When you realize that you need a dedicated hosting solution to take your website to the next level of performance, you may want to consider signing up with a provider that gives you more than just the server.  A respectable host will facilitate a thorough hardware configuration process to ensure that you get the best possible performance.

In the typical arrangement, a dedicated server calls for you to perform most of the maintenance, and you are given the responsibility to manage the hardware.  With that said, it isn’t uncommon to find a package that comes configured in a manner that allows you to get started right away.  This usually consists of a lockdown process that includes installing the latest OS (operating system) updates and patches to protect your server from hackers.  Other configurations may include the installation of the following elements:

  • Web server (Apache or Microsoft IIS)
  • Control Panel (cPanel, Plesk, H-Sphere)
  • Mail Server
  • Database Server (MySQL or MS SQL)
  • FTP Server
  • SSH Server
  • DNS Server
  • Application servers
  • Web development technologies (PHP, Perl, MS SQL)

In most cases, the initial configuration of a dedicated server is based on the information provided at the time of the order or within the first week of deployment.  Because subsequent requests may cost extra and prolong the deployment process, it is critical to inquire within your provider to find out exactly what level of service is offered in terms of configuration.  This will allow you to optimize your IT resources and get your server up and running as fast as possible.