What’s the Difference Between Specialized and Hosting?
It’s a question you may be asking yourself, considering the increasing popularity of digital nomads and the internet’s massive popularity in general.
You’re probably wondering what the difference is between specialized hosting and hosting, and whether or not one is better than the other. Believe it or not, there’s a difference between the two. And while both have their perks, it’s important to understand what they are and how to choose which one is right for your specific needs.
The Differences Between Specialized Hosting and Hosting
First off, let’s talk about what they mean. In the case of specialized hosting, you’re paying for the expertise of the host to configure your server correctly and to maintain it. This may include things like installing security software, backups, setting up caching, and more. Typically, these experts will work remotely from your premises, so you’re not going to see much interaction when it comes to resolving your support issues. Specialized hosting is more focused on taking care of your web server, and it usually involves more complex tasks like installing a LAMP stack or WordPress.
On the other hand, when it comes to hosting, you’re paying for standard server resources like bandwidth and storage. This means that you’re not necessarily getting a personal assistant to take care of all the technical things for you. You’re simply paying for the service of the server. Some hosts will even offer a little bit of marketing advice, or run your ads for you. So in that sense, hosting is less focused on getting you results and more focused on taking care of the server.
With that out of the way, let’s discuss the differences between the two. These mainly come in the format of cost and customer support. You’ll find that specialized hosting is typically more expensive than hosting, and offers better customer support in case you do run into issues. While both have their perks, one thing is for sure – you’re going to have to make up your mind whether or not you want to pay for better service, or if you’d rather save money and do it yourself.
The Pros and Cons of Specialized Hosting
Having a competent, experienced host managing your server is obviously going to be beneficial. They’ll know how to configure it correctly, how to keep it secure, and more. In addition, you can be certain that they’ll be able to remedy most issues promptly. This also means that when you do encounter an issue, you can fix it yourself rather than paying someone to do it for you.
On the down side, there’s the cost. You’ll typically find that specialized hosting is more expensive than standard hosting. Not only that, but you’ll also be expected to provide your own server gear. This could include things like installing a LAMP stack or WordPress, as well as providing enough storage space for your website. So, if you’re looking for a cheap and easy way to get started, you might want to look at standard hosting rather than specialized hosting. Or, if you’re looking to grow your business quickly, you might want to consider specialized hosting rather than hosting.
The important thing is that you choose a hosting plan that meets your specific demands. To help you make the right decision, we’ve compiled a list of the pros and cons of specialized hosting.
Pros of Specialized Hosting
1. Security. Your host will be investing a significant amount of time and money securing your server. They’ll also be doing a lot of research into the best security measures to protect your data. Not only that, but your host will also be installing and configuring additional security software on your behalf. So, in addition to paying for security, you’re also getting it for free from your host.
2. Scalability. Your host is going to be investing in a dedicated server – which can handle more traffic than your standard laptop or desktop computer – to ensure that your website can scale effectively as your business grows. This means that as your site gets more and more traffic, your host will be able to provide more services to you, without a significant impact on your wallet.
3. Speed. Your host is most likely investing in a high-speed dedicated server for your website. This means that your site will load quickly and be available to your users when they visit. And since your host is doing all the heavy lifting, they’ll be able to ensure that your site stays up and running without hiccups.
4. Backups. Your host is going to be setting up regular backups of your website and email accounts. This way, in case your database or account is ever compromised, you’ll have a copy of all your data available to you. In addition, regular backups will also enable you to roll back your changes in case you run into any issues while making changes to your site. These are just some of the ways in which regular backups will benefit you.
5. Reliability. Your host is most likely investing in a high-quality server that they know will be available and functional at all times. This ensures that your site will always be available for your users and that your data won’t be lost in case of server failure.
Cons of Specialized Hosting
1. Cost. As we mentioned above, specialized hosting is usually more expensive than regular hosting. However, you’re paying for a lot more with specialized hosting. Not only that, but you’ll be expected to provide your own server gear. In addition to paying for the server, you’ll also be expected to pay for the bandwidth used by your host to transfer the data for your website. This could add up quickly if you’re doing anything more than a basic website.
2. Complexity. Your host will be managing a lot of your technical details remotely. This means that if you’re not comfortable dealing with complex tasks like setting up and configuring a LAMP stack or WordPress, then specialized hosting might not be for you. In addition, not all specialized hosts are created equal, so you might want to make sure you’re dealing with a reputable company before committing to any type of service.
3. Availability. Your host will most likely be setting up a number of servers, so that if one of them goes down, another one can take its place. This way, your site will always be available for your users. However, if you’re looking for a dedicated server that will be available at all times, then you might want to consider hosting rather than specialized hosting.
4. Security. Your host will most likely be managing a lot of your security details remotely. This means that if you’re not comfortable providing your personal information to someone you don’t know, then specialized hosting might not be for you. In addition, not all specialized hosts are created equal, so you might want to make sure you’re dealing with a reputable company before committing to any type of service.
5. Recovery. Your host will be setting up multiple servers, so if one of them crashes, it won’t take long for them to recover. However, if you’re looking for a dedicated server that will always be accessible, then you might want to consider hosting rather than specialized hosting.
In general, if you’re looking for a one-stop-shop for all your website needs, then specialized hosting might be the way to go. However, if you’re looking for a cheap and simple solution to get your site going, then hosting might be the way to go. Make sure you’re paying for what you need and that you’re not being fooled by cheaper alternatives that don’t live up to expectations.