Key Takeaways
- Dedicated hosted servers are independent physical servers assigned to an organization, client, or a specific task.
- eCommerce hosting involves specialized services tailored to the unique needs of online businesses.
- The benefits of an eCommerce dedicated server include ample storage, privacy, cost-effectiveness, etc.
- The difference between shared hosting and dedicated hosted servers lies in resource allocation.
- Shared hosting shares resources among many websites. Dedicated hosted servers provide exclusive resources for a single website.
- You must consider several when picking an eCommerce hosting provider. This includes high performance, robust security measures, proactive support, etc.
- Top eCommerce hosting providers for 2024 include Shopify, BigCommerce, and WooCommerce.
Did you know the eCommerce market revenue will reach $3,647.00bn in 2024? With more aspiring entrepreneurs testing their luck in the eCommerce sector, one thing is clear: the backbone of any successful online retail platform is its technical infrastructure.
A high-performing server is not just an asset. Instead, it is necessary to ensure the smooth operation of eCommerce platforms. This piece explores the role of dedicated hosted servers in eCommerce platforms. It will discuss the benefits of an eCommerce dedicated server, features to look for in an eCommerce hosting provider, and our top picks for 2024.
Let’s begin!
Table of Contents
- Key Takeaways
- What Is eCommerce Hosting?
- What are Dedicated Servers?
- What Are the Benefits of an eCommerce Dedicated Server
- What’s the Difference Between Shared Web Hosting and a Dedicated Server?
- Aspects You Need to Look for in an eCommerce Hosting Provider
- Best eCommerce Hosting Providers 2024
- Tips for Migrating an eCommerce Site to a Dedicated Hosted Server
- Why Choose RedSwitches Dedicated Hosted Servers for eCommerce?
- Conclusion
- FAQs
What Is eCommerce Hosting?
eCommerce hosting is a web hosting service catered to meet the needs of electronic commerce websites. It provides businesses with the necessary tools, infrastructure, and features to create, operate, and maintain an online store. This specialized hosting environment ensures that eCommerce platforms are secure, fast, and reliable.
Key aspects of eCommerce hosting include:
- Security
eCommerce hosting offers many improved security measures. This includes SSL certificates for secure transactions, protection against DDoS attacks, malware scanning, and PCI compliance. These measures help protect sensitive customer data like credit card information.
- Performance
eCommerce hosting also involves high-performance servers featuring fast loading times. This helps handle high traffic volumes and transactions, crucial for retaining customers and improving search engine rankings.
- Scalability
With scalability becoming necessary, eCommerce hosting can easily scale resources depending on traffic and sales volume. This ensures that the website remains efficient during peak periods. It achieves this without incurring unnecessary costs during slower times.
- Shopping Cart Integration
Support for various shopping cart software options is integral for eCommerce platforms. eCommerce hosting allows businesses to choose the best system and integrate it seamlessly with their website.
- Payment Processing
Support for multiple payment gateways and methods is yet another requirement by eCommerce platforms today. eCommerce hosting enables businesses to offer different payment options to their customers.
- Technical Support
eCommerce hosting also includes dedicated support from experts who understand the nuances of eCommerce platforms. These experts offer assistance with setup, maintenance, and troubleshooting. They ensure your online store remains operational 24/7.
If you wish to pick the best dedicated server for your eCommerce site, you must carefully choose the right specs. Read our guide, What is dedicated Server and Choosing The Right Dedicated Hosted Server Specs, to learn more.
What are Dedicated Servers?
Credits: FreePik
Dedicated servers are powerful, independent physical servers assigned to a sole organization, client, or a specific task. These servers provide their entire resources to one client. This results in better performance, security, and control over the server environment. Users can fully customize the server to their specific needs, from the operating system and software installations to the configuration of hardware specifications.
Dedicated hosted servers are best for large-scale eCommerce platforms. High-traffic sites, and applications demanding robust security measures or intensive computational power. They offer remarkable reliability and high performance and can manage large volumes of data. This makes them a preferred choice for businesses looking to optimize their online presence without the constraints of shared resources.
What Are the Benefits of an eCommerce Dedicated Server
Dedicated hosted servers are popular for eCommerce platforms because of their many benefits. Here are the key benefits of dedicated hosted servers for eCommerce platforms:
Sufficient Storage Space
A major benefit of using a dedicated server for an eCommerce platform is its generous storage space. This is important for businesses with extensive inventories or requiring high-resolution images and videos to showcase their products.
With enough storage, eCommerce platforms can ensure that they can store extensive data amounts without compromising on speed or performance. This empowers them to offer their customers a comprehensive and immersive shopping experience.
More Privacy
Data breaches in 2023’s fourth quarter exposed over eight million records globally. Privacy is a priority for businesses and consumers in the digital age. A dedicated hosted server offers maximum privacy by allocating exclusive resources to a single client.
An eCommerce platform doesn’t share its space or resources with other websites. This lowers the risk of data breaches and ensures customer information is securely stored. This exclusive environment allows for stringent security measures. It enhances customers’ trust in the platform’s ability to protect their personal and financial information.
Cost Efficiency
While it may seem counterintuitive, investing in a dedicated hosted server can be more cost-effective for eCommerce platforms in the long run. This is because it offers a customized environment tailored to the business’s needs. It ensures that resources are not wasted.
The reliability and uptime provided by dedicated hosting can save eCommerce businesses from potential losses due to downtime or poor performance. Businesses can maximize their revenue potential and avoid the costs of service disruptions by ensuring that the platform is always available and functioning efficiently.
Improved Security
Security is necessary for eCommerce, where transactions involve sensitive customer data (financial information). A dedicated hosted server provides an exclusive, isolated environment for your eCommerce platform. It reduces vulnerabilities often exploited in shared hosting scenarios.
This dedicated environment allows for customized security measures (SSL certificates, advanced firewalls) for the business’s specific needs. By ensuring data integrity and securing transactions, eCommerce platforms can build trust with their customers, a crucial element in fostering loyalty and repeat business.
Superior User Experience
The performance of an eCommerce platform directly influences user satisfaction and conversion rates. Dedicated hosted servers offer unmatched performance by providing dedicated resources to ensure the website loads quickly and operates smoothly, even during peak traffic.
This reliability and speed contribute to a smooth and enjoyable shopping experience, encouraging customers to spend more time and money on the platform. Customizing server configurations allows eCommerce businesses to optimize their websites for performance, ensuring users have a positive experience regardless of their device or browser.
Boost SEO
Search engine optimization (SEO) dictates an eCommerce platform’s visibility and ability to attract organic traffic. The speed and uptime of a website are noteworthy factors in search engine rankings. Dedicated hosted servers can provide a strong foundation for SEO efforts by ensuring the eCommerce site is always accessible and loads quickly.
Fast loading times improve user engagement and lower bounce rates, which search engines reward with higher rankings. Having a dedicated IP address can prevent potential blacklisting or ranking penalties associated with shared hosting, where multiple websites (potentially with questionable content) share the same IP.
Faster Transactions
Speed can make or break a business in the online shopping industry. Customers expect quick and smooth transactions, from browsing products to checking out. Dedicated hosted servers can provide the resources needed for eCommerce platforms to process transactions quickly without delays in shared hosting environments.
This improves the customer experience and minimizes the chance of cart abandonment. It directly impacts the platform’s revenue.
Handle Increased Traffic
eCommerce platforms often experience fluctuating traffic levels, with peaks during sales or promotional events. A dedicated hosted server ensures your website can handle increased traffic without impacting performance.
A dedicated hosted server allocates exclusive resources to your platform. This means your eCommerce site can accommodate more visitors simultaneously, all while ensuring speed and reliability even during the busiest periods.
Also Read our guide on : Understanding Hardware dedicated server
What’s the Difference Between Shared Web Hosting and a Dedicated Server?
Credits: Freepik
When choosing a web hosting solution for eCommerce businesses, individuals often consider the differences between shared and dedicated hosted servers. Each option serves unique needs, budgets, and technical capabilities. This makes understanding their differences important for informed decision-making. Here is a comparison of the differences between shared web hosting and dedicated hosted servers:
Shared Web Hosting
Shared web hosting is like living in an apartment. The resources, including electricity, water, and amenities, are shared among residents. In web hosting, your website lives on a server alongside numerous others. It shares the server’s resources like CPU, memory, and disk space. This setup is cost-effective. It is ideal for bloggers, smal businesses, and individuals with limited budgets or those just starting their online presence.
Pros
- Cost-Effectiveness: It’s the most affordable hosting option. Costs are shared among multiple users.
- Ease of Use: Shared hosting plans often have a user-friendly control panel. This makes it easier for beginners to manage their websites.
- Maintenance and Upgrades: The hosting provider handles server maintenance, updates, and security patches.
Cons
- Limited Resources: Other sites on the same server can affect your website’s performance. This is especially true if they experience high traffic or consume excessive resources.
- Less Control: Users have limited control over server settings and software installations. This can be restrictive for more advanced or specific needs.
- Security Risks: Sharing a server with numerous websites can pose additional security risks. One compromised site could affect others.
Dedicated Hosted Server
Opting for a dedicated hosted server is like owning a separate house, where all resources are yours. This hosting solution provides an entire server dedicated to your website. It provides complete control over the server’s resources, configurations, and software. It’s suited for large businesses, eCommerce sites, and websites with high traffic volumes or specific technical requirements.
Pros
- Exclusive Resources: You have all the server’s resources, ensuring high performance and reliability.
- Security: You can implement custom security measures tailored to your website’s needs. This lowers the risk of cyber threats.
- Full Control: Complete access to the server allows for custom configurations, software installations, and adjustments as needed.
Cons
- Higher Cost: Dedicated hosting is more costly than shared hosting. This is due to the exclusive use of resources and added capabilities.
- Technical Expertise Required: Managing a server often requires a certain level of technical skill. This includes handling server maintenance, software updates, and security measures.
- Responsibility for Maintenance: You’re responsible for maintaining and updating the server. This can be difficult and time-consuming.
Aspects You Need to Look for in an eCommerce Hosting Provider
Whether you pick dedicated hosted servers or any other solution for your eCommerce site, choosing the hosting provider carefully is integral. Your chosen hosting provider impacts your website’s performance, security, and growth potential. Here are the key aspects you should consider while selecting an eCommerce hosting provider:
High Performance
High performance is non-negotiable for eCommerce sites. The chances of a bounce increase 32% as page load time rises from 1 second to 3 seconds. Loading times can greatly influence customer satisfaction and conversion rates. This makes looking for a provider offering dedicated hosted servers that guarantee fast loading times essential. The provider must offer smooth handling of high-traffic volumes to ensure customer satisfaction.
Full Security
Security breaches can critically damage your reputation and customer trust. Go for a hosting provider that offers the latest security measures. Look for measures like SSL certificates, DDoS protection, and regular security audits. These features can take your website security to the next level.
Proactive Support
A provider with proactive, 24/7 support ensures any technical issues are quickly addressed, minimizing downtime. Whether through live chat, phone, or email, it is important to have access to knowledgeable support. This can significantly improve your site’s reliability.
Scalable Hosting
Scalable hosting solutions empower you to upgrade your resources easily. This includes bandwidth, file storage, or processing power. It empowers you to carry upgrades without experiencing downtime or performance hiccups.
Bandwidth and File Storage
eCommerce sites often have extensive product catalogs and high-resolution images. This demands ample bandwidth and file storage. Ensure your hosting provider can accommodate your site’s data transfer and storage needs. Doing so will help you handle peak shopping periods and an expanding product range without compromising speed.
WooCommerce Integration
Smooth WooCommerce integration is necessary for WordPress-based eCommerce sites. A hosting provider that offers easy installation, optimized performance for WooCommerce, and support for related plugins can enrich your site’s functionality and user experience.
Automatic Backups
Automatic, regular backups protect your eCommerce site from data loss due to technical malfunctions or security incidents. Ensure your hosting provider offers comprehensive backup solutions that are easy to manage and restore.
Developer-Friendly Environment
A hosting provider that caters to developers with access to advanced tools, staging environments, and customization options can considerably ease site development and testing. This environment supports innovation and allows tailoring your eCommerce site to your needs.
Also Read: Choosing The Right Dedicated Hosted Server: 7 Step Ultimate Guide and Advantages of Dedicated Server Hosting
Best eCommerce Hosting Providers 2024
If you are looking for the best hosting providers, here is a list of three of the best eCommerce hosting providers in 2024:
Shopify
Credits: Shopify
Shopify shines as a comprehensive solution for businesses seeking simplicity and efficiency. This hosted platform removes the complexities of setting up and managing an online store. It is ideal for entrepreneurs who wish to focus on their business rather than technical issues.
- Ease of Use
Shopify’s intuitive interface allows anyone to create a visually appealing online store without coding knowledge.
- Integrated Payment Solutions
Shopify Payments simplifies the transaction process. It offers customers secure and seamless payment options worldwide.
- Reliable Hosting and Performance
With Shopify, you get dependable uptime and fast loading speeds. This ensures your store is always accessible and performs well, even during traffic spikes.
- Scalability
As your business grows, Shopify can scale with you. The provider offers plans that cater to businesses of all sizes.
- Rich Ecosystem
The Shopify App Store comes with many plugins and themes. It allows extensive customization and functionality enhancements.
Pricing
Shopify offers three pricing plans, including:
- Basic: $19/month.
- Shopify: $49/month.
- Advanced: $299/month.
What Customers Have to Say
- “We love that is is really use to use, to manage the products and check the orders. It is very user friendly, which is really helpful when you have a large team.” – NB (Source)
- “I was astounded and how connected this software is, not only to all social media but to other applications that can make your Shopify journey great and financially fruitful.” – CP (Source)
BigCommerce
Credits: BigCommerce
BigCommerce is tailored for businesses with growth in mind, offering a robust platform that excels in scalability and flexibility. It’s an excellent choice for medium to large-sized businesses planning to expand their online presence.
- Versatile Product Management
BigCommerce provides advanced product management features. It supports various products and customization options.
- Multi-Channel Selling
It stands out for its native integration with various sales channels. This includes social media, Amazon, and eBay, making it simpler to reach customers wherever they are.
- SEO and Marketing Tools
BigCommerce helps improve your store’s visibility and drive more traffic through built-in SEO features and marketing tools.
- Comprehensive Analytics
Detailed analytics give insights into customer behavior, sales trends, and performance metrics. This aids in informed decision-making.
- Enterprise-Grade Security
BigCommerce offers robust security measures. This includes SSL encryption and protection against DDoS attacks. It ensures your store and customer data are secure.
Also Read : Dedicated server security and how to safe your server
Pricing
BigCommerce offers a free trial and four pricing plans, including:
- Standard: $29/month.
- Plus: $79/month.
- Pro: $299/month.
- Enterprise: Custom pricing.
What Customers Have to Say
- “We have utilized Big Commerce in the development and execution of our website. The SEO and store creation have been simple and easy, and the company has been super easy to deal with. We have been able to take our company’s revenue 3x since we have utilized Big Commerce. The website has been able to be developed, and we have received numerous compliments along with positive sales growth.” – (Source)
- “We use BigCommerce as our main website. We switched over from WordPress so we can finally sell the products we carry in our brick-n-mortar store, online. Not only do we use it for our service-based business at our retail location, but now we can sell products directly from it as well. (hits two birds with one stone).” – Shahin Dehestani (Source)
Also Read: The Best eCommerce Website Builder: Top Picks For 2024.
WooCommerce
Credits: WooCommerce
WooCommerce is a powerful, open-source plugin for WordPress, offering the flexibility and customization capabilities that WordPress users love. It’s best suited for businesses that already have a WordPress website or those that require extensive customization.
- Complete Customization
Being open-source, WooCommerce allows limitless customization possibilities. You can customize everything from your store’s appearance to its functionality.
- Wide Range of Extensions
The WooCommerce marketplace has thousands of plugins and themes. This enables businesses to add specific features as needed.
- Ownership and Control
With WooCommerce, you have complete ownership of your store and data without the restrictions often imposed by hosted platforms.
- Community Support
A Large community of users and developers provides support, plugins, themes, and advice. This makes it easier to find solutions to any issues.
- Cost-Effectiveness
WooCommerce is free. This can significantly lower the initial costs of setting up an eCommerce store. However, hosting and additional plugins may incur fees.
Pricing
WooCommerce is free. It is an open-source eCommerce plugin designed for WordPress websites. It allows users to turn their WordPress websites into eCommerce stores.
Although the plugin is free, there are costs linked with creating and running a WooCommerce store that stem from various sources. Some expenses you may encounter include domain name, WordPress hosting, operational costs, and extensions/plugin costs.
What Customers Have to Say
- “We use WooCommerce to manage the eCommerce side of our business. Roughly 20% of our purchases are made online, so we needed a system where we could list and update our inventory for our customers to choose from. Aside from this, we also use it to collect feedback & requests, and to run our blog”. – Kat Karpenko Wozny (Source)
- “We use WooCommerce for corporate orders and our online stores. Used across the whole organization from sales to marketing. It helps manage our products, orders etc and it is a very core part of our operations.” – Swadesh Padhi (Source)
Note! The prices mentioned above are subject to change. Please visit the provider’s official website for the most accurate pricing information.
Tips for Migrating an eCommerce Site to a Dedicated Hosted Server
Migrating an existing eCommerce website to a dedicated hosted server enhances performance, security, and scalability. This move can dramatically affect your site’s user experience, SEO, etc.
However, the migration process can be difficult and daunting without proper planning and execution. Here are expert tips for a smooth transition to a dedicated hosted server for your eCommerce platform.
Tip #1: Plan Ahead
Here’s how to seamlessly plan.
Evaluate Your Needs
Before you start, evaluate your site’s current performance, traffic levels, and growth projections. This assessment will help you choose a dedicated hosted server that matches your CPU, RAM, storage, and bandwidth requirements.
Timing is Everything
Schedule the migration during off-peak hours to reduce the impact on your customers. Planning the move during a low-traffic period. Examples include late nights or early mornings. Doing so can reduce potential sales disruptions.
Tip #2: Technical Preparation
Let’s discuss the technical preparation.
Backup Everything
Before migrating, back up your website’s files, databases, and configurations. Ensure a complete backup is stored safely off-site, not just in your current hosting environment.
Prepare Your New Server
Configure your dedicated hosted server according to your eCommerce platform’s requirements. This setup includes installing the necessary software, such as web servers, database servers, and programming languages, and ensuring they’re optimized for performance.
Test Your Site on the New Server
Before going live, thoroughly test your eCommerce site on the dedicated hosted server. Check for broken links, payment gateway functionality, and overall performance. Use a staging environment to simulate fundamental user interactions.
Tip #3: During Migration
Let’s discuss what to do during the migration process.
Use a Temporary Domain
Migrating your site to a temporary domain can help you adjust without affecting your live site. Once you’re confident everything is running smoothly, you can switch the DNS to point to the new server.
Update DNS Settings
Once the site is ready to go live on the dedicated hosted server, update your DNS settings to point to the new IP address. Remember, DNS propagation can take anywhere from a few hours to 48 hours. Some users may still be directed to your old server during this time.
Monitor Performance and Fix Issues Promptly
After the migration, closely monitor your site for performance issues or errors. Be prepared to fix problems quickly to ensure a smooth shopping experience for your customers.
Why Choose RedSwitches Dedicated Hosted Servers for eCommerce?
Choosing RedSwitches dedicated servers pricing for your eCommerce platform offers several benefits. Here’s why RedSwitches’ dedicated hosted server can be a game-changer for your eCommerce operations:
Optimized Performance
RedSwitches’ servers are engineered to provide high-speed performance. We ensure your eCommerce site operates smoothly and loads swiftly, even during peak traffic. This is vital for keeping customer satisfaction high and bounce rates low.
Robust Security
RedSwitches prioritize security. Our dedicated hosted servers have advanced security features to protect sensitive data and transactions. We aim to give you and your customers peace of mind regarding data protection.
Customizable Solutions
Every eCommerce business has unique needs. RedSwitches offers customizable server options. These allow you to tailor resources like storage and RAM to match your requirements. This means you only pay for what you need.
Scalability
RedSwitches adopts a growth mindset. Our servers provide the scalability necessary to upgrade your server’s capabilities easily. You can grow smoothly without migration or downtime.
Reliable Uptime
Downtime equals lost revenue in the eCommerce space. RedSwitches ensures high uptime rates. Your site is always available to customers. This can help you maximize sales and maintain a strong online presence.
Expert Support
Navigating server management can be complex. This is especially the case for businesses focusing on growth. RedSwitches offers round-the-clock expert support to handle technical issues. This ensures your eCommerce site runs smoothly.
Global Connectivity
RedSwitches data centers are located worldwide. This ensures that your eCommerce site benefits from fast connectivity and low latency, regardless of your customer’s location. This global reach is crucial for providing a superior shopping experience worldwide.
Compliance and Data Protection
We understand that ensuring compliance is critical for eCommerce businesses handling customer data. We are committed to ensuring your server complies with the latest regulations and data protection standards.
Conclusion
Investing in an eCommerce dedicated server can offer countless benefits. This includes increased performance and reduced downtime for an eCommerce business. These servers have features like customizable configurations, dedicated resources, and robust security measures. They provide the infrastructure necessary to support the dynamic needs of online retailers.
RedSwitches is a top-notch dedicated hosting solution provider. We offer many dedicated hosted servers that promise optimal performance, scalability, and uptime. So what are you waiting for? Contact us today to learn how our dedicated solutions can elevate your eCommerce platform.
FAQs
Q. Which server is best for an eCommerce website?
The best server for an eCommerce website is typically a dedicated hosting server or a managed cloud hosting solution. These options offer reliability, scalability, and security. They can handle high-traffic volumes, process secure transactions, and store sensitive customer data.
Q. What is an eCommerce hosting server?
An eCommerce hosting server is a web hosting platform optimized explicitly for hosting online retail websites. It provides the important infrastructure and features to support eCommerce operations. This includes secure payment processing, shopping cart functionality, inventory management, and high-level security measures.
Q. What is an ECOM server?
ECOM server refers to a designed or configured server to support (eCommerce) applications and services. It handles all the backend operations of an eCommerce website. Examples include transaction processing, data encryption, and secure communication between the customer and the site.
Q. What is dedicated server hosting for eCommerce websites?
Dedicated server hosting is a form of hosting where a website is hosted on a server used by that website. It offers better performance, security, and control compared to shared hosting.
Q. Why do eCommerce websites need dedicated hosted servers?
eCommerce websites need dedicated hosted servers for better security, performance, and control over server resources. It ensures the site can handle high traffic, process transactions, and customize server settings.
Q. What are the benefits of using dedicated web hosting for eCommerce websites?
Dedicated web hosting for eCommerce websites offers higher uptime, faster loading speeds, and enhanced security features. It also offers the ability to customize server configurations to meet specific business needs.
Q. How does dedicated server hosting differ from shared hosting?
Dedicated server hosting provides exclusive server resources for a single website. Shared hosting involves sharing server resources with multiple websites. Dedicated hosting offers better performance, security, and control over server settings.
Q. How to choose the right dedicated hosting plan for an eCommerce website?
When choosing a dedicated hosting plan for an eCommerce website, consider factors like server resources, uptime guarantees, security features, and customer support. Evaluate your specific business needs and hosting experience to make an informed decision.
Q. Do dedicated hosted servers offer better control over server settings than VPS hosting?
Dedicated hosted servers offer more control over server settings than VPS hosting. With a dedicated hosted server, you have exclusive access to the server and can configure it according to your requirements.
Q. Can I use dedicated hosted servers for my eCommerce website without prior hosting experience?
Some technical knowledge is beneficial when using dedicated hosted servers for eCommerce websites. Many hosting providers offer managed dedicated hosting services that handle server management tasks. This lets you focus on running your online store without extensive hosting experience.
