When it comes to making the all-important choice of what web hosting method to use the choices come down to shared hosting and dedicated hosting. There are so many arguments arguing for both shared hosting and dedicated hosting. Perhaps it is time to shed a little light on this web hosting dilemma.  

First of all, let's deal with the all-important question of server access. Needless to say, if you choose to use shared web hosting you will be sharing space with other businesses. Now your parents may have told you it is good to share but that is not always true in the world of web hosting. In the world of web hosting shared is synonymous with limited access.  

A limited access approach to web hosting means that your access is limited through a control panel that is provided by the hosting provider. And if the web hosting provider is in charge of the control panel then they are in control of your access. A lack of control to your web hosting means a lack of control for every part of your web hosting needs.  

On the other hand, a dedicated hosting server gives you complete and total access. Now doesn't that sound a lot better? Full access in the form of dedicated hosting means that you get the final say in all web hosting decisions. Dedicated hosting also gives you access to the remote desktop manager, which allows you to have access to the machine’s desktop.  

Next, we look at web hosting from the perspective of exclusive use. Getting back to the concept of shared web hosting, the question needs to be asked, how much do you like to share? With shared hosting you are sharing a server with roughly 500-1000 other websites. Wow, that's a lot of neighbours in your cyber neighbourhood. With these many other websites clamouring for web hosting you may not always have access to all the server's resources. Other websites may be taking up more web hosting resources than you are.  

A dedicated hosting service however, gives you exclusive access to all the resources the dedicated hosting server has to offer. Your information alone is responsible for the performance of the server.  

Let’s also deal with scalability in regards to the issue of web hosting. Most shared web hosting services do not allow you to install your own applications on the web hosting service. They have a set configuration and they do not go outside the box, thereby limiting your growth. 

A dedicated hosting service gives you complete control. Your IT department can install any applications that are necessary for your web hosting needs. Again, more control means a more effective web hosting service.  

Finally, with respect to cost, shared hosting is cheap web hosting whereas the cost of dedicated hosting is much higher. 

So, all in all, it would seem that dedicated hosting is a far more viable option for most businesses’ web hosting needs. Dedicated hosting gives you more control and, in the world of web hosting, it's all about control.