What is Database Hosting?

The database hosting provider provide a specific type of dedicated server which enable you to run a database intensive application, the server can be either be just for the database or it can also run a website too, that actually depends on your requirement. However such system setup require considerable amount of RAM than a regular server. The Databases generally have administrative capability to manage the tables and should have the ability to secure information with user id’s, passwords and domain name protection. You’ll also need input to retrieve search or filter the stored data within fraction of seconds.

Who actually need a database host?

If you’re using a database intensive program like a CRM (Customer Relationship Management), ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning), Enterprise Content Management or a custom made application, you should look into a database host because they can provide you more memory and resources which is generally required to increase the speed and reliability of the application.


Why database servers entail more RAM?

Generally a large Database server require huge amount of memory to store gigs of information in tables, which are made up of columns and rows, and just with few simple command the user must get a result set that match the information they want in a matter of tenths of a second. For example, Google endeavor to keep all its searches down below half a second and they have over 3 trillion web pages in their database; the pages Google have, three times higher the size of its nearest competitor.

database server architecture

Image showing Management server using components Database server, Communication server, Administration console and Deployment server. ( Image source: wiki.ocsinventory-ng.org )

Can a database server only used for a database?

No, not necessary, a database server can be used for anything but it is a specific kind of dedicated server that is setup to get the maximum performance out of a database or applications that rely greatly on a database. To do this the server has a large amount of memory and a few other configurations are required to make sure the database should be precedence over anything else running on the system.

What about database server for custom software?

If you are going to use custom software, you need to know how much disk space, memory, and processing power is required to run specific type of software and how much resources are needed per user, just do simple rough calculation. In addition you will have to figure out approximately how many users will be connected at the same time.  By doing such calculations you can estimate approximately how much memory you are going to require.

What step should be taken while choosing a Database hosting provider?

Reliability & security should be major concern while looking for database server, they should have highly skilled team to successfully deliver a database-driven web site, the web host should provide you an excellent supports to optimize your web site’s performance. You should also aware about how maintenance of the database and web servers will be handled? Best if you discuss with your host in detail about the operating system, server location, web server, database server, MySQL server, security features, tech support, and web development tools they’ve. For greater security and reliability a managed dedicated server would be highly recommended.