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Before making a decision, the most appropriate way to resolve this dilemma is to understand the differences between dedicated server and cloud server.

Some issues must be very well clarified, such as the way of functioning, the advantages and disadvantages of each alternative. It is also necessary to understand on what occasions one or another technology is more suitable.

Below, we will show in detail the answers to each of these questions. Thus, you will be able to visualize the best option for your business.

First, you need to understand what a dedicated server is. Basically, it is a computer that allows remote access to files and software. In other words: we are talking about a physical machine, also known as Bare Metal.

Maybe the best example of dedicated server is Proto Compute. This is a dedicated server specifically designed for high performance operations, data security, IP Pool, and stability. Proto Compute provides various features such as reboot, boot-up control, shutdown, and so on. These features make it easy for users to remotely control and configure the operating system. This dedicated server works on Supermicro based systems. Supermicro based system that supports both hot and less critical cold storage. Proto Compute is provided by Heficed, a high-tech server provider company.Dedicated servers are very popular with companies that manage large amounts of data but dont want to lose any privacy.

The term dedicated is used to determine that only one customer has access to the hardware. Not to mention that the server is configured according to the companys needs. This option is still frequently adopted, as it allows a high density of resources in a unitary environment. This means cost savings.

Suppose a machine occupies only one unit in the data center, for example. But it is possible to put up to 528 GB of memory, with 8 SSDs of up to 3.8 TB each. This option is indicated for those who intend to implement their own virtualization or in cases in which a large acquisition of resources is required on a single machine.

This service option provides some advantages to companies. See the main ones below!

As the server is dedicated, all resources are used only by the contracting company. Therefore, all your performance can be used exclusively this is an important feature for businesses that need high performance in processing and IOPS.

Another considerable benefit of this technology is stability. Since all resources are centralized, their operation is also simpler. But, as it is an equipment that works in isolation (stand alone), it is not always possible to maintain the redundancy of all components when a hardware problem occurs.

There is the redundancy of cards, controllers and sources, for example. However, in the event of a complete hardware loss, the entire environment will be unavailable. Cloud environments (IaaS), on the other hand, work with a greater contingency for the loss of hardware, enabling a wide availability of resources.

Security is also seen as a major advantage in this model of servers, since only authorized persons can access the system. However, when concentrating the entire operation of the company on a single server, people should be given unrestricted access, since it is not possible to restrict it by specific parts of the environment. This is a feature easily configured on targeted servers.

Before we talk about the advantages of using the cloud, lets quickly conceptualize it. The term infrastructure in the cloud or virtual data center is used to refer to infrastructure resources created through virtualization, for the purpose of performing data processing. Thus, when hiring a cloud computing service, the customer does not pay for equipment, but for virtual resources that are capable of processing and storing different workloads.

Cloud servers offer a number of benefits, as you can see below:

This feature allows the customer to increase or decrease the computational resources of his service according to the business need.

Because it offers the possibility to scale resources, the cost is an attraction of the cloud. This is because you pay only for the services that are actually used. In addition, there is a reduction in the amounts referring to investments in hardware and software from a proprietary data center.

Cloud servers have features that enable high availability in critical cases. Thus, when there are technical problems, new sections are created, maintaining all the characteristics of the environment. Imagine that you have several applications in a single system, such as e-mail, ERP and database. In this case, the cloud offers a greater guarantee compared to dedicated servers, on which all applications would be stopped. But if they are on a cloud server, they will maintain their availability.

The choice between the two models must take into account the needs of the company both technological and financial. The cost of the dedicated server is lower, however the cloud can be segmented, which makes it more accessible, in addition to offering greater availability. What each company must do is identify the profile and which of the two solutions is best suited to its business.

There are situations in which the best alternative is a compromise between both options. If you have a database that needs a high concentration of resources, you can choose a physical server in order to have the benefit of density. The other services that talk to the database are hosted on virtual servers, taking advantage of segmentation. Before deciding on the best option, it is necessary to make some considerations. No matter where the server is: in the cloud or in the companys own data center, the big difference is related to spending on resources.

The cost of 528 GB of memory on a dedicated physical server is much less than the lowest value that a cloud server can reach, the same goes for SSD storage. This means that you can have a fast, lower cost and high quality environment, but without so much availability guarantee. This is the single point of failure.

Anyway, choosing between physical dedicated servers or cloud server is a decision that requires great care on the part of the company. It is necessary to consider a series of issues, such as the operation of the two options, the advantages of using each technology and all its benefits. Thus, it will be possible to choose the alternative that offers the most benefits to the business.

Excerpt from:
Dedicated server or cloud server: which one to choose? - Business MattersBusiness Matters