Exchange Servers started in 1993 and outgrown since then. It was built in XENIX which is a version of Linux Operating System licensed by Microsoft from AT&T in the 70′s. to exchange server in April 1993.
The users were around 500 in Exchange server in Jan 1995 which then increased to 32000 in 1996. It was then migrated to beta version and the next version was brought in the market.
The Exchange Server 4.0 was released in 1996 and officially sold to public and was to upgrae Microsoft Mail 3.5. It was utilized by 400 client server mails with one database and 500 directories. Following release version was 5.0 which was released in 1997 introduces Administrator console integrated to SMTP-based networks. It also had an add-on feature known as Intenet Mail connecter which could directly communicate with server.
Exchange Server 5.5 was then released in 1997 which came in two versions, Standard and Enterprise. There were many differences in storage limit, mail transport connectors and had the ability of cluster servers.
Exchange Server 2000 edition was released in 2000 which many improvements and it’s limitations were reduced compared to Exchange Server 5.5. It supported more than one cluster and increased it’s supported database. Instant messaging support was also includes and the version includes Microsoft Acive directory which was unavailable in the previous version. The era was then supported by Exchange Server 2007 which was released in 2003. It was supported on Windows 2000 Server and Windows Server 2003. This allowed easy upgration from one operating sytem to another. This was mainly used by major organizations which could not afford downtime caused due to dedicated server migrations.
It main feature includes disaster recovery which allowed administrators to bring servers online faster by sending / receiving emails and recovering them from backups. It also provided anti-virus and anti-spam.
This was introduced in two versions such as standard and enterprise. The standard version allowed 75GB of database storage whereas Enterprise edition allowed 16TB and 4 storage group with 5 databases per group. However, it was only compatible with 32 bit version and not install on 64-bit windows server 2003.
The lastest version is Exchange Server 2007 which was in the beta version in 2006. It can run on 32-bit or 64-bit version of Windows Dedicated Servers. The performance has been improved with this version when compared to Exchange Server 2003.
Exchange server 2007 also introduces features such as voice-mail, filter options, web service support, Outlook Web Access new interface.
BODHost.com supports Exchange Dedicated Server Setup
Sub-domain management is very much similar to main domain name configuration. The main difference is that it is attached to the main domain name. Request for subdomain is routed to DNS server which has DNS information for the main domain. Sub-domain DNS records resolved to a IP address, the rquest is sent to the web server that is assigned with the IP address. the request can now be moved to the website. By many DNS server entries, subdomain configuration can be taken care of and application setup for management of load or applications.
DNS server should have pointer to the sub domain as CNAME or hostname or MX entry for emails. If the IP address of the main domain name and sub-domain name are the same, we then use CNAME or alias. A records are used if the IP points to the different dedicated server in case of load balancing server setup.
CNAME is used when the IP address of the sub-domain and the main domain are the same. It means the parent domain and child-domain points to the same IP address such as :
www IN CNAME domain.com.
subdomain1 IN CNAME domain.com.
subdomain2 IN CNAME domain.com.
A record is setup when the main domain is different from the sub-domain. This is in case of a load balancing or server cluster setup such as :
subdomain1 IN A 123.2.33.45.
subdomain2 IN A 123.2.33.46.
MX records are mail exchanger sub-domains in case of email setup that will be pointing to the dedicated web server IP address and used for different email account such as :
subdomain1 IN MX 10 subdomain1.domain.com.
subdomain2 IN MX 10 subdomain2.domain.com.
If the sub-domain is configured on a different DNS name server, nameserver records is created for the sub-domain. Different nameservers can reduce security issues.
DNS Server sends the request for the sub-domain to the IP address, it starts functioning. It then needs to be configured to manage the request based on the IP address / Host headers. It is utilized by web servers to host different domains / sub-domain on one IP address.
In a Windows dedicated server, we have to use IIS manager to add sub-domains that will be assigned to IP address. Port is then set to 80. Host header can be added by clicking on advanced tab nect to IP address configuration for website application. Sub-domain that points to sub-directory of website which is then home directory for the sub-domain.
In a Linux dedicated server, we use Apache web server which is configured by virtual host entry in httpf.conf :
Listen 80
NameVirtualHost *
ServerName www.domain.com
DocumentRoot /home/httpd/htdocs/
ServerName subdomain.domain.com
DocumentRoot /home/httpd/htdocs/subdomain/
At the time of request to the DNS Server in order to resolve domain names, it provides different cnames in one order. It redirects the request to servers which are in groups. The BIND feature of DNS resolveing the domain to the server, the request are sent to the same server.
In case of Multiple CNames, when there are four dedicated web servers clusters configured with a IP address, adding them to the DNS with A names. The srv can be set as per our selectionand should meet up the next option.
srv1 IN A xx.xx.xx.1
srv2 IN A xx.xx.xx.2
srv3 IN A xx.xx.xx.3
srv4 IN A xx.xx.xx.4
Add cnames to resolve www.domain.com to one of servers such as
IN CNAME srv2.domain.com.
IN CNAME srv3.domain.com.
IN CNAME srv4.domain.com.
DNS Dedicated Server will then resolve to www.domain.com. The request is sent over group of servers.
Also, the request that is sent to the domain without www should be forwarded to www.domain.com. In order to avoid cname error, we need to do the following :
options {
multiple-cnames yes;
};
In case of Multiple A records for one domain is thus not appropriate DNS server for BIND 9. We use the following :
www.domain.com. 60 IN A xx.xx.xx.1
www.domain.com. 60 IN A xx.xx.xx.2
www.domain.com. 60 IN A xx.xx.xx.3
www.domain.com. 60 IN A xx.xx.xx.4
In this case, if any DNS load balancing dedicated dedicated server, it will have no idea if the server is down. It does not check the port of the dedicated server. IP can be cached by nameserver, the request cannot be sent to load balancing DNS server.
Round Robin DNS load balancing does have many drawbacks but can removed by using Perl scripts.
Dedicated Servers are mostly leased and not purchased from any Web Server Hosting Provider. In order words, it may also be called as Renting a Dedicated Server. This way a client saves on purchasing hardware everytime and anytime he needs to change the servers, he can proceed with the cancelation and opt for a new dedicated server. This is a much easier process than a co-location dedicated server where a client has to purchase a dedicated server and maintain it.
The maintenance of a co-location dedicated server include is bandwidth allocations, power supply, switches, racks and software applications that run on the hardware. It is indeed a costly affair. Hence, most suggestions incline towards dedicated server rentals from a well-known dedicated server hosting provider or Data Center.
Are you looking forward to buy a Dedicated Server ?
If are you looking to purchase a Dedicated Server, there are a few important points that we need to take care of. Basically, we need to understand our requirements such as how much disk space / storage do we require ? or how much bandwidth do you require ?
Once we have understood the requirements, we need to understand what applications are required on the dedicated server. Budget would be the next question which ofcourse is main for many client who need a dedicated server. The next would be which is the hosting company we should opt for ?
In order to research for a good dedicated server hosting provider, you need to refer a lot of reviews, uptime stats, Support test checks and others. These are few of the important points when we look forward to buy a dedicated server.
Windows Server Hosting Applications
Following are some of the components of Windows Dedicated Hosting and can be installed or pre-configured :
Internet Information Services (IIS) 7.0
IIS is one of the most reliable web server that manage web platforms on Windows VPS Hosting or Windows Dedicated Server Hosting packages for Web applications and services.
IIS Windows Process Activation Service (WAS)
It manages application configurations and creation of HTTP process and protocols on Servers.
IIS Application Pool
It is basically URLs that route to processes. they easily administer websites and applications in respect with the processes. A application or the website is not in effect with other applications. It increases reliability and web management. This is required on Virtual as well as Dedicated Servers.
IIS Worker Process
It is a process ( w3wp.exe which basically runs web applications and manages requests that are sent to web servers for applications.
IIS Protocol Adapter
It receives messages on network and then communicates with the WAS for incoming messages.
IIS FTP Service
It enables FTP Service. Without this service, it is not possible to enable FTP Service.
IIS Web Management Service (WMSvc)
It enables remote management of web server, websites and its applications.
IIS Application Host Helper Service (AppHostSvc)
It shows history of the configurations and sub-directories.
IISADMIN Service
It hosts IIS 6.0 configurations. It is required for administrative scripts, SMTP and FTP
IIS Hosted Web Core
It is for Web applications without WAS or IIS configuration.
IIS World Wide Web Publishing Service (W3SVC)
It is refers to as WWW service that basically manages HTTP protocol
IIS Web Site
It is collection of web pages and applications that are basically hosted on IIS web servers.
Active Server Pages (ASP)
It enables Web servers to view dynamic web pages and interactive applications.
Following are few of the Windows2003 Server Edition Features :
Windows2003 Server Web Edition :
> Includes IIS 6.0 / ASP.NET and Microsoft .NET Framework
> Supports two-way symmetric multi-processing
> Support upto 2GB RAM
> Economical Solution
Windows2003 Server Standard Edition :
> Advanced Networking – Internet Authentication Service, Internet Connection Sharing
> Four-way symmetric Multi-processing
> Support upto 4GB RAM
Windows2003 Enterprise Edition :
> Utilized for Server Clusters
> Quorum – Independant Storage Solutions
> Volume Shadow Copy Service and Restoration
> Eight-way Symmetric Multi-processing
> Support for 1000GB or 1TB RAM ( Hot-Add )
> Internet Protocol Security
> Internet Authentication Service
> Windows System Resource Manager
> Auto-deployment
> Virtual Solutions
Bodhost Supports all three Windows2003 Server Options on our Dedicated Server Hosting packages.
Following are few of the basics of the Apache Configuration in cPanel Dedicated Servers which should be made a note of :
a) Apache Configuration file cannot be considered as Data Storage. Many changes are made to the configuration file such as scripts. Please make sure if the configuration file is corrupted, state of the domain will be lost.
b) Apache Configuration file cannot considered as configuration interface. The best way is to not to edit the configuration file.
c) Creation of Configuration that works. Creation of disfunctional configuration is definitely possible. Adaptibility to these configuration and changes should be noted due to various possibilties.
Dedicated Server Multi-Core Processors are known very well these days. This includes clock speed. Bodhost offer Intel as Well as AMD’s. When it comes to RAM, we use FB-DIMM memory which provide higher capacity than DDR technology. It also includes enhanced CRC to maintain data and commands at highest possible Integrity.
Following are Some of the basic factors of Intel and AMD :
Intel Supports :
> DDR FB-DIMM
> Bit Lane Failover Connection
> Increased Memory Data Transfer
> DDR Enhanced
> 4 MB L2 Cache ( Each Core utilizes available amount of Cache )
> two directional System Bus
> 1066 / 1333 MHz FSB Speed
AMD Supports :
> DDR RAM
> 2 MB L2 Cache ( Cache Split in 2 Cores )
> Shared Data and Address Link
However, it is dependant upon the dedicated server you opt for.
What are the advantages of Linux server hosting?
1) Linux OS is an open source software product and therefore it does not require the high licensing fees that other OS do; so you can freely download and use it freely.
2) A Linux website can easily be converted to a Windows website without much complications. Also, the website can easily be changed as the requirement of the user grows.
3) Linux web hosting is very economical as Linux is a free operating system. Usually, only the cost of distribution is borne by the host or owner.
4) When the scripting language like PHP, MySQL, or Perl etc. are required for your website then Linux server hosting is the most reliable and cost effective solution for you. Unless heavy load of scripting language, this will not be traceable.
5) There are many kinds of databases that run on Linux hosting, but the most likely among webhosting providers are MSQL, MySQL and PostgreSQL. These databases are relational by nature, and permit vastly optimized communication with your website for rapid reclamation of data.
6) By lots of circles Linux hosting is supposed to be much securing than Windows hosting, and for that reason only Linux server hosting is also the more popular choice for web designers and programmers.
What are the advantages of windows server hosting?
1) .NET technologies like ASP dot net VB dot net are available on this OS or platform. If you have a website built with Microsoft .NET technologies then you will have to choose a Windows server hosting plan.
2) If you need an enterprise class database there are some different features that run on a Linux platform but if you need Microsoft’s MSSQL database, a Windows hosting plan will be your best choice for this.
3) Access Databases are only obtainable with a Windows server hosting plan. Access can only run on a Microsoft Windows platform and thus it is unavailable on a Linux hosting. If your website needs particularly this feature then you will have to accept windows server hosting.
4) If you are using some of the Microsoft’s Sharepoint services a Windows Hosting plan is only reliable choice for you.
5) Windows plans typically much costly because of the license costs compulsory by Microsoft.
Normally, Linux server hosting plans are at least 20% economical than windows server hosting plans. If you need not to have any unique features for your website, like cart, searchable database etc, Linux server hosting is a finest alternative for your needs.
When you are required for specific Microsoft technologies, Windows hosting plans generally will be your favorable think. But for all small business owner needs Linux hosting plans will generally perform quite well for its cost effective features.