Dedicated Server vs. Cloud Hosting

Deciding between multiple hosting options and all the terminology that goes along with them can be confusing. The comparison can make you wonder why it matters if you use a dedicated server or cloud hosting?

Both dedicated servers and cloud hosting offer different benefits for your business. As a business owner, it is vital to understand the benefits of each that could improve costs and flexibility of your business.

Let’s find out why a dedicated server may be a better option than AWS of GCP. Below, we go in-depth of the two main hosting types: dedicated servers vs. cloud hosting.

Table of Contents

What is a Dedicated Server?

A dedicated server is a computer tied to a network that is typically reserved for the communication needs of that specific network of multiple computers. Often, dedicated servers are used for larger companies that need a high-security level or for companies that have high traffic.

Typically, business owners are responsible for maintenance, upgrades and will need to have an IT professional install their server with all required software and hardware.

The second option is a renting dedicated server space from a web hosting service.

What is Cloud Hosting?

Cloud hosting is one specific server or a network of virtual servers that are configurated to pull from multiple different physical servers.

Cloud hosting has the option to be designed depending on the businesses performance and needed security. Where cloud hosting differs from a dedicated server, cloud hosting dwells in a joint virtual environment that is operated by a hosting provider.

When you have a cloud hosting for your business, you share the hardware with other business owners. However, you only pay for the space that you use. Cloud hosting gives you the freedom to increase or decrease cloud space, so you are never paying for space when it is not needed. Cloud hosting also lowers the amount of out of pocket expenses, including IT performance and upgrades.

Cloud vs. Dedicated

Both dedicated servers and cloud hosting offer a safe environment. Both servers are controlled with the same software and tools and can operate with both Microsoft Windows and Linux. This gives users the freedom to choose their preferred operating system and software that works best with their company.

Dedicated and Cloud Server Costs

With dedicated servers, the average monthly charge can range from $100 to $1,000 depending on the package you choose. However, you can get a dedicated server package as low as $50 a month. However, the more economical package may not be the best choice for your business needs.

With cloud hosting, you are typically only charged for storage you use. In most cases, you can find a package that starts around the $50 range for monthly service. One of the benefits of cloud hosting is that storage is not generally capped like dedicated servers.

Server Performances

When it comes to the performance of dedicated servers vs. cloud hosting – they both are comparable. While they are both just as fast as the other, there is a term known as “dirty” that refers to dedicated servers. When a dedicated server becomes “dirty” with too many unused program files, the server can slow down. Cloud servers can get bogged down with unwanted files as well, but with cloud hosting, you can clean up the machine without having to disrupt any of your data.

Server Dependability

Having a dependable server is most important when your business depends on its server. With a dedicated server, if it crashes, there is no backup to retrieve your files until the server is fixed. However, with the cloud, if the server crashes, you may experience some slow performance, but you can retrieve your data from another machine on the cloud.