When should I choose a Dedicated Server instead of a VPS?
A Dedicated Server is usually the better choice when you need physical server resources that are not shared with other customers. This may be important if your application consistently uses high levels of CPU or memory, requires a particular hardware configuration, handles large databases or needs greater isolation than a VPS can provide.
For workloads that do not require dedicated hardware, a VPS may provide sufficient resources at a lower cost. If you are unsure, the decision should be based on your current resource use, expected growth and any specific application requirements.
What does managed Dedicated Server hosting include?
Managed hosting means we look after the underlying server environment rather than leaving all server administration to you. This includes server setup, operating system maintenance, security patching, monitoring and troubleshooting within the managed server environment.
It does not normally include maintaining your website or application code, developing software, fixing third-party application bugs or managing website content. Those remain the responsibility of you, your developer or your software supplier. If your application has particular technical requirements, it is worth confirming the management scope before ordering so responsibilities are clear from the outset.
Can I customise and upgrade my Dedicated Server?
Yes. Processor, memory and storage options can be selected to suit the workload you intend to run. Some components can also be upgraded later if your requirements increase.
Hardware changes may require the server to be temporarily powered down, so any work that affects availability can be planned with you in advance. If your requirements fall outside the standard configurations shown, ask us whether a bespoke configuration is possible before ordering.
Can you migrate my websites and applications to a Dedicated Server?
Yes. Migration assistance is available for compatible websites, databases and hosting services. Before the move, we review the existing environment to understand what needs to be transferred, identify software or configuration dependencies and establish whether downtime is likely to be required.
Simple website migrations may be straightforward, while complex applications, large databases or custom configurations may require additional planning or involvement from your developer. You should know what is being migrated, what cannot be transferred automatically and whether any downtime is expected before the migration begins.
Are Dedicated Servers suitable for business-critical applications?
Yes, provided the server and wider architecture are appropriate for the application. Dedicated Servers are commonly used for ecommerce platforms, SaaS applications, large databases and other workloads that need predictable resources, dedicated hardware or greater isolation.
However, one Dedicated Server is still a single server. If your application cannot tolerate a server failure, you may need additional redundancy, such as multiple servers, failover or a cloud architecture. A Dedicated Server can form part of a highly available setup, but dedicated hardware alone does not provide high availability.
What backup options are available for Dedicated Servers?
Backups are optional and are charged separately from the Dedicated Server itself. Our backup service uses Acronis and can be configured according to the amount of data you need to protect, how long backups need to be retained and your recovery requirements.
When choosing a backup setup, consider two practical questions:
- How much recent data could you afford to lose?
- How quickly would you need the server or application restored after a failure?
A frequently changing business database, for example, may need a different backup policy from a server containing relatively static files. We can help define an appropriate Acronis backup configuration based on those requirements.
What security is included with a Dedicated Server?
Security depends partly on the server configuration and partly on the applications you run. The server environment can include protections such as network and server monitoring, firewall controls and DDoS protection, with additional security services available where required.
Webhosting UK is ISO/IEC 27001 certified and Cyber Essentials Plus certified. These certifications relate to how we manage information security and operational controls as an organisation. They do not remove the customer's responsibility for application security.
Custom software, user accounts, credentials and applications installed on the server must still be maintained securely. If a particular security control is essential to your organisation, confirm whether it is included or optional when specifying the server.
What support is available if there is a problem with my server?
Technical support is available 24/7 by phone, live chat and support ticket. For managed servers, we can investigate issues affecting the server environment, operating system, monitored services and infrastructure covered by the management service.
If the server itself is healthy but the problem is caused by custom code or third-party software, we can help identify that distinction. Changes to the application may then need to be made by your developer or software supplier. This means you are not left to determine on your own whether a fault is with the server or the application running on it.
Where are your Dedicated Servers hosted?
Dedicated Servers are hosted in UK data centres. For organisations serving primarily UK users, this can help keep network latency low and may also satisfy requirements for infrastructure or data to remain within the UK. The location of the server is only one part of performance.
Application design, database configuration, server specification and the location of your users also affect response times. If UK data residency is a formal requirement for your organisation, confirm the relevant configuration with us before deployment.
What uptime can I expect from a Dedicated Server?
The Dedicated Server service comes with a 99.95% uptime commitment. This applies to the hosting infrastructure and should not be confused with a guarantee that every application running on the server will always be available.
An application can fail because of software, database or configuration problems while the server itself remains online. If the service you are hosting cannot tolerate a single-server failure, you should consider redundancy or failover rather than relying on one Dedicated Server.
Are there setup fees or other additional costs?
There are no setup charges for standard server configurations. The recurring price depends on the hardware and services you select. Optional items such as hardware upgrades, software licenses, Acronis backups and additional security services can increase the monthly cost.
For an accurate comparison, calculate the cost of the complete configuration you actually need rather than comparing only the headline server price. If an optional service is required for your workload, it should be included in that calculation from the start.
Is a managed Dedicated Server right for my business?
A managed Dedicated Server is a good fit if you need dedicated hardware but do not want your own team to handle all routine server administration. It is particularly relevant where the website or application is important to day-to-day operations and you want technical help available for monitoring, operating system maintenance, security patching and server-level troubleshooting.
If you already have an experienced infrastructure team and only need access to unmanaged hardware, a managed service may provide more support than you require. The right choice depends less on the size of your business and more on how much server administration you want to handle internally.