What is a dedicated server?

A dedicated server, or computing server, is a server where all the physical resources of the machine are available. Unlike a virtual server, which uses a portion of the resources to run its virtualisation technology, a dedicated server allows you to benefit from all of the machine’s available RAM, storage, and computing power. With cloud computing, we can also define this type of solution as "bare metal", highlighting the physical availability of the machine’s resources, in contrast to standard solutions based on virtual instances.

Which dedicated server should you choose?

The configurations used for our dedicated hosting solution are designed to suit professional needs. Depending on your usage, you might need a configuration with more RAM, bigger storage space, or a higher processing capacity. Furthermore, the different OVHcloud dedicated server ranges are distinguished by their bandwidth capacity and range of associated services. You can also get anti-DDoS protection adapted for online gaming, a private network (vRack) with up to 10 Gb/s to allow you to connect your dedicated server to your infrastructure, or even hardware RAID. Choose the dedicated server that fits your needs.

Cloud, shared hosting, or a dedicated server?

There are two main factors that make a dedicated server different from a cloud instance. Firstly, the machine's raw performance is different: there is no virtualisation layer consuming resources on a dedicated server, so you are guaranteed full use of the physical resources. The second difference concerns the level of server administration. With a dedicated server, you manage everything from its configuration to the data hosted on it, and you are also responsible for ensuring that it is secure. It will therefore give you the option of a more advanced installation, which is essential for the use of certain business applications (for example). The main benefit of a dedicated solution is the total freedom you enjoy as a user. However, if you would like to avoid technical management and concentrate solely on your web project, then OVHcloud Public Cloud instances are the best solution for you. Just need to build a simple website? Take a look at our shared hosting solutions, which offer you a hosting platform at an unbeatable cost, with the configuration fully managed by OVHcloud.

What can a dedicated server be used for?

There are many uses for a dedicated server: big data, machine learning, website and application, backup and storage, infrastructure virtualisation, server clusters, business applications (CRM, ERP)and even online game hosting. This is why we offer several different dedicated server ranges, each of which are designed for a specific set of needs. Our sales and support teams will help you with your project, and can offer expert advice on which server to choose.