Although a Virtual Private Server allows for increased security, and control within an isolated environment, it is still considered "shared" web hosting as you are sharing CPU and memory resources with other users on the same machine. With a Managed Dedicated Server you can still utilize the Virtual Private Server technology, but within your own physical server. This way you know that 100% of the server's resources are being utilized by you, and no one else. It is quite simply COMPLETELY independent and COMPLETELY dedicated.
We guarantee that all our standard server configurations will be set up within 1 business day. Factors contributing to longer setup times may include server add-ons, custom configurations, and payment approval time.
Yes. If you currently have a Shared VPS Hosting account with WestHost you can upgrade your package at any time to a VPS dedicated server by ordering a new server via the dedicated server order form. WestHost can also move your data from your current account to your new server for you at your request. The process of this transition is seamless and requires no effort on your part.
You can use our anonymous DNS name servers (ns3.westserver.net & ns4.westserver.net) at no additional cost, or you can sign up to have your own DNS name servers (ns.yourdomain.com & ns2.yourdomain.com) set up through the Managed Dedicated Server Add-Ons Form.
You can upgrade your server to a larger plan at any time. You may also "add-on" additional hardware, software, and features to your server at any time (http://dedicated.westhost.com/). A $25.00 setup fee will be incurred when upgrading or adding to your Managed Dedicated Server.
You can purchase additional IPs for $5.00 per month for 5 additional IP addresses. They can be purchased through the Managed Dedicated Server Add-Ons form.
Name Based Hosting is a method used to allow a server to host multiple domains with only one IP address. You do not need an IP address for each site. In fact, you only need one IP for the entire server. Name Based Hosting does not affect the performance or appearance of the domains hosted, and it's a good way to economize on IP usage.
Please note, however, that some applications and services require a dedicated IP. These include things like SSL Certificates, and Anonymous FTP. You can purchase more IPs (as well as other server add-ons) at https://corp2.westhost.com/dedaddonsvps/.
All of our Red Hat Linux servers will have software called Sendmail installed at no additional cost. You can create as many e-mail accounts as you like and set up auto-responders, forwarding, aliasing, and any other mail services you require using Sendmail.
Every WestHost Managed Dedicated Server now comes with a powerful server control panel. It gives you complete control over creating and customizing your account(s) and allocating resources. On an individual account level, you will use Site Manager to manage e-mail, domains, and other aspects of your website(s).
RAID, or Redundant Array of Independent Disks, is a method for storing data on multiple hard disks, then linking the disks so that the operating system on your server views them as a single entity. At WestHost, we offer RAID for both ATA and SCSI hard drives in 3 different configurations with our Dedicated Servers:
RAID-0: This type of RAID uses a method of data storage known as striping. The technology divides the data into pieces, and places each piece on a different drive. For instance, data piece A may be stored on Drive 1, while data piece B goes to Drive 2, C heads to Drive 3, and so on. Because the data is divided, RAID-0 offers the top level of performance for disk IO. It is usually used for multimedia applications like video editing, and for situations where data loss is not as much a concern as speed.
RAID-1: This type of RAID uses a method of data storage known as mirroring. This refers to the fact that every piece of data is written to at least two disks. As a result, RAID-1 offers a high degree of data security, but has a slight performance decrease because it requires capturing all data on two disks.
RAID-5: This type of RAID is the most widely used because it offers a useful combination of protection and speed. It works by making enough of the data redundant so that even if a drive fails, it's still possible to recreate and retrieve the information. Offering the best performance with data protection, this solution is ideal for high performance databases and sites that require high disk throughput.
WestHost guarantees the functioning of all dedicated server leased hardware components and will replace any failed component at no cost to the client. Hardware repair/replacement will begin immediately upon identification of the hardware. Hardware is defined as the Processor(s), RAM, Hard Disk(s), Motherboard, NIC Card, and other related hardware included under the server lease. The time required to repair/replace hardware does not include software reinstallation and/or data recovery from backup tapes/disks (time frame depends on size of disk).
WestHost's servers connect to the Internet through redundant high-speed connections on diverse backbones, ensuring data delivery to the end user in the fastest, most efficient manner possible. WestHost guarantees a 99.9% uptime excluding scheduled maintenance of 30 minutes per month and prior notified upgrades. WestHost's Cisco Powered Network, combined with 24/7/365 monitoring by highly qualified network engineers and administrators, guarantee the functioning of all network infrastructure including routers, switches, and cabling. For more details please visit our Dedicated Server SLA (Service Level Agreement).
WestHost Managed Dedicated Servers offer great control over all aspects of your server. In most cases, it is the equivalent of root access. However, true root access of your server is managed by WestHost.
Within the web hosting industry, a Data Center is a facility used to store and manage websites and other internet information. These Data Centers contain computer servers connected to the internet 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They are secure facilities that may also contain a network operations center (NOC) used for monitoring server activity, internet traffic and network performance.
We monitor our data center and servers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Physical security measures begin before a person arrives on the property or even enters the building and continues once they are inside. Perimeter fencing, green field space, card access, biometric entries, and mantraps all work to prevent unauthorized access.
Furthermore, 24-hour security guards and continuous camera surveillance inside and outside the buildings allow us to know exactly who is on the premises at all times. Our set-in-stone procedures for handling visitors and equipment ensure unauthorized personnel never touch your assets.
Because access to the data center isn't only physical, we have provided an unparalleled level of security and protection to our network. Our facilities support host-based virus protection, firewalls, real-time security alerting using intrusion detection scanners (IDS), and 24 hour monitoring from our Network Operations Center (NOC). Any potentially malicious activity can be curbed well before it happens.
WestHost supports multiple redundant connections to the internet via AT&T, Global Crossing, and XO fiber providers. Our Data Center has Tier I connections to these providers over multiple DS-3 lines with scalability to OC-48 and beyond. For more information about our network or Data Center, visit the Company section of our website.
There are no restrictions on bandwidth, your traffic is expandable beyond what your plan includes. If you exceed your plans monthly allotment, you can purchase additional bandwidth at an affordable price. Please visit the Dedicated Server Add-on page for pricing and details.
Managed Dedicated Servers
Overview
Why Dedicated Hosting?
