If you are looking into the topic of building an online server, then there are a few aspects that you need to consider. One of the most basic things is how much does it cost? That is what this article is going to look into; specifically how much does it cost to host an online server and what are its associated costs?
How Much Does It Cost To Host An Online Server?
When we talk about hosting an online server, usually what comes to mind is using a server provider like Linode, which offers various data center locations around the world and has an established pricing structure. However, the cost to host an online server varies from one service to another and can be difficult to compare because there is no standard way of structuring this cost. For instance, if you compare Linode to Host Gator, you will notice that the first one rents you a physical server with additional storage for around $200 per month. While the second one, which is an affiliate of Host Gator, offers you a virtual private server with similar configuration for $125 per month. So, if you want to compare apples to apples, you will need to take into consideration the pricing of each service as well as the features they offer.
Server Features
When we talk about hosting an online server, especially one that offers various data center locations around the world, we usually think about the price, but there are other factors that you need to consider as well. One of the most important considerations is what are the server features? What are the minimum requirements for the server? That will depend on what type of application you are running and how much traffic you are looking to handle. Some servers are better suited than others for certain types of applications and when it comes to cost-effectiveness, you should look for a server that has the features that you need and doesn’t cost too much. For example, if you are looking for a server to handle your email, then you should go for the cheapest virtual private server that comes with something extra designed for emails (like send mail capabilites or something like that). Keep in mind that if you are looking to host a website, then you probably don’t need a complex server because most web hosts provide you with everything you need to make and manage your website. However, if you are looking to host an active forum or a complex application like a social network or a search engine, then you will need something more advanced. If you are looking for a dedicated server or you need extra features, then you will need to contact the provider directly because there is no standard way of getting those features for free.
Application
Another important thing to consider when talking about hosting an online server is the application that you are going to use. Most people think about the cost of the server itself, but there are other factors at play as well. If you are looking for a dedicated server, then you will need to pick an application that can handle the traffic that you are looking to generate. Some applications are better suited than others for certain types of servers and you will have to decide what you need based on your own research. It is important to look at reviews when doing your research because they can help you make a better decision. For example, if you are looking for a cross-platform application to host a forum, then you should probably choose Python because it is free, open-source, and it handles a lot of different operating systems. If you are looking to host a website, then you should go for the most popular web host because they provide you with everything you need to make and manage your website.
Traffic
The last but not least consideration when talking about hosting an online server is its traffic. How much traffic do you need and how much can you handle? That is the question because if you go for the cheapest option but it has limited features, then you will be wasting your time because you will not be able to handle the traffic that is coming your way. Do your research and find out how much traffic is being generated by similar servers and what are the costs associated with handling that much traffic. Most importantly, be realistic about what you can and can’t handle because that is the key to being able to afford the server that you want. Most importantly, be realistic about what you can and can’t handle because that is the key to being able to afford the server that you want.
The above considerations should have made it clear to you why it is so hard to compare the price of hosting an online server. However, let’s take things a step further and look at the total cost associated with owning and operating a server. Below, you will find a table that contains the cost associated with owning and operating a typical dedicated server:
Cost
Type of Service Price/Month Recurring Fees Domain Name Purchase
$0-$15 General $0-$10,000 Annual
$15,000+ Private $0+ Annual
$25,000+ Managed $0+ Annually
$50,000+ Gold $0+ Annually
$75,000+ Cloud $0+ Annually
$100,000+ Free SSL/PEM Certificate
$150,000+ WHOIS Privacy Protection
$200,000+ Dedicated IP Address
$0+ Extra Storage (SSD)
$0+ Extra Processor (CPU)
$0+ Additional Network Interface Card (NIC)
$0+ Additional Modules (Memory)
$0+ LAN IP Address
$0+ Static IP Address
$0+ Free Dynamic DNS
$0+ 24/7 Customer Support
$400+ Setup Charge
$0+ Each Additional IP Address
$5+ Each Domain Name
$60+ Other costs (i.e. electricity, insurance, etc.)
$0+ Total
As you can see above, the total cost for owning and operating a dedicated server can range from just a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars per month. That is why it is so hard to compare the price of hosting an online server because there are just so many factors that you need to take into consideration. It is also why you should focus on the price to pay at first and then seek out other factors later (e.g. server features, application, etc.). Don’t look for the cheapest option because often times it doesn’t end up being the best option. Be smart about what you want and need and do your research before making any decisions.