While virtualized servers are known for shared hosting — where distinct entities utilize portions of a server’s computational capacity — dedicated server hosting provides a server’s entire hardware resources to a single user.1
However, before migrating from a public cloud environment to a bare metal provider, it’s imperative to first understand how to select the appropriate one. With the increasing number of vendors each year, several critical elements demand attention when making this pivotal decision.
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What are the ideal hardware specifications for your specific workloads? How do you assess the dependability of a prospective infrastructure partner? What about technical assistance? Are they accessible in the same geographic areas as your user base?
Overview
- Performance
- Reliability
- Security
- Flexibility
- Locations
- Deployment Speed
Let’s address each of these inquiries individually.
Performance
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When choosing the optimal dedicated server provider, prioritizing performance is essential to maximize your investment, and this is where the server’s hardware plays a pivotal role.
Begin by meticulously evaluating the hardware specifications presented by potential vendors, as these will directly influence your server’s capacity to efficiently manage workloads.
The Central Processing Unit (CPU), for instance, serves as the core of any server, and its performance is paramount.2 Typically, all other server specifications will scale in relation to the number of cores in its processor.
That said, seek out providers that offer the latest generation of multi-core processors, such as the AMD 9554P with 64 cores at 3.1 GHz and the AMD 9354 with 32 cores at 3.25 GHz, currently available from Latitude.sh.3
Multi-core processors excel at handling parallel processing, a critical capability for high-performance computing tasks and managing numerous simultaneous requests.4
For example, workloads involving intricate calculations or large-scale simulations significantly benefit from higher core counts and advanced CPU features.5
In addition to CPU performance, adequate and high-speed memory (RAM) is fundamental for server operations.6 Ensure that your chosen provider offers sufficient RAM to support your applications without creating performance bottlenecks.
Latitude.sh, for instance, provides servers with up to 1.5 TB of DDR5 memory. The precise amount of RAM required will depend on your unique use case — applications with extensive datasets or heavy concurrent user loads will naturally demand more memory.
Storage also holds a critical position in overall server efficiency, so only select providers that offer contemporary storage solutions, such as Solid State Drives (SSDs), and specifically, Non-Volatile Memory Express (NVMe) drives.7
Latitude.sh’s fourth generation of servers exclusively utilizes NVMe drives, which deliver rapid data access and enhanced performance for applications requiring swift data processing, making them ideal for industries reliant on near real-time workloads.8
Reliability
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Reliability forms a cornerstone of effective IT infrastructure, and verifying that your provider excels in this domain will help prevent costly service interruptions and maintain consistent system performance.9
Checking whether the provider has built-in redundancy and failover systems to manage potential hardware or network failures can significantly benefit businesses that require continuous, round-the-clock operation.
A top-tier provider typically offers an exceptional uptime guarantee, such as 99.99% or better, which translates to minimal service disruption over the course of a year.10
A provider’s reliability is also intrinsically linked to the quality of the data center infrastructure where their servers are housed. Data centers must feature cutting-edge facilities, redundant power supplies, and rigorous thermal control to ensure operational stability.
Investigate the provider’s historical performance and customer testimonials to gauge their reliability. Online reviews, case studies, and client feedback can offer invaluable insights into others’ experiences with the provider.
Finally, consider the caliber of customer support. Dependable support is crucial for promptly addressing any issues that may arise. Ideally, 24/7 support is the most desirable option, a feature found only with a select few bare metal providers, such as Latitude.sh.11
Security
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This aspect is among the most vital for any online service, and dedicated servers are no exception. Seek out providers that integrate multiple layers of DDoS protection to prevent situations that could disrupt your services.
Confirm that the provider’s data centers maintain robust physical security, including continuous 24/7 surveillance, restricted access, and environmental controls, which will mitigate potential problems stemming from unauthorized access and power outages.
Data encryption is also indispensable for most modern applications. Ensure the provider offers encryption for both data at rest and data in transit to safeguard sensitive information against unauthorized access.
By prioritizing these security measures, you can protect your server and uphold the integrity of your data, a core principle at Latitude.sh.
Flexibility
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A provider that emphasizes offering a diverse range of specifications, customization options, contract durations, and discounted rates is always preferable.
This adaptability allows you to select the commitment level that aligns with your financial strategy and operational requirements, ensuring you’re not locked into an unfavorable agreement.
Providers that offer tailored solutions enable you to align your infrastructure’s hardware precisely with your organization’s specific needs, thereby optimizing your workloads.
Some vendors may be capable of assembling servers from the ground up based on your requirements, while others will offer limited flexibility, such as merely adding more RAM or increasing the storage of their off-the-shelf products.
Equally important are the billing options. Look for providers that offer a spectrum of contract lengths, from monthly to annual plans, as well as pay-as-you-go models.
At Latitude.sh, clients can utilize the platform on-demand or benefit from discounted rates when reserving instances for an extended period, with the discount increasing proportionally to the length of your server commitment.12
Various server options are available, spanning different generations, to accommodate diverse use cases, and you can even have a custom-built fleet assembled according to your precise specifications.13
Locations
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Geographic availability is paramount, especially if your business serves a global clientele.
Seek a provider with an extensive network of data centers across various regions. This enables you to deploy servers closer to your end-users, thereby reducing latency and enhancing the user experience.
Geographic flexibility also supports redundancy and disaster recovery by allowing you to distribute resources across multiple locations.
This ensures that if one region encounters an issue, your services can continue operating seamlessly from another location.
Prioritizing geographic flexibility helps deliver a faster, more reliable experience to users worldwide.14
Latitude.sh maintains servers in 16 global cities: Buenos Aires (Argentina), Sydney (Australia), São Paulo (Brazil), Santiago (Chile), Bogotá (Colombia), Frankfurt (Germany), Tokyo (Japan), Mexico City (Mexico), Singapore, London (UK), Ashburn (US), Chicago (US), Dallas (US), Los Angeles (US), Miami (US), and New York (US).15
Time to Deployment
Finally, deployment speed is a critical factor, and two important variables contribute to this: inventory availability and the platform’s efficiency.
In many scenarios, companies may require immediate deployment or as close to immediate as possible, and Latitude.sh distinguishes itself in this regard by offering exceptionally rapid deployment times and server availability across all locations.
From the moment you register on the platform, you can utilize our dashboard to deploy a server in under five seconds, which will help you spin up your business infrastructure without unnecessary delays.
And if you need to quickly deploy a larger number of servers, you can leverage our API or CLI to manage everything directly from your own terminal.
Migrating your workloads to dedicated servers is now within your reach.