Choosing the right dedicated hosting provider can be just as difficult as choosing the right dedicated server. Before making any decisions, you have to be sure that the services they offer fit your needs. Some factors to consider include:
Server stability: this is the measure of overall performance, accessibility, and usability. Bottom line? You want to go with a service that offers uptimes of at least 99.95% to minimize the chance of costly outages.
Customer support: look for a dedicated server host that offers 24/7 customer support with a variety of contact options (such as telephone, email, and live chat). You will need someone to be available when you have a problem with your server (which you will) and the response time needs to be fast.
Customization: does the hosting provider offer both Linux and Windows options? Can you allocate space as you wish? Some providers market themselves as providing “dedicated” servers, but limit customization options and even rent space to other users. Make sure that your private server is yours and yours alone.
Security: dedicated servers are inherently much safer than any of the shared options, but that doesn’t mean you’re 100% safe from hackers. To help ensure your site’s security, look for a provider that offers built-in security features, so you don’t have to worry about it.
