Business owners and operators often express surprise that Windows isn’t the dominant enterprise and server platform. For a wide range of tasks, experts often recommend using Linux or another Unix-like platform. Windows can still excel in a number of areas, though, and many businesses come to depend on Windows dedicated servers. In the past, IT professionals considered UNIX the standard operating system for enterprise environments and servers. Today, Linux has largely supplanted it.
The most significant difference is the core server operating system. Linux uses some form of the Linux kernel, which is typically free. Windows, meanwhile, comes with a licensing fee. You’ll find a host of open-source Linux applications available on the web. Windows hosting has fewer apps to choose from, but all come from licensed providers. In addition, Linux uses control panels like cPanel or WHM, while Windows uses Plesk.
Just deciding to use a dedicated server regardless of the operating system will significantly benefit your business. However, there are also other considerations to think about. Not the least of which is the cost of switching from a shared server to a dedicated server.
Advantages of Linux Dedicated Servers
While not the most common server operating system on the market, Linux is without a doubt the most cost effective. As open source software, Linux requires no license to use. Administrators can install it free of charge on systems of any scale, since there’s no license fee to worry about. The platform’s license-free nature is incentive enough for data centers and servers of any size to install it.
Linux is cost effective thanks to its license-free nature. It also boasts a wide array of security features that greatly enhance safety on any server that uses them. For servers that protect sensitive data, the added security these features provide is invaluable. This, among other things, has made Linux a versatile and highly competitive alternative to Windows Dedicated Server OS.
Versatility
No matter what you want to accomplish, there will be Linux options available. Developers know that Linux is the top platform, and those who fail to target it won’t be able to build a large user base. Whether you’re looking to host a website, run cloud platforms or simply host data securely, Linux is the top choice.
Due to its open source nature, Linux is highly customizable. A wide range of features makes it easy to add new functionality into a server’s existing software infrastructure. While these additions often require a skilled server tech, Linux is built to incorporate this added functionality. That improves stability and reliability for the server infrastructure.
Security
Because it’s so popular, security researchers constantly audit Linux, and many consider it the safest operating system available. IBM, Intel and other large companies regularly contribute to the Linux kernel. Their security experts help maintain a high level of quality. Data breaches are costly and embarrassing; using Linux provides great defense.
Numerous security optimization modules further strengthen this protection. They add privacy and security functionality to the system in its vanilla, unmodified form. These modules allow for a highly modular, modifiable server infrastructure, with customizable user privacy and security elements. In an environment where security is this crucial, that’s a valuable advantage.
Flexible
Businesses that use managed hosting often find their needs changing. The suite of tools that run on Linux makes it an ideal platform for anyone who needs flexibility. Linux users aren’t locked into a proprietary operating system, so they can skip time-consuming data migrations. They can often switch seamlessly. Growing businesses, in particular, can benefit from these flexible tools.
Linux is not common on the desktop, and many people know little about it. When it comes to running a professional, safe server, however, it is important to use the best operating system around. With managed hosting solutions, there is no need to deal with administrative tasks. Contact Volico to find out how Linux can help protect your data.
Advantages of Windows Dedicated Servers
Windows Dedicated Servers are the only other major server operating system aside from Linux. They offer a comparably secure alternative to Linux’s flexibility and functionality, plus the user-friendliness Windows is known for. This lets less experienced server admins take advantage of built-in functionality and security features. On a Linux system, those same features would be out of reach without in-depth knowledge of the operating system.
This ease of operation is one of the primary advantages of Windows Dedicated Server OS. For server admins of all experience levels, Windows Dedicated Servers are low maintenance and require minimal exertion to keep functional. In an environment such as a server farm, time is one of the most valuable resources available. Windows Dedicated Server OS helps maximize the amount of time saved.
Microsoft Access
Microsoft Access is a cornerstone of the Microsoft Office platform. It provides a number of great tools for user and document management. It’s possible to use Access with other platforms, but Windows offers the best way to interact with workstations using it. Many large companies that use Linux and other operating systems have at least one managed server to handle Access interaction.
In many contexts, Microsoft Access and its integration into the Windows Dedicated Server are tremendously useful. They give less technologically inclined workstation users the ability to complete their tasks in a timely manner. The average office worker at a firm is unlikely to grasp the nuances of the Linux operating system. A familiar, user friendly platform like Windows Dedicated Server is a great option instead.
Niche Apps
Many popular business apps started as relatively small apps. Over time, these desktop apps grew into server apps, and they supported Windows along the way. Because of this, a number of niche apps function best on Windows. Some of them cannot run on any other operating system. Businesses that rely on these apps may find that a managed Windows server is the only way to use them.
These apps vary widely in their intended purpose and functionality. Many of them are only accessible to companies with managed servers running Windows Dedicated Server OS. These programs include financial and accounting software, record keeping applications, and analytical software. Many other niche applications like them won’t run on any other platform.
Familiarity
Almost all computer users have at least some familiarity with Windows. It’s been in use on the desktop and as a server for decades. Some claim Unix-like platforms offer superior functionality, but Windows’ familiarity makes it tempting to use as a server. Windows has proven itself to be a quality server. Those who like it will want to consider it for their business needs.
While Windows may never dominate as a server operating system, it remains the most popular non-Unix platform. It can still provide great solutions. Contact Volico to find out how Windows can work in a managed hosting environment.
Ready to focus less on your hardware and more on your business? Like to take the next step with the world’s leader in hosting? Got questions? Want to talk specifics? That’s what we’re here for. Have one of our friendly experts contact you to begin the conversation. Discover how Volico can help you with your Hosting Services needs.
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