VPS stands for Virtual Private Server. A VPS hosting environment is like a dedicated server offered within a shared hosting environment. In other words, it is a combination of dedicated and shared hosting. VPS hosting allows users to choose from the many types of web hosting accounts available online. In order to have an online website, you need to have all your website files on a web server. However, setting up and managing a dedicated server within a private environment is not just expensive but also extremely difficult. Thus, purchasing web hosting allows the users to rent out space on a web server, making it absolutely hassle-free for an average user to host a website online. After all, all they need to do is upload their website files online. Generally, all the website owners start out their website by using a shared web hosting platform. Gradually, as their website grows and they require more resources and functions, they necessitate a more powerful hosting option. A VPS hosting server is primarily considered as a stepping stone between shared hosting and dedicated hosting. To understand the concept in a better way, let us take an example. Shared hosting can be understood as living in an apartment with a couple of other people. It is a cheap option that comes with a whole lot of facilities. However, the only tradeoff is that you have to share the premises with several other people. So far as you are living individually and have small requirements, the service will work for you. A dedicated server, on the other hand, is like having your own house with several acres of land around it. all the facilities and resources that you have in there are just meant for your own use. In such a scenario, even if you invite a lot of people, i.e. experience high traffic, it won't be any problem. Now, VPS lies somewhere in between the two. It is like a dedicated server but with a limit on the resources that you can use. So, you can equate VPS to a townhouse. This implies that it is bigger than an apartment so sharing the property with others should not be a problem.
Different Types of VPS Hosting Services
Broadly, there are two types of VPS hosting services:
Unmanaged VPS
In this type, the VPS hosting service provider is responsible for installing the operating system and you, on the other hand, have to deal with managing the remaining aspects of the server. This includes installing the software, checking out the software updates, monitoring and analyzing the security threats, downloading security patches, configuring and maintaining the server, etc. In an unmanaged VPS, in the event of a hardware failure, you must not expect much support from the host. This type of hosting service is only recommended for those who come from an IT background.
Managed VPS
Website owners who come from a non-technical background must opt for this type of hosting service. In this, your hosting service provider shares the load by ensuring that your server is running correctly. They take care of the virtual server entirely by managing activities such as initial server setup, launching timely updates, handling and installing security patches, monitoring hardware functioning and streamlining automated backups. Before hiring any service provider, you must check out the level of management they offer. The tradeoff between unmanaged and management server is cost vs. flexibility. Although unmanaged VPS hosting plans are much cheaper, there is a snag that you must possess the technical know-how to operate it. On the contrary, if you want the server to be running safe and smooth, you must opt for managed VPS services.
Benefits of VPS Hosting
There are many benefits of hiring VPS web server hosting services. The most prominent ones are as follows:
Customization
With a VPS server, you can easily customize the OS to suit your precise needs. For instance, if you have your own server applications from MySQL, PHP, Apache, etc. you can easily customize it to ensure that the server fits your needs.
Control
VPS comes with the ability to oversee a hosting environment. apart from this, if you plan to download and install any app that necessitates a system restart before it can work, you can do that without affecting anyone else. So, even if you share a VPS server with others, you can easily restart your system without bothering others. Thus, VPS offers greater control.
Cheaper
It is much cheaper in comparison to a dedicated server.
Resources
With a VPS server, you get access to a predefined amount of RAM. You can use it when you need it the most. This is unlike shared web hosting, where others could eat up your RAM when you need it the most.
Scalable
VPS hosting service is highly scalable. You can purchase more resources as and when the need arises.
People who can opt for VPS Hosting Services
There are use cases for every type of hosting. VPS hosting is best suited to the following:
- Whose business is expanding beyond the checks of shared hosting
- Those who are anticipating a sudden increase in their web traffic in the impending times. For instance, if you are geared towards a new promotion campaign.
- Those who are planning to host more than one website in the near future.
- Those who are looking for better performance and privacy levels compared to what is available with shared hosting.
- Those who want complete control over the server with features like root access, custom configurations, etc. that are not available with shared hosting.
Pricing
The exact cost of VPS hosting depends upon the type of plan that you have chosen, which ultimately depends upon the amount of traffic your website experiences. Here is an average price charged by popular VPS hosting service providers in the country.
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