dedicated server - repost

[maques]

hey boys and girls... i need some serious input and hopefully some of you can provide some insight... the problem is that we are unhappy with response times when clients visit our website... it's been suggested that we move to a dedicated server so the question is this: is there such a thing as having a dedicated server without but retaining all of the support (i.e. maintenance, backups, patches, hardware-related crap) of shared hosting?.. we have 0 knowledge about what happens on that end and would like to keep it that way :) is there a name for this that we can google?.. i realize this will cost more but that's not the primary concern... how does one go about finding this service? all advice is greatly appreciated!
- max

[DollarKid]

what you are looking for is called a "managed server"

[trillianjedi]

Hi Maques,

From the WW charter for the General forum:-

Public discussion and recommendation of hosting companies is no longer allowed at WebmasterWorld. We are closing the floodgates to get a better handle on the spam that always crops up in hosting discussions. The current threads will remain available to be read but there will be no new discussion permitted.

Please bear that in mind - recommendations to specific hosts are not allowed here.

Thanks.

Most hosting companies offer options for dedicated server hosting. The most common are co-located and managed. As mentioned above, you want managed. This is effectively where you pay a monthly fee, lease the computer which they house in a rack for you on their internet connection and maintain the hardware (and software if you require them to).

TJ

[webnerd]

Hi maques,

I wouldn't listen to a strangers recommendation on something this important anyway.
Several ways can used to find a fast host site for your website.
A.
1. search for other sites who are in the same business as your are {waves files etc). Compare their reponse times.
2. Find out who the host is.
3. Check their prices etc.
B.
1. Search for host site ranking on websites that rank host sites.
2. Check their prices etc.,
3. Find websites that use the host and check the response times.

Dedicated servers aren't always the fastest.
Higher prices doesn't necessarily means better quality.

[steve40]

hi maques
if you are happy with your current hosting company (accept for speed ) find out if they provide managed servers , and where they are re: the backbone on their site.

one trick i found was to do some ping tests to their hosting companies site for response times etc. (usually on dedicated server ) compared with your shared hosting

most hosting companies do now supply an upwards route for customers as their web site grows

It is worth remembering a few other things

1 spec of dedicated server
2 backup regime they will supply
3 cost can range from 10 - 30 times what you are currently paying for hosting
4 Check re: what stats are available on dedicated and also if you are using any free scripts provided on shared hosting will they be available
5 Check where dedicated servers are located and if country specific IP address
6 Check level of access you have e.g htaccess etc.

steve
not a full list but maybe a starting point

[maques]

thank you all for great feedback...

- max