone sneezes on their piece of cake yours could be contaminated too.

Eeeew!

Now pretend you’ve got that whole chocolate cake to yourself.

You can make all the rules! Chocolate frosting, sprinkles, ice cream, maraschino cherries and whipped cream; I want it all!

You’re only limited by what the cake or server can handle. You won’t have to share it unless you want to and you won’t have to worry about someone else coming along and messing it up with their boogers.

It’s yours, yours, all yours!

 

Do I Need a Dedicated Server?

Only YOU know if you need a dedicated server or not, but here are some things to think about…

  • Is your website bogging down because the server can’t keep up with your traffic?
  • Do you have a lot of photos or files and are running out of disk space?
  • Are you a control freak who wants to have exclusive control of your server?
  • Would you like an added level of security protecting your website?
  • Do you want access to as much bandwidth as you need without sharing with other websites?
  • Would you like to add a forum or shopping cart database to your website?
  • Are you planning for your business to grow?

 

If you answered “Yes!” to any of these questions you might want to consider a dedicated server. The great thing is that if you don’t have one now you’re not behind in the game; it’s never to late to switch to a dedicated server.

And while you’re thinking about it, have another piece of chocolate cake.

Pass one this way too, please. Mmmmmm!
Amy Sue

Photo credit: inloughborough.com

 

v7n Contest

4 Comments

  1. I feel like I’ve learned something *and* I have a bona fide reason to go grab some ice cream from our freezer right now (it’s all we have… no cake).

    Thanks! (My thighs might be less grateful, but the rest of me will more than make up for it.)

    • LOL Shan!

      Glad I could be of service! By the way, did you know that if you break up your cake and eat it in pieces all the calories leak out? Really and truly. 😉

      ~Amy Sue

  2. As someone who works in the web world, I wouldn’t recommend a dedicated server to the average blogger. It would be an unnecessary expense. If you end up with an active community or store on your site, then you might want to think about it. For most small sites, even small company sites, a shared server is fine.
    But we can all enjoy the chocolate cake.

    • Running Betty,

      Thanks for your input! I agree that the average blogger or online business owner wouldn’t need a dedicated server, but it’s good to know about… in case we get famous overnight. 😉

      Thanks for taking time to comment!
      ~Amy Sue

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

CommentLuv badge

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.