VPS is a popular hosting solution that allows users to have their own isolated virtual machines within a larger physical server. VPS hosting is a great option for businesses and individuals who require more power and control than shared hosting but don't want to invest in a dedicated server.
What Is a Virtual Private Server?
The virtual private server (VPS), as defined by Google, functions as a virtual environment that is isolated on a physical server that is owned and operated by a web hosting service provider or a cloud. VPS hosting utilizes virtualization technology to partition a physical server into multiple isolated private virtual servers that share resources.
Read more: What Is HTTP Proxy?
How Does VPS Work?
Virtual private server simulates a dedicated server hosting environment even if you share a physical server with other users. Your hosting service provider installs a management program, a virtual layer, on top of the physical server's operating system (OS) to divide it into multiple virtual compartments. This layer allows each compartment to run its own operating system and software, allowing each environment to run independently of the others.
Despite technically sharing resources with other users, your resources are secure. You pay a specified amount that is allocated to your VPS and cannot be used by other accounts.
How VPS Compares with Shared Hosting & Dedicated Hosting
1. Shared Hosting
Shared hosting is a type of web hosting where multiple websites share a single physical server and its resources, such as CPU, RAM, and disk space. This is a cost-effective option for small businesses and individuals who do not require the resources of an entire server for their website. With shared hosting, the hosting provider is responsible for managing and maintaining the server, including updates, backups, and security. However, the shared nature of the hosting environment means that the performance and security of your website can be impacted by the activities of other websites sharing the same server. As such, shared hosting may not be the best option for high-traffic websites or those that require a high degree of security and customization.
2. Dedicated Hosting
Dedicated hosting is different from shared hosting. Instead of sharing resources (and costs) with other website owners, you have a dedicated server exclusively for your website.
3. VPS Hosting
VPS hosting falls between shared and dedicated hosting. While other websites may share the same hardware, your website is allocated to a specific virtual partition. This means you have your own operating system, dedicated storage, powerful CPU, scalable RAM, and unlimited bandwidth. With Virtual private server hosting, you can reap the benefits of a dedicated server at an affordable price. In short, VPS hosting can provide you with more benefits than what you pay for.
When Should You Switch to VPS?
The best way to evaluate whether you need to upgrade to VPS or not is to check your website. Below are eight signs to identify when it's time to switch to a virtual environment.
1. You're Worried About Security
Consider VPS if you require advanced security features, enhanced monitoring capabilities, increased backup storage, improved website reliability, or are planning to implement any type of online payment. With VPS, you will have access to reliable resources and can rely on top-of-the-line security features.
2. You Start to Experience High Traffic Volumes
If you have recently launched your website and the traffic is still low, shared hosting would be a perfect fit for you. However, if your website's audience is continuously expanding, it's time to think about upgrading. You don't want to take the chance of your website operating sluggishly or, worse, your server crashing due to the inability to handle the traffic. If you expect a surge in visitor traffic, take charge and switch to VPS.
3. Your Website is Consistently Running Slowly
If your website uses a large amount of RAM, there are better options than shared hosting. As your website develops and you add more content, you will notice a decrease in load time. This is a sign that you are reaching your limits. To avoid slow load times, upgrading to VPS allows you to expand the scale of your website.
4. You Have An Online Store
It is recommended to upgrade your hosting package if you plan on running an online store. By using VPS, you have access to a dedicated and secure virtual server, which increases your chances of passing PCI compliance checks. These security standards are set by major credit card brands to prevent the theft of cardholder data. If you accept credit cards on your website through a payment gateway, it's crucial to ensure the safety of consumers' financial information. Since VPS is more secure than shared hosting, it's a better option for e-commerce websites.
5. You Need To Install Custom Software
Shared hosting is suitable for users of WordPress or popular CMS, but if you need to install custom software or run more complex programs, VPS or dedicated hosting is better. Some tax, invoice, and accounting programs also require a server to operate continuously and at high speeds. Upgrading to VPS allows you to have more control and avoid limitations or lack of support.
6. You Run Into Server Errors
Experiencing frequent "Service Unavailable" errors, any 50X errors, or "Internal Server Error" is unacceptable when running an online business. Your potential customers may also be affected by these errors. While you can address downtime issues, upgrading to a virtual private server is a better solution to solve this problem.
7. You're on a Budget
Although using a dedicated hosting package can solve many issues on this list, it's important to remember that this is a much more expensive option. If you need to increase bandwidth, enhance security, and add more RAM, then the most reasonable choice is to opt for VPS hosting.
8. You Build Websites For Your Clients
Do you work on building websites for clients? If so, using VPS allows you to host an unlimited number of domains while ensuring enough RAM for each website to function properly.
How to Choose the Best VPS Hosting Plan for Your Website?
After gaining an understanding of what VPS is and when to consider upgrading, it's important to discuss the key features of an excellent VPS package and how to identify the top web hosting service providers. Your website is a valuable asset, and you want to ensure that it's in reliable hands, don't you?
Self-Managed Versus Managed VPS Services
When choosing VPS hosting, you typically have two package options: self-managed and managed. If you're not familiar with server administration or want your hosting company to take care of it for you, then managed virtual private server is the best option.
Linux/Windows
Simple yet useful advice is to make sure that the hosting package you choose is compatible with your operating system.
Reliability
The uptime reliability of the VPS storage service you choose must be at least 99.5%. Any number lower than that from your web server is simply unacceptable.
Hardware
When you buy a VPS hosting package, make sure your service provider offers the latest and greatest hardware, which includes Solid State Drives (SSD). SSDs are the fastest storage technology available and make it easier to run high-speed applications because they don't have any moving parts.
