Dedicated server hosting is a business strategy used by service providers to sell CPU, RAM, and storage space separately from general shared hosting services. In windows dedicated server hosting, the client leases physical hardware and operating system that only they have access to.

This is different from the usual virtual private server (VPS) or shared web hosting services. These are virtual instances of operating systems within a single physical server so that several users can simultaneously use the same hardware resources.

In this blog post, we will explain the various costs of running Windows on a dedicated server, including Hardware costs; Windows licensing costs; Power costs; Networking costs; Additional software costs; Maintenance contract costs; and Installation costs. Let’s begin with an in-depth analysis of these costs.

Hardware Cost

The upfront hardware cost is the first major cost of a dedicated server hosting plan. Hiring a dedicated server with higher-end CPUs, RAM, and storage space can increase the cost significantly, but it can also improve customer experience.

The hardware used in dedicated servers is usually scalable and highly customizable. On shared hosting plans, the hardware is usually fixed. When a customer requests a dedicated server, the provider will provide a quote based on the customer’s host requirements.

Windows Licensing Cost

The Windows Server license fee is the second major cost associated with dedicated server hosting. The license you choose determines how many CPU cores and RAM can be used on the server instance. The most popular Windows Server version for dedicated server hosting is Windows Server 2019.

You can find out the Windows hosting license cost by reading the dedicated server hosting plan’s product description. Dedicated server hosting providers charge customers based on the number of cores, cores that run at a certain frequency, and the amount of RAM.

Power Cost

Power consumption is a crucial metric for dedicated servers. When you rent a dedicated server, you are responsible for both the hardware and the power it consumes. Power consumption depends on the server’s configuration, operating system, and workload.

On average, a dedicated server consumes approximately 10 KW of power. This amount can vary significantly depending on the server’s configuration. Power bills are generally calculated based on peak power consumption over a month. Be sure to talk to your power provider about the billing model before you rent the dedicated server.

Networking Cost

The networking equipment used in dedicated server hosting can be either fixed-rate or variable-rate. Fixed-rate equipment is more expensive but offers more accurate billing. Variable-rate equipment has a lower upfront cost but can lead to inaccurate billing if your network usage exceeds the network provider’s assumption. If you rent a dedicated server, you can expect to pay a monthly fee for the server’s network connection.

Additional Software Costs

Oxtrys provides additional software costs on dedicated servers that can vary depending on your business requirements. Some common expenses are:

• Backup software: Whether you host your data on a dedicated server or a virtual private server, you should use a robust backup solution.
• Anti-Spam software: Spamming is a common issue that can affect your reputation, put a strain on your network, and drain your power.
• Monitoring software: Monitoring software can help you keep an eye on core metrics such as CPU usage, memory utilization, and bandwidth.
• Directory software: Directory software is useful for managing access control, user privileges, and monitoring user activity.

Maintenance Contract Costs

Many dedicated server hosting providers charge a fixed amount for maintenance each month. This maintenance fee covers resources such as OS updates, hardware replacement, and monitoring services. You can negotiate for a lower maintenance cost if you want to pay for these services on a per-incident basis.

Windows Instance Installation Cost

If you get a dedicated server installed with a Windows OS, you will have to pay a one-time installation cost. The installation cost depends on your server provider, but it usually ranges between $100 and $400.

Conclusion

A dedicated server provides the highest level of performance and scalability of any hosting option. It offers more flexibility and control than VPS hosting, but it also comes with a higher cost. When choosing a dedicated server hosting provider, it’s important to understand all the costs associated with the service.

Choosing a provider that offers a good value for money, provides transparent pricing and offers 24/7 customer support is crucial for your business’ success.