What is a Dedicated Server?
A dedicated server is a server that is being used by a single client. All the resources related to that server are allotted to one single client and are not shared with anyone else. Dedicated servers are generally used by big organizations which expect very heavy traffic on their website and their requirements are huge. Dedicated servers offer a variety of advantages like complete control over the server, very high performance, excellent security, and stability, to name a few.
Software for Dedicated Servers
Dedicated hosting is preferred by all those who feel that they require highly customized servers which fulfill their special needs, specific to their organization or company. This can be achieved by having a certain specific software installed on the dedicated server. You can pick and choose your own software from the ones offered by the dedicated hosting service provider.
Popular software for Dedicated Servers
There are many web server software available in the market. But few have gained popularity due to certain benefits that they offer. Some of them are :
1. Microsoft IIS
Microsoft Internet Information Services has captured almost 37% of the total market according to the latest survey. It is meant for being used with servers which have Microsoft Windows as the operating system. The latest attraction that has helped Microsoft IIS earn more clients is its Microsoft Azure cloud service. You need to get a license for running it.
2. Apache HTTP server
Apache is an open source web server platform that has been really popular since 1996. It has a market share of over 35%. Famous website like Wikipedia and BBC are using it for their dedicated servers. Apache has had a number of versions till date. This server software is compatible with a number of operating systems like Windows, Unix, FreeBSD, Linux. Its source code is available free to all and as a result it has a huge library of add-ons.
3. Nginx
If you are looking for server software that can easily handle very large volumes of traffic and very high loads then you should definitely go for Nginx. It is steadily becoming more and more popular amongst the clients who expect thousands of daily visitors. Its popular clients include Pizza Hut and pet-supermarket. It has more than 17% market share and it is steadily growing.
Other than these also there are numbers of other web server software available which can be just right for you. But you need to find out, what exactly they offer.