Most practices quickly realize that they need a server to host their website, internal tools, backups, and other digital services. Initially, to save on startup costs and efforts, many offices go with a shared server through a common provider. At some point, though, many practices find that they’ve outgrown their shared hosting and need to switch to a dedicated server to host the electronic tools that make the office run smoothly. But how do you know when you’ve reached that point?
Slow Loading
Usually the first sign that you need to move to a more robust solution like a dedicated server is your website becoming slow or even unresponsive. If you notice load times growing longer, images failing to load, or your webmaster or IT manager reports loading problems from your website’s error logs, it might mean that you’ve outgrown shared hosting. Check your website regularly, especially during peak use times. If you have a dedicated webmaster or IT manager, have them keep an eye on average load times and uptime to make sure that things aren’t going askew. Also remember that if you host any internal tools, like email or project management software, on the same server, keep on eye on the way they perform as well.
Changing Software Requirements
If you run a lot of internal tools or specialized external scripts on your server, and the requirements for those scripts have changed, or you’re planning to add a lot of new functionality with new requirements to your web presence, you may need to look into a dedicated server. Because shared servers cater to many different clients, some of which have been on the same server for years, they are often built on older technology that is built to serve the broadest range of people possible with basic services. This means that if you need more recent software or specialized applications, you might have to wait a long time for them to be installed, if they get updated at all. If your needs move out of the range of what is considered "standard server software," you should consider switching to a dedicated server.
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About CHIPS Computer Services
CHIPS Computer Services is an award winning Managed Services Provider specializing in help businesses increase efficiencies and profits by levering properly managed technology. To learn how CHIPS can help your business, email us at sales@chipscs.com to schedule no cost business assessment.
