If you are thinking of taking a server but are hesitant about choosing the dedicated server of Cloud server, you should look at this article. There is a big difference between the two servers. Before making any decision, you should understand the crucial difference because there are some financial factors.
In reality, both servers have almost the same function and application. But there is a gap between them like price, service, security, performance, etc. Google Cloud, AWS, Dropbox are the example of cloud storage. By this article, you can decide which one you should choose.
Cloud Server
The cloud server is called a virtual server or virtual private saver. Cloud storage provides the same facilities as the traditional server or premium server, accessible remotely from a cloud service provider. Cloud storage is a logical build, managed, and performed from the cloud with a redundant facility.
A cloud server is logical when it is carried through server virtualization. This model physical server is logically distributed, which has a separate operating system, apps, and user interface. Cloud storage is accessible remotely over the internet; it is not shared or distributed.
Key Features
- Computing setup that can be physical, virtual, or a mix of the two subject to use.
- Having capabilities of an on-premises server.
- Allow the consumer to process rigorous workloads and store large volumes of data.
- Programmed services are accessed on demand by API.
- The option of monthly or as-you-go payment.
Dedicated Server
A dedicated server / dedicated hosting or fully managed server is a rental service of a server computer or lease for a certain period not to share anyone else. This is more flexible than a shared server and full access to operating systems and hardware. It is a server environment that offers the highest resource allocation, privacy, and control. It is completely isolated from one another, so the consumer gets full access to set up their server anyway they want without affecting another consumer or being affected by the actions of other consumers.
Which Server Plan You Choose
The decision regarding the cloud server or dedicated server depends on your actual requirement. But a comparison is needed to get a pure understanding of the actual requirement. Some analytical comparison is shown for you.
If the volume of data is high, you must go for cloud computing services. If the volume of data is low, then a dedicated server may suffice your demand. In the case of any big web application like software as a service (SaaS), cloud computing services are a must.
The cloud computing services are now embedded with a shared server which causes low cost. However, the cost depends on the vendor to vendor and their service. On the other hand, the conversation of data on a dedicated server is complex and causes cost.
Cloud Storage Provides Vertical Facilities
Vertical facilities like a redundant server, multiple storages, and backup of your data. In the cloud, the storage vendor backs up your data on the different servers. On the other hand, in a dedicated server, data is back up in one computer. The user must back up his data. In cloud service, backup is not a problem. If you are a big organization, go for a cloud computing server.
The security of data is a vital issue. If your data is more secure, go for the virtual private network of a dedicated server; otherwise, go for a cloud computing server. Cloud storage locates your data in various locations so that security may lose. You have to choose the best cloud storage provider to solve this problem.
Your expertise is a factor to go for Cloud storage. In dedicated server both managed and unmanaged are available, but in a cloud server, most Cloud storage provider provides unmanaged space. Now a day some Cloud storage provider offers managed server.
A user can choose the dedicated server configuration like the processor, RAM, and storage as per requirement based on pricing. In cloud services do not offer the same facility. So if you have a specific choice, then you may choose a dedicated server.
A dedicated server is the most appropriate in the single-server hosting plan. If you have planned for only one application, then go for a dedicated server; otherwise, if the application is more for Cloud storage.
Cloud Storage: Self Service Infrastructure Platform
Cloud storage is the self-service infrastructure platform and ultimate on-demand. If flexibility is required, then we may choose Cloud storage. It supports basic management with all updates for on-demand security assessments, supported software, and an hour of system administration per month.
The invincible flexibility of cloud computing server’s vicissitudes the way businesses think about server setup. Cloud Data server offers an unlimited, on-demand supply of infrastructure. If an application developer requires a test server to try out an idea, he logs into his cloud control panel, and in a few seconds, his server is ready. But the developer has to be professional and expert.
Private Cloud Server
The private cloud services are based on the customization of Cloud storage based on the requirement, which provides a distinct secured cloud-based environment, and only a specific user can operate the cloud server.
The Cloud storage service visualized the service environment using an underlying pool of physical computing resources. These types of Cloud storage are accessed by a single organization with the highest possible security.
Hybrid Cloud Data Server
Though I have discussed Cloud storage and the dedicated server in this article, it is also required to know about a hybrid server. Hybrid Cloud storage is a mixture of servers like Cloud storage, dedicated server, and private server. Some organization also uses a hybrid server.
Now you decide to use a cloud computing server or dedicated server. The data server provides more facilities, redundant servers, data backup, and multiple applications in the cloud. On the other hand, a it offers security, low cost, and a single or few applications.
If you are a business organization goes for Cloud storage; otherwise, a dedicated server is better. Now a day people are converting to Cloud storage, but their number is about 10%.
Cloud Dedicated Server
A cloud dedicated server is a virtual server in a cloud environment. It offers the power of a dedicated server but with flexibility. Resources can be scaled up or down based on demand. It is ideal for businesses needing high performance and control. Cloud servers are different from traditional dedicated servers. In a cloud server, multiple virtual servers run on shared hardware. A dedicated server, however, uses physical hardware just for one user.
Cloud servers can be more flexible and cost-effective than dedicated servers. They allow businesses to pay for what they use. Dedicated servers are known for better performance. They can handle high workloads and are often used by large organizations.
The key difference between cloud and dedicated servers is how resources are managed. Cloud servers share resources across many users, while dedicated servers do not. This makes cloud servers more adaptable but sometimes slower under heavy loads.
Cloud Server vs Dedicated Server: A Tabular Comparison:
| Feature | Cloud Server | Dedicated Server |
|---|---|---|
| Resource Allocation | Virtualized resources shared across multiple users | Physical hardware dedicated to a single user |
| Scalability | Highly scalable, easy to increase or decrease capacity | Limited to the physical capacity of the server |
| Performance | May be affected by shared resources | High performance with exclusive access to resources |
| Cost | Pay-as-you-go, typically lower upfront cost | Higher upfront cost, but predictable over time |
| Flexibility | Extremely flexible, can easily adjust to business needs | Less flexible, fixed resources |
| Maintenance | Managed by cloud provider, less hands-on maintenance | Requires manual maintenance and management |
| Security | High security, but shared infrastructure may pose risks | Exclusive infrastructure, better for high-security needs |
| Customization | Limited customization options | Full customization with control over hardware |
| Downtime | Usually minimal, backed by redundancy | More prone to downtime during maintenance |
| Best Use Case | Businesses needing flexibility and cost-efficiency | Large organizations needing consistent, high performance |
Bare Metal Server
A bare metal server is a physical server dedicated to one user. It provides high performance without sharing resources with others. Unlike virtual servers, it doesn’t use virtualization layers. The main benefit of a bare metal server is full control over the hardware. This leads to better performance and security. It is ideal for businesses with heavy workloads or specific security needs.
The difference between a bare metal server and a dedicated host
The difference between a bare metal server and a dedicated host lies in management. A bare metal server offers exclusive access to hardware. A dedicated host, however, may use virtualization for multiple servers on one physical machine. This makes bare metal servers more powerful but less flexible than dedicated hosts.
Cloud Server vs VPS
A VPS in a cloud server is a virtual private server hosted in the cloud. It offers dedicated resources but runs on shared physical infrastructure. This provides flexibility and cost savings for users.
Comparing cloud vs VPS depends on your needs. Cloud servers are better for scalability. They allow quick changes in resources as your business grows. VPS offers more control and stability at a lower cost, making it ideal for smaller businesses.
A VPS is not better than a dedicated server for high-performance needs. Dedicated servers provide full control over hardware. However, VPS is more affordable and easier to manage.
Key points on Cloud Server vs VPS:
- Scalability: Cloud servers are more scalable.
- Performance: VPS offers stable performance but can be limited by shared resources.
- Cost: Cloud is pay-as-you-go, while VPS has lower fixed costs.
- Flexibility: Cloud provides more flexibility for resource allocation.
Cloud server vs physical server cost
Cloud servers are often cheaper than dedicated servers. The cloud pricing is flexible and pay-as-you-go. This makes it more cost-effective for businesses with fluctuating needs. In contrast, dedicated servers have a higher upfront cost. They require full payment for hardware and maintenance, which can be expensive.
The cost of a cloud server depends on usage. Basic plans start as low as $5 per month. More advanced options, with higher resources, can cost hundreds of dollars per month.
Hosting a physical server can be much more expensive. Costs for a dedicated server typically start at $100 per month and can go much higher. Maintenance, hardware upgrades, and energy costs add to the overall expense.
Web Hosting vs Dedicated Server
A dedicated server is a physical machine used exclusively by one user. Web hosting, however, shares server resources among multiple users. This makes web hosting cheaper but less powerful than a dedicated server.
Between dedicated server hosting and cloud hosting, the choice depends on needs. Dedicated servers offer better performance and control. Cloud hosting is more flexible, with scalable resources and lower costs.
The difference between web hosting and server hosting lies in resource allocation. Web hosting shares resources, while server hosting (dedicated or cloud) offers more exclusive access.
Owning your server provides full control over the hardware. Web hosting, on the other hand, relies on shared infrastructure managed by a hosting provider.
Shared hosting vs VPS vs Dedicated vs Cloud
Shared hosting, VPS, dedicated servers, and cloud hosting each offer unique benefits. Basically, shared hosting is the most affordable, but resources are shared among many users. VPS hosting provides more dedicated resources but still shares a server. Dedicated servers offer full control and the best performance, while cloud hosting is scalable and flexible.
VPS is better than shared hosting for performance and control. It allocates dedicated resources, improving stability. The main difference between shared hosting, VPS, and dedicated servers lies in resource sharing. Moreover, shared hosting uses the same resources for all users, VPS dedicates some resources, and dedicated servers offer full control over hardware.
Shared Hosting vs Dedicated Hosting: Pros and Cons
Shared hosting is best for beginners, small websites, and those on a budget. It’s simple to manage but comes with performance limitations. Dedicated hosting offers superior performance, control, and security, making it ideal for large, high-traffic sites, but requires a higher financial and technical commitment. Here are its pros and cons:
Shared Hosting Pros:
- Affordable: Shared hosting is the most cost-effective option for hosting websites. It’s perfect for small businesses and individuals with low traffic needs.
- Easy to Use: Hosting providers typically manage server maintenance and security. This makes it ideal for beginners without technical expertise.
- Low Maintenance: The hosting provider handles server updates and maintenance, reducing the need for manual management.
- Supports Multiple Websites: Many shared hosting plans allow you to host multiple websites at a low cost.
Shared Hosting Cons:
- Limited Resources: Since resources like CPU, RAM, and bandwidth are shared with other websites, performance can slow down during traffic surges.
- Less Control: Users have limited access to server configurations, which may restrict customizations or the installation of certain applications.
- Security Risks: Sharing the server with other users may expose your website to security vulnerabilities if one site is compromised.
- Inconsistent Performance: Performance can fluctuate depending on the usage of other websites sharing the same server.
Dedicated Hosting Pros:
- Exclusive Resources: All server resources are dedicated to a single user. This results in higher performance and stability.
- Enhanced Security: Since you are the only user, there’s a lower risk of security breaches compared to shared hosting.
- Full Control: You have complete control over server configurations, allowing for custom installations and settings that meet your specific needs.
- Better Performance: Dedicated hosting handles high-traffic websites with ease, ensuring fast load times and reliability.
Dedicated Hosting Cons:
- Expensive: Dedicated hosting is much more costly than shared hosting, which can be prohibitive for small businesses or personal projects.
- Requires Technical Knowledge: Managing a dedicated server requires advanced technical skills. Users are responsible for configuring and maintaining the server, unless they opt for managed dedicated hosting.
- High Maintenance: If unmanaged, users must handle software updates, security patches, and general server management, which can be time-consuming.
- Overkill for Small Sites: If your site has low traffic or simple needs, dedicated hosting may be excessive, making shared hosting a more practical choice.
Final Thought
A cloud server is a virtual server in a cloud environment, sharing resources among multiple users, offering flexibility, scalability, and cost-effectiveness. In contrast, a dedicated server is a physical machine used solely by one user, providing better performance, control, and stability for high-performance needs. Cloud servers are generally cheaper, scale quickly, and require less maintenance, while dedicated servers offer superior control and reliability for specific applications.
Nasir H is a business consultant and researcher of Artificial Intelligence. He has completed his bachelor’s and master’s degree in Management Information Systems. Moreover, the writer is 15 years of experienced writer and content developer on different technology topics. He loves to read, write and teach critical technological applications in an easier way. Follow the writer to learn the new technology trends like AI, ML, DL, NPL, and BI.