What is VPS hosting?
VPS stands for Virtual Private Server. It is a popular hosting option that uses virtualisation technology to provide websites with the resources of a dedicated server. Technically, websites on a VPS are sharing one server. However, the server is partitioned into smaller private units where each website enjoys its own IP, database and similar resources you would find on a dedicated server.
It is more secure than a shared server and cheaper than renting an entire server. It is the preferred option for medium-level websites who receive more traffic than a shared hosting plan can cater for.
When an online visitor tries to access your website, the server receives a request from his browser and transfers the requested files. With VPS hosting, your virtual server simulates a physical machine but in reality, it’s shared by multiple users.
A VPS is separated from other users on the server from the OS level. You run your website with a secure container that guarantees resources for disk space, memory, software and CPU cores. You have the same root access as someone on a dedicated server at a reduced price.
What are the features of VPS hosting?
Security
Websites on a VPS server are not sharing resources, which makes it more secure than a shared server. Your website doesn’t suffer when another website is under attack or infiltrated with malware.
You’re also protected by virtualisation software of a VPS which protects you from attacks. Each website has its own IP address including a distinct username and password that protects it from insecure access.
Some VPS hosting packages include DDoS protection which prevents spammers from taking down your website. It acts as a virtual brick wall, making it difficult for spammers to enter your website.
Customisable
VPS servers are customisable. You can install custom software not offered by your hosting provider, unlike a shared plan. You can also change both software and hardware resources that allow you to use the system according to your preferences.
Standard top-of-the-line hardware
One of the key considerations for a good VPS provider is hardware where your VPS is housed. It includes a powerful CPU, large storage area and dedicated RAM.
Server security
Where are the servers located? What is the security at the on-site location? What measures does the hosting company take to prevent data theft and keep your files secure? These are questions your VPS hosting provider should sufficiently answer.
Control
A VPS server gives you the freedom and control of owning a private space. This means you have control of the applications, OS, custom installations and content on your website. You can reboot the server when you please and use the control panel as you want. Even with managed VPS hosting where the host provider manages your server, you still have complete control over software libraries, programming languages and more.
Technical support
A good VPS hosting provider must have a sound technical support that is active 24/7. They should be able to solve any issues on your website in the fastest time to minimise downtime.
Pros of VPS hosting
- A VPS account is cost-effective. It offers similar benefits as a dedicated server, without the expensive cost.
- It is easily customisable to meet your hosting needs.
- It offers scalability which makes it easy to access more resources when you need it and downgrade when you don’t.
- It offers more control when compared to shared hosting. The root access gives you the ability to use scripts and coding that are not available on shared servers.
- A VPS server is created at a faster pace than a dedicated server. It can be set up within hours with all the required software installed.
- Powerful servers that allow you to use a ton of extra features that are available on a dedicated server.
- Support staff are more adept at solving complex technical issues.
- It provides a higher level of security with advanced encryption protocols.
- It guarantees privacy through the presence of a virtual barrier between the users on the server.
- Improved reliability. There are more resources such as CPU productivity, disk space and bandwidth capacity.
Cons of VPS hosting
Limited resources
- Despite separate resources and packages, it’s still a shared server.
- If you’re not getting managed VPS hosting, you need technical expertise to manage software installation, server maintenance, database administration, software patches and security updates.
- If the host provider isn’t proficient with security features such as partitioning IP addresses, you might face similar issues experienced on shared hosting.
- There is a chance the host might not properly allocate the server resources you need because the existing market is smaller. Some hosting companies oversell their servers in the hope that no one hits peak traffic.
What is cloud hosting?
Cloud hosting is the latest form of hosting that has become popular in recent years. It works on the concept of “Divide and Rule”. Instead of working through one server, hosting resources are spread across multiple servers and delivered as the website needs it.
The cloud provider takes care of setup, security, cloud infrastructure and maintenance. They can also handle application and hardware customisation on your behalf. Storage and computing resources are spread across hundreds of virtual machines that balance load and demands.
It’s a cheaper option rather than building your own dedicated server or managing a data centre. It also takes out the cost of operating expensive hardware and virtual resources.
What are the features of cloud hosting?
Resource pooling and elasticity
Resources are pooled to serve web visitors in cloud computing. It uses a multi-tenancy model where resources are allocated and de-allocated as needed. The elasticity allows resource allocation to quickly change with demand.
On-demand services and self-service
Cloud hosting is based on on-demand and self-service models. It allows the user to engage with the cloud and complete tasks such as scheduling, building, managing and deploying.
Disaster recovery
Cloud allows for affordable solutions with replication and storing on multiple servers. This reduces the chances of data theft or data loss.
Utility style costing
There is no fixed cost for cloud computing. You only pay for what you use. This removes the waste of capacity from unused resources when demand is lower and allocation increases with a spike in traffic.
Pros of cloud hosting
Cloud computing offers the best service levels of users. It guarantees adequate resources, 24/7 availability, bandwidth and performance.
Cloud hosting is very reliable. Resources are drawn from hundreds of servers instead of one physical server. Hence, there is no risk of unavailability when one server goes offline as the virtual servers automatically pull resources from other active servers on the network.
You enjoy increased speed and performance because your website is not affected by physical location. It can be accessed from multiple locations which are sometimes closer to the location of your visitors.
Cons of cloud hosting
One of the reasons why many businesses have not switched to cloud hosting is that it’s expensive when compared to shared hosting and VPS hosting.
Cloud providers have some of the best security standards but there will always be issues with storing important files on cloud storage as it opens up risks. Your cloud provider could assess critical business data.
The server is entirely owned and managed by the cloud provider. Hence, you don’t enjoy a lot of control to manage data, applications and services.
Who should use VPS hosting?
Shared hosting is mostly used by websites that are just starting out. Brands often switch to VPS when their traffic increases. It is suitable for webmasters who need more control and customisation than a shared server can provide.
Who should use cloud hosting?
Cloud hosting is perfect for websites which demand control, scalability and performance at a cost-effective rate. It is great for organisations with a high uptime but wants to operate their servers as they please.
It is a good fit for websites where traffic levels are high. Such websites might go offline during a traffic spike if they are on the wrong server. It’s a scalable option that ensures your website enjoys maximum uptime.
VPS hosting Vs Cloud Hosting? What is the best option for your website?
|
Feature |
VPS |
CLOUD |
|
Customisation |
It is similar to a dedicated server where you have full root access and control of the OS, software and website |
Less control of hosting settings. It requires more technical expertise to navigate. However, you can tweak firewalls, network and load balancing setting. |
|
Scalability |
There is a limit to VPS scaling. You don’t have access to the CPU power and memory enjoyed by cloud users. You have to upgrade if you need more resources. |
You can tap into resources from a virtual machine that rise to meet network demands. It ensures higher performance and uptime than a VPS. |
|
Security |
The VPS security is on par with a dedicated server. However, poor security measures by a host could affect other users on the server. |
It provides better security than a VPS. There is no physical server to pinpoint, which makes it stronger against malware and DDoS attacks.
|
|
Cost |
A VPS offers more cost saving than a cloud server. |
It is more expensive because you’re paying for complex networking, more hardware and a higher uptime guarantee. |
Conclusion
Scalability is the major difference between VPS hosting and Cloud hosting. Small businesses that are just starting out and don’t care about scale should begin with a VPS. Web hosting professionals at domains4less.co.nz says it also ‘depends on a number of things, including the size of your website, and the CMS you want to use. It will also depend on what you want to do with your site, and whether you want to add content like a shopping cart or blog.’ If your business requires flexible hosting with a higher level of storage and performance, choose cloud hosting.