Semi Dedicated Vs Cloud Servers Vs Dedicated Servers - A Comparison
| Semi Dedicated Servers | Cloud Servers | Dedicated Servers | |
| Deployment Time | Instant Setup: Semi Dedicated Servers are large part of a monster server. Since the server is already set up and running, to create a semi dedicated account takes little time. | Instant Setup: Cloud Servers run in a cluster of dedicated resources and have pre-installed guest os over which other os can installed using virtualization techniques. This takes less than 5 min to setup. | Build Lead Time: Dedicated Servers require a server build lead time to go live. This is partly due to customizations in hardware or software requirement. |
| Hardware Scaling | Key parameters such disk space, bandwidth can be scaled up instantly. But RAM [ memory ] and port speed cannot be scaled up immediately without downtime. | All key parameters such as disk space, ram, bandwidth can be scaled up or down instantly. [ Some times require a reboot alone ] | All key parameters such as disk space, ram, port speed cannot be scaled instantly. Most of the times require a scheduled downtime. |
| Privileges | Only account level access. | Full root privilege available. | Full root privilege available. |
| Network | 100 / 1000 Mbps | 1 / 10 Gbps port speed | 1 / 10 Gbps port speed |
| Software Customization | Standard Components and OS settings are available. | Since root privilege is available can install and customize all software present in the cloud instance. | Allows complete customization of software present in the server. Can also allow installation of new software. |
| Resource Usage Limits | Semi Dedicated Accounts are usually set up in Dual Quad Core with minimum 48 GB RAM to 256 GB RAM servers with monster processing capabilities. Hence the general usage allowed would be 17 – 25 % of total resource for not more than 90 sec. | The entire resource allotted can be utilized. | The entire resource allotted can be utilized. |
| Recommended Users | Large portals, applications, ERPs, CRMs which are developed in standard php / mysql or asp / asp.net / mssql environment. Applications that require more server resource but does not require any customization in server side settings. | Special applications, R&D, resource intensive and custom built solutions that require a specific customization in the server. It can also be used to host sites that have seasonal spikes such as annual results, media streaming etc. | Best suited for large portals, ERPs, CRMs and can also host websites that require server side tweaking in software level. Payment Gateways, Secure Applications, PCI compliance related websites, Large Media Streaming, Audio Streaming can be hosted in dedicated servers. |
| Operational Concerns | Semi dedicated servers host multiple domains in the same environment for different customers. Hence the hosting environment is standard and customization cannot be done to settings in the server side. For example php or asp configurations, memory limits, CPU usage etc. Also certain activities such as bulk mailing, newsletter sending in bulk, type of content hosted will be restricted or not allowed. | Cloud is the buzz word in hosting industry now. However, it has to be improved in lot of areas such as stability, security and reliability. Since many cloud instances run from single disk resource, the disk I/O will be very high in cloud servers. Hence large websites with higher database usage will show performance degradation or require a higher hardware configuration than comparable dedicated server. PCI compliance and other security compliance requires hybrid configuration, that is db or vital data alone will be kept separately in a dedicated environment. Back up is very crucial in cloud servers. Running cloud servers without backup is highly risky. Ease of backup in cloud servers is not that high when compared to dedicated servers. | Best for running running high end high db usage websites. However the hardware upgrade or change requires downtime. Scalability within short notice is difficult. Backup is easy using a secondary drive and remote backup also. |