A dedicated server is a serious option for webmasters and companies that want the most flexible and secure hosting options for their site. Dedicated web hosting is for those who need to have sole use and control for their hosting.
Most servers are located in specialised data centres where conditions for the optimal performance and reliability for the server are maintained. This includes temperature, security and redundancy. They will have UPS to ensure the servers continue to run in the event of a spike or power cut. Getting your own dedicated server means you are getting the best possible hosting for your sites.
Web hosting companies usually offer different server hosting options. You main option is to choose a Windows or Linux based server. Your choice will depend on what you will be using the server for, many business sites have windows back ends and so may need a Windows based server for compatibility.
After you have decided which operating system you want you will have to decide on the specifications on the server itself. The more powerful and higher spec the server the more it will cost per month. Many web hosting servers are specialised rack systems as opposed to your traditional desktop case server.
There are many included and optional services provided with hosts. You may want your server to have a RAID system operating. This means that if one of the drives in the server fails your sites will continue to be available as on of the other drives will take over. To keep your data safe you should also consider off site backups to keep your data safe in the unlikely event the data centre has a fire or other catastrophe.
It should also be considered what support and management for your dedicated server is needed. You can have a managed server which means that staff at the data centre will actively run and maintain your server. An administrator will be able to monitor your server and manage any situations before they become a performance issue to your sites.