which is best for running a server? debian or centos?

i have seen many companies using centos for running dedicated servers quite often. is there any reason for that or am i missing something here.

let me know what you think!

I use CentOS for my live servers. I suppose you could argue that it's Redhat repackage; hence, it got a solid user and support base. But, so does Debian. I personal feel Redhat/CentOS move a little quicker with security patches etc.

That said I pick the one you have the most experience. They are both good , so you have little room for error.

The primary considerations for hosting companies are cost and reliability - both Debian and CentOS are free, and work well. Both provide the key AMP and email software products that people expect from Linux servers.

CentOS has integrated support for certain features that are useful in server clusters, and will be very familiar to Red Hat users.

Debian provides convenient access to much more software, and is generally easier to work with. It also supports online upgrades, which is an important feature. Negative: the supplied software and drivers for Debian stable are older than those with CentOS.