Dedicated Server

Is it too much?

[giggle]

We have a quite a successful commercial web site and are about to embark on a new web site with a slightly different offer to our clients.

I've been considering moving across to a dedicated server for the new site.

We receive about 3000 page impressions per day.

I'm just wondering if going this route is too much - 200GBP p.m. including 40gb/MSSQL licence/firewall for secure server.

I'm not very experienced in this field and was curious if anyone has any views about going the dedicated server route? Pros? Cons? Does the deal we're being offered sound ok?

Any feedback greatfully received.

Cheers

Mick

[trillianjedi]

Hi Giggle,

You probably don't need a dedicated server unless you have very large weight pages, heavy graphics etc, given only 3k page views a day.

However, a dedicated box gives an easier growth path if you expect the site to get busy. It will also allow you more flexibility if you want to run your own backend software.

As for prices, shop around. If you don't mind being on a US IP address (that can affect geographic targetting with some engines) then look elsewhere other than the UK also.

We can't go into hosting specifics on here I'm afraid as per the Webmaster General charter, but my experience is hosting is cheaper in the US. And the dollar is also very weak at the moment - £200 is about $350 right now.

TJ

[giggle]

Thanks trillianjedi, that raises an interesting point (at least for me)...can a hosting company in the US host a .co.uk domain. I've purchased the domain name already, can I point it to a US hosting company?

[trillianjedi]

Yes you can.

In my experience, this is the best way to cover both geographic and non-geographic SERPS. Host on a US IP with a geographic TLD.

If you are specifically targetting the UK though, a UK IP address is preferable.

It depends on the competitiveness of the market space you are entering as to whether or not you need that extra edge that a UK IP might give.

You can always move host though....

TJ

[giggle]

Hi

The final quote we received charges GBP110 per month for "Windows 2003 Full Server 2003 Licence".

Does this sound correct?

How much does that licence cost in the UK?

Is it a one-off cost or a per-annum cost?

Thanks

Mick

[trillianjedi]

Does this sound correct?

It's quite easy to just shop around and get a feel for the market. I suggest you do that - there's no better way to get a flavour of what's "correct".

How much does that licence cost in the UK?

Licence?

Is it a one-off cost or a per-annum cost?

You've quoted "per month".

I think you're getting mixed up between the monthly hosting charge and the Operating System Licence. This is the kind of information the hosting company should tell you. Talk to them about it - I'd only be guessing from the figures.

Any reason why you decided on a Windows OS for your server?

TJ

[giggle]

Hi trillianjedi

When I spoke to the hosting company yesterday they mentioned GBP3000 per annum (which sounds way too high) then, today, came back with GBP110 per month.

If it was a GBP3000 one off fee for the licence (Windows Full Server 2003 License) then we'd probably pay it.

I have already developed our new site ready for launch and it's all in ASP and accessing MSSQL database.