dedicated servers ..

HI guys,

my company is thinking to get a dedicated server to manage all our web hosted files...

but before that, i really wish to know what is the advantage of having a dedicated server service from a host company rather than the normal hosting service ???

is that mean we can change like the php configuration and install files (like PEAR classes, SMARTY and etc) according to our needs ???

in my opinion, normal hosting doesn't make any much difference though right ??

please advise..

Yes, the primary advantage to having a dedicated server is that you have total control over any apache mods and config options. Additionally, any of your screwups (an infinite loop that eats up memory) won't bring down anybody else's site and vice versa. On the other hand, you have to keep your server patched and running, which adds admin overhead for your tech staff. If your needs are pretty simple and you anticipate no need for making major config changes in the medium future, you might want to stick with a hosted solution (which is more cost-effective on a monthly basis anyway unless you've got rack space at your facility). But if you expect expansion and the need for greatly heightened Web site functionality (dynamic PDF output, for example, which is best done using PDFlib, which good luck getting a hosting company to install that for you), you might want to consider buying a server and colocating it.