A computer dedicated to the client for its internet communication
When talking about SMTP servers dedicated to email marketing, it is actually a remote computer that is made available to the client by the host, and that will be manageable via the internet. The use of the server is devoted to the client alone, and to no one else. The client has all access rights to the platform, and can independently manage files, applications, change operating system or configuration.
Advantages and Disadvantages of a Dedicated Server
The dedicated server is essential for websites requiring large volumes of disk space, or for an emailing involving a very large number of targets, using a lot of bandwidth. It is ideal for delivering uninterrupted messaging services, since the server is typically placed in a datacenter that is protected from any technical problems.
The appeal of a platform devoted to a single individual also lies elsewhere: the sending of emails. The e-mail IP address is not that of several people at the same time as in the case of a shared server, but only that of the client: he or she can then perfectly control internet communications. The reputation of the client's IP address becomes clearer, and is built with its routing practices.
Only the person in charge of his or her emails, his or her identifiers are not likely to be blacklisted by the fault of another client using the same address, in a less professional way. In case of a problem, the client using a dedicated SMTP server knows immediately that the problem comes from their database, segmentation, or messages; not those of another individual on the same server. Nevertheless, this advantage may turn into a fault: if a massive mistake or blacklisting is created, the fault will be his or hers alone. Owning your own IP address does not imply a better reputation, you have to build it yourself with quality practices.
Criteria for choosing a dedicated email server
To sum up, the dedicated server is ideal If the client makes email marketing campaigns...:
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Requiring a lot of bandwidth (minimum several tens of thousands of targeted addresses)
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Regular and frequent
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Issues of a database of "clean" addresses (low risk of blacklisting by spamtraps)
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Which practices are respectful to Internet users (ease of unsubscribing, good segmentation, etc.)