VPS or virtual private server is a popular hosting option available these days. A VPS mimics a dedicated server within a shared server environment and offers the virtues of both shared and dedicated hosting. By choosing VPS web hosting, business owners are able to avoid the downsides of shared hosting and avail the benefits of a dedicated server at a fraction of the price.
If you own a website, you might have considered different web hosting options available in the marketplace. Let us delve deep and try to understand what is a VPS and why should you choose one.
What is Virtual Private Server?
Virtual Private Server (VPS) is a server within a server. A VPS is created using the virtualization technology where a software called hypervisor is used to partition a large physical server into multiple virtual servers. Each virtual server has its own RAM, CPU, bandwidth and storage not shared with other servers.
Being private, each virtual server operates in an isolated environment and remains unaffected by what happens ontenant servers. Also referred to as a virtual machine, each server runs a complete OS and is restricted from interacting with other servers.
In VPS hosting, each website is hosted on an individual virtual server. This makes the website immune to other websites hosted on tenant servers. This allows for complete privacy and security. Virtual servers on a single dedicated server can be compared to private condos in a large apartment. Each condo can be used independently by individuals without the need to share resources with other condos.
Types of VPS Web Hosting
There are chiefly two types of VPS web hosting:traditional VPS hosting and cloud VPS hosting.
Traditional VPS Hosting
In traditional VPS hosting, virtual machines are created on a single dedicated server with local storage. They are partitioned in such a way that each of them acts as a dedicated server.
Cloud VPS Hosting
In cloud VPS hosting, each virtual machine is hosted on a separate HyperV cluster. A HyperV cluster comprises several servers connected with the control panel. These virtual machines have separate SAN storage and not local storage as in traditional hosting.
Because each component in the cluster is fully redundant, there is no downtime in cloud VPS hosting.
Benefits of VPS Web Hosting
A VPS coalesces the advantages of shared and dedicated server. It offers the affordability of a shared server along with the control and security of a dedicated server.
Here are some key benefits you get from VPS hosting:
Dedicated Resources: As discussed above, VPS hosting provides you with resources like CPU, RAM and bandwidth not shared with other tenants.
No other website can use resources meant for your website. As a result, you do not encounter glitches on account of traffic spikes on other websites.
Security: In VPS hosting, you operate in a private environment where your server remains completely isolated from tenant servers. As a result, websites hosted on the same parent server cannot access your data.
Customization: In VPS hosting, you have your own operating system. This gives you the freedom to use server applications such as MySQL,Apache and PHP. If you want to customize any of these applications according to your needs, you can do so by making changes to the server.
Root Access: A virtual server being a miniature server offers root access. With root access, you have the option of modifying the software or installing new software. In VPS hosting, you can install your own software and run applications, a feature not available in shared hosting.
Affordability: In a VPS, a single server gets partitioned into multiple servers. As a result, the cost of operating and maintaining the server gets shared among multiple tenants. This trims down your hosting expenses considerably.
Speed: With dedicated resources at its disposal, the website hosted on a VPS gets a propitious environment and functions smoothly with far less technical glitches that usually hamper its performance.
When Should you Choose VPS Web Hosting?
The chief consideration for choosing VPS hosting in India is performance. If you are running a website that is experiencing soaring traffic, shared hosting may not be able to cope up and you may require an upgrade.
When you should transition from shared to VPS hosting depends on several factors, including the hardware and server configuration you are using and your current plan. Besides, the quality of shared hosting also differs from host to host.
A VPS can be considered under the following conditions:
You have Outgrown Shared Hosting Server: VPS hosting in India is a good alternative if your website has outgrown the space offered on a shared hosting plan, especially if you run multiple websites. If your website’s loading speed has risen considerably and there is a sustained increase in your bounce rate, it is the time to switch.
VPS hosting obviates the need for technical and financial investment and offers a middle path that provides enormous flexibility and control without burning a hole in your pocket.
You Want To Run Specific Applications:If you want to run specific applications and require more technical flexibility without spending excessively, a VPS can be a great option. VPS hosting offers root-level access to install and upgrade software, set permissions, create accounts and customize your server environment.
Drawbacks of VPS Web Hosting
Cost: VPS hosting in India may be cheaper than dedicated hosting, but costlier in comparison to shared hosting. Switching to VPS,therefore, needs careful consideration. If you are on a shoestring budget, VPS is not a good option.
Needs Technical Know-how: Since VPS offers root access to the server, it is generally used by companies with a basic knowledge of IT administration and troubleshooting skills. Of course, you can use a managed VPS hosting service where the host handles the technical aspects. You will still be required to use cPanel and Plesk for managing basic tasks.
Improper Resource Allocation: Many VPS hosts do not allocate the resources properly. This can create issues over time.
Small Market: Since the current market for VPS is small, you may not get the resources that fulfill your IT needs.
The Final Word
VPS web hosting offers a dedicated server environment with resources reserved for your exclusive use. It is a suitable alternative for websites that draw medium-to-heavy traffic. However, the benefits it offers come at an additional price. Website owners considering VPS as the hosting solution should weigh all the pros and cons and make a choice accordingly.
