Managed Windows Ddedicated Hosting - Why One Should Opt For?

One of the great debates in the IT industry is what operating system is best for managed dedicated web hosting and other network applications - Linux or Windows? It's an argument that is easy to typecast, with Microsoft in the role of corporate minded evil empire and Linux as the plucky open source rebels. Setting aside the generalities however, we find there are strong business considerations for either platform. When it comes to integration with existing business applications, powerful management tools in a familiar environment, and support for a wide range of applications and development platforms, Windows dedicated hosting is the right choice for many SMBs.


First and foremost it's important to consider the business ramifications of choosing commercially supported software like Windows versus open source software like Linux. Publically held companies and other tightly regulated industries may have rules about what software and standards are okay to use. Understanding any possible requirements up front will save headaches down the road.

Certified compatibility with other hardware and software technologies is another strong consideration. The word 'certified' is the important one in that sentence. In a worst case scenario when a client is angry because the project didn't function as promised, there's a world of difference between 'supposed to work' and 'certified compatible'. This in part accounts for the dramatic rise in development under the .NET framework. Web site designers have reacted to this trend, recognizing that in a litigious society there's value in brand name backing.

There may be other business reasons to choose Windows dedicated hosting, and a big one is existing Microsoft applications already deployed in the workplace. Integration is a tremendous aspect of Windows products, and if you are already using Exchange, MS SQL, or any Windows based CRM, billing, or other critical business software, you may leverage powerful advantages by choosing Windows dedicated hosting.

Those advantages extend into day to day business operations. IT managers may like Linux philosophically, but they recognize that Windows dedicated hosting includes excellent management and analysis tools, accessible with a mouse click and with no complex scripting or customization needed. A well integrated Windows environment can take data from the application servers, chew it up in the databases and arrange it neatly for the morning presentation, and do it all with a plug and play approach that accelerates development and deployment.

Windows dedicated hosting gives SMBs tight integration, robust management, and brand name development tools. Perfectly acceptable as a bare bones web server, Windows dedicated hosting really shines when implemented with other Microsoft supported technologies.

By: Casey Cook

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Casey Cook is a writer, technologist, and musician living in South Florida. He worked for over a decade at some of the industry’s largest ISPs and Web Hosting providers in numerous capacities, including Director of Network Operations, Director of Corporate Alliances, and Senior Product Manager.