Greetings everyone.
Our online store operates on a basic hosting service, specifically Bitrix.
We are currently in the process of integrating payment card functionality, which necessitates an SSL certificate. Although we have obtained the certificate, the hosting support team has advised us to switch to a different service if we wish to install SSL.
This alternative service requires a server, and they claim that a server would provide better performance with increased traffic and requests.
Consequently, our concern is straightforward - do we genuinely require a server? Our inquiry is not centered around financial constraints, but rather the necessity of such a solution.
We kindly ask for your input and experiences. Should we proceed with obtaining a server?

I can provide you with some information to consider when deciding whether or not to obtain a server for your online store.

1. Performance: If your website experiences high traffic and numerous requests, a dedicated server can offer better performance compared to a basic hosting service. The server's resources are solely dedicated to your website, ensuring faster response times and improved reliability.

2. Scalability: A server provides more scalability options than a basic hosting service. It allows you to easily upgrade hardware, add more storage, and handle increased traffic as your business grows. This flexibility can be beneficial if you anticipate significant growth in the future.

3. Security: Server security can be better managed and customized compared to a shared hosting environment. With your own server, you have direct control over security measures, including SSL certificate installation, firewalls, and access controls.

4. Cost: While you mentioned that financial constraints are not your primary concern, it is worth noting that servers generally come with higher costs compared to basic hosting services. You will need to consider the initial hardware investment, ongoing maintenance, and potential additional expenses for technical support.

factors to consider when deciding whether to obtain a server for your online store:

1. Control and customization: With your own server, you have more control and customization options compared to a shared hosting service. You can install and configure software and applications specific to your needs, which can provide a more tailored solution for your business.

2. Reliability and uptime: A dedicated server can offer higher reliability and uptime compared to a shared hosting service. Since resources are not shared with other websites, you have more control over the server's performance and stability. This can help minimize downtime and ensure a better user experience for your customers.

3. Technical expertise: Managing a server requires technical expertise or hiring professionals who can handle server administration, maintenance, and security updates. Consider whether your team has the necessary skills or if you are willing to invest in external support for managing the server.

4. Redundancy and backups: Servers allow you to implement redundancy measures such as RAID configurations or backup solutions to protect against hardware failures or data loss. This can provide an added layer of protection for your online store's data.

5. Compliance requirements: If your business operates in an industry with specific compliance requirements, such as handling sensitive customer data or financial transactions, having a dedicated server can offer more control over meeting those compliance standards.

In formal terms, using a service like CloudFlare is sufficient without making any changes.
However, in practice, when it comes to handling real money, it is advisable to opt for a dedicated server in order to ensure better security.

Using a service like CloudFlare on its own is adequate in a formal sense, without necessitating any alterations.
Yet, when dealing with actual financial matters, it is more preferable to employ a dedicated server to guarantee heightened security.

You can opt for a VPS, which won't be significantly pricier than the average shared hosting plan. This choice is indeed reasonable. Shared hosting offers a pre-configured environment for hosting basic websites without the ability to customize the site environment. However, with a server managed by experts, you can also enable certificate support, which might not be possible by default with your hosting provider.

It's worth mentioning that certain hosting providers do allow you to add a certificate to a regular shared hosting plan.