Azure Webapps Versus Dedicated Server: A Comprehensive Comparison
Whenever a company or business wants to create a web application or website, the first thing that comes to mind is getting a server through which people can access their web pages. The resources anyone needs to get their website connected to the internet can only be accessed through a server. While looking for server options on the internet, you will be able to come across multiple web hosting servers which will enable you to host websites and webpages.
Web hosting servers are mainly of two types. These are cloud servers and traditional servers. Dedicated servers are part of the traditional servers whereas Azure Web Apps are linked with cloud servers. Although both types of servers are extensively used by companies and businesses, they also have their advantages and disadvantages. Before opting for a dedicated server or Azure Web Apps, first, you will have to understand the distinction between these two types of servers, their advantages, and disadvantages and which one will perfectly suit your needs. For example, a lot of big companies use dedicated servers to support their website traffic whereas small and medium-sized companies will have lesser requirements, therefore they make use of Azure Web Apps.
In this article, we will discuss both solutions in depth, so you can make an informed decision when choosing the best one and incorporate it into your business. Additionally, it's crucial to consider Azure Cloud Security Assessment and Compliances to ensure your web hosting solution meets stringent security standards.
About The Dedicated Servers
As mentioned earlier, the dedicated server was considered part of the traditional server system. A dedicated server is a single physical server owned and maintained by the user and used exclusively for their applications. Dedicated servers are typically more expensive than other types of solutions available in the market, but their plus point is that they offer complete control and customization, which makes them ideal for businesses with large and complex applications that require lots of resources.
If a company wants to use a dedicated server, then it will have to purchase a particular space on a server for its website to become functional. They can also share the server with others because having a dedicated server solely for themselves can be very expensive at times. In this case, more than one company will be using a single server and they will be provided with a particular unit of server space they require.
For example, if your company needs 20TB space to host your company’s website then you can request your dedicated server service provider to offer you 20TB space in their server to make your website functional.
However, if you have a big company with lots of resources then you can surely purchase the services of an entire dedicated server solely for your company (in case you need it). In this case, you won’t have to share the server with any other company. An advantage of having a solely dedicated server for your company is that you will be able to receive better security features. However, you also need to possess enough knowledge about the server and extra resources to handle or manage the dedicated server.
About cloud servers and Azure Web Apps
In a cloud server cloud computing is used to host the websites, applications, and web pages instead of using a physical server. In this method, with the help of various servers, a virtual environment is created that supports the websites and webpages by offering them spaces and other necessary resources. In a cloud server such as Azure Web Apps multiple systems are used to handle the websites of a company and as opposed to the dedicated servers, your webpage will not remain saved at any specified location.
Azure Web Apps are cloud-based applications that are hosted on Microsoft Azure. These Web Apps are much more affordable than dedicated servers, and they are highly scalable and reliable. The specific features of Azure Web Apps make them attractive to small and medium-sized businesses. Azure Web Apps also come with built-in security, so you don't have to worry about managing your own security protocols.
How do Azure Web Apps work?
A significant advantage of using Azure Web Apps as your website or webpage server is that most of the work is handled by the Azure App service. All you need to do is deploy your web application, and Microsoft Azure Web Apps will manage everything else. Moreover, you won’t have to worry about the infrastructure required for hosting a website if you use Azure Web Apps. Additionally, Azure Web Apps supports various programming languages such as Python, Node.js, PHP, etc., making it versatile for application development. In contrast, traditional web hosting services require you to manage numerous aspects, such as ensuring IIS performance, server uptime, and OS updates. However, with Microsoft Azure Web Apps, the platform handles these tasks autonomously, ensuring the cloud server provides adequate resources and computing power to keep your website operational. For expert guidance on leveraging Azure Web Apps effectively, consider Azure cloud consulting services.
Azure Webapps Versus Dedicated Server: Head-To-Head Comparison
Performance
If we are to compare the performance, dedicated servers typically perform better than Azure Web Apps for two reasons. First, dedicated servers have access to more resources, so they can handle more requests and traffic. Secondly, dedicated servers can be optimized for specific applications, so they can be tuned for maximum performance.
However, Azure Web Apps can also offer excellent performance, especially when it comes to deployments, as the deployment process is simple and intuitive. More importantly, Azure Web Apps offer support for multiple languages and frameworks, and they can be easily scaled up or down depending on your needs. For all these reasons lots of big companies are currently opting for the services of Azure Web Apps.
Overall cost
In terms of cost, dedicated servers are usually more expensive than the Azure Web Apps. This is because dedicated servers require upfront investments and simultaneously need ongoing maintenance as well as support costs. Furthermore, if you are to choose a separate server for your company’s website then no one else will be able to use it, which means the overall cost will also go up.
Azure Web Apps are more affordable for companies, as they come under pay-as-you-go services. Most of the small and mid-sized companies use the services of Azure Web Apps because they are cost effective and as your requirements increase you will also be able to upgrade the services you receive from Microsoft Azure.
Personalization
If you are using a dedicated server then as a customer, you will be the one who is controlling the server which enables you to personalize your server as per your requirements. On the other hand, while using Azure Web Apps you won’t have much control over your server, so the personalization option is very limited in this case.
Security
A lot of people prefer using dedicated servers because of their extensive security features. You won’t be receiving any security threats because most of the hackers cannot get access to the dedicated servers. In Azure Web Apps your data also remains secure because it is available in the cloud. No one can easily access your data because cloud servers use security features such as firewall backups, customer identity management, etc.
Availability and trustworthiness
In terms of reliability and availability, both dedicated servers and Azure Web Apps offer quality services. However, Azure Web Apps are more reliable and available than dedicated servers, as they are hosted in the cloud and are backed by Microsoft's extensive data centres.
The dedicated server can fail due to a variety of reasons from hardware to software or because of the app itself. While in the cloud hardware failures are unheard of and software failures can be easily controlled and fixed. Furthermore, the cloud servers are constantly optimized and can also be quickly replicated.
Ease of usage
While you are choosing a server for your website, it is important to consider how easily you will be able to use the server. To effectively handle dedicated servers, you will require technical knowledge and expertise.
You also need to have prior experience to set up and maintain these dedicated servers, while Azure Web Apps are very easy to use. After deployment, most of the work is done by cloud servers like Azure Web Apps and you won’t need any expert knowledge to handle the Azure Web Apps.
| Criteria | Dedicated server | Azure Web Apps |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability | Dedicated server uses a single server therefore if the system collapses the entire server will go down. | In Azure Web Apps multiple servers have your webpage and data, therefore if anything happens to one server another server will back up your website. |
| Scalability | Dedicated servers have specific hardware installed and that is there is no scope for scalability. | Azure Web Apps is totally scalable. You can change the configuration according to your needs while using this cloud server. |
| Cost | Dedicated servers are mostly very expensive and are not suitable for everyone. | Azure Web Apps is one of the most cost-efficient cloud servers you can get your hands on. While using the services of Azure Web Apps you will only have to pay for the resources and services you are using. |
| Customization option | In a dedicated server you can customize as per your need because you are the only individual or entity who is currently using the server. | The customization option is very limited in Azure Web Apps. |
| Integration option | The dedicated server does not usually come with an integration option. If you need additional integration tools in your server then you will have to pay additional charges. | You will get multiple integrations by paying a lot less money if you are using Azure Web Apps. |
| Level of Security | Security level is extremely high. | The security level is like a dedicated server with additional backup options available (in case of an emergency). |
Dedicated servers have historically been the preferred option, but cloud computing possibilities are emerging as more cost-effective substitutes for company software solutions. Before opting for a dedicated server or Azure Cloud Web Apps, first, you need to consider your overall resources and requirements to run the website. For many companies, Azure Cloud Web Apps have always been a preferred choice because of its robust security features, scalability, and compliance with Azure Cloud Security Assessment and Compliances. However, dedicated servers offer enhanced security and other associated features for those who prioritize such capabilities and have the resources to invest in them. At CloudIBN, we specialize in providing tailored solutions for both dedicated server hosting and Azure Cloud Web Apps, ensuring that your choice aligns perfectly with your business needs. Contact us today at 020-711-79586 or visit our website www.cloudibn.com to explore how CloudIBN can optimize your hosting infrastructure.