Virtual servers are considered to be a middle ground between shared hosting and dedicated servers. When is VPS the best option for your tasks & when should you look into other solutions? What are the main advantages & disadvantages of VPS hosting? We answer these questions in this article, as well as compare VPS to other hosting platforms.
What is a Virtual Private Server?
Before listing the advantages & disadvantages of VPS hosting, it is vital to outline the basics of this technology. A VPS is a virtual segment of a physical dedicated server created using a hypervisor. Each VPS has its own CPU cores, RAM and storage space, just like any regular server. Multiple virtual machines are deployed on the same physical host, and each of them uses a part of the physical machine’s computing power. These segments are fully isolated and inaccessible to other users.
VPS advantages
Low price
Renting a VPS is a great way to upgrade your IT capabilities without overspending on IT. While virtual servers cost more than shared hosting, the price increase comes with more technical capabilities. This platform is often used for tasks that have outgrown shared hosting but don’t require the computing power of a dedicated server. For example, an online store with a growing client base may benefit from switching to VPS before renting a more expensive solution. The store will require more computing power as it grows but renting a server may be inefficient in the short term. The owner will still be paying for the entire dedicated server, even if most of the resources are idle.
High computing power
While the average VPS offers less computing power than a high-end dedicated server, the configurations of these solutions often overlap. The physical machines used to host VPS typically use better hardware than the machines used for shared hosting, as the service is meant to provide functionality comparable to a dedicated server. Furthermore, VPS users get a bigger share of the physical host’s resources, allowing the solution to be used for tasks with heavier workloads. This way, a VPS is a significant upgrade from shared hosting in terms of computing power, but for a lower price than a dedicated server with a comparable configuration.
Unlimited use-cases
Each VPS user gets full root access to the server. Your VPS can be used for anything within the limits of its computing power, from hosting websites to testing or developing software. This is uncommon for shared hosting due to its lower computing power and weaker security. You can use your VPS to set up a gaming server while running a VoIP service and an in-game store at the same time. Finding the right virtual server for the task won’t be difficult: some providers offer configurations tailored to specific tasks. For example, Serverhino has a range of VPS-based solutions with pre-installed software packages, including a solution for hosting Minecraft servers.
High security
A virtual server is a fully isolated environment only accessible to the client. For example, if another user’s VPS gets infected by malware, it will only affect their system. With shared hosting, there’s nothing to prevent the virus from spreading to other partitions of the server. This makes VPS a better choice for working with confidential data, especially if the user’s clients are expected to enter their billing information on the website. Other benefits of an isolated hosting platform include the ability to use your own IP address. This way, the reputation of the IP will not be affected by other users who may be using the hosting platform for malicious purposes.
Improved stability
The use of hypervisors in VPS significantly improves stability compared to shared hosting. The latter relies on the expectation that resource usage will be the same for most users. If a shared hosting user gets a traffic surge beyond the capabilities of their resource quota, the computing power will be taken from other clients. This is impossible with VPS, as every client gets dedicated resources that cannot be used by anyone else. This leads to better performance and less downtime for each user. While a user may cause a failure in the physical host by overloading their VPS, such cases are promptly handled by the provider. Automated backup services are often used by VPS vendors to mitigate such risks.
VPS disadvantages
Overlapping resources
While the resources of each VPS are supposed to be isolated from each other, some untrustworthy providers practice resource overselling. In such cases, your actual resource quota is lower than what you paid for; the provider expects that you will never use the VPS to its full potential. This way, traffic surges will lead to worse performance for each virtual machine on the server. This issue can be avoided by choosing a reliable VPS provider: check if client reviews mention any instances of resource overselling and analyze the provider’s Service Level Agreement before ordering your server.
Complicated management
Virtual servers are highly customizable, but they also require users to have the technical know-how to implement the features they need. Some providers offer VPS as a blank slate, which means you will have to install the OS, set up your own security measures, network connections, etc. Even if a user has the knowledge required to get their VPS running as they intend, this still takes time and effort. Fortunately, other VPS vendors offer a range of additional services, and you can order a VPS with a pre-installed OS image or even a full software package for a specific task. Full or partial management services are also available to users who wish to delegate day-to-day tasks to technical experts.
Inefficient scaling
VPS rental services have some options in terms of configuration; however, they offer less flexibility than dedicated servers or clouds. Some providers replace dedicated server components on demand, as the machine is only used by one client. Cloud servers can be scaled without replacing the components at all. Finally, virtual servers can only be scaled by renting another VPS with the required configuration. However, this process can be made more convenient for clients. For example, we automatically transfer data from one virtual server to another when a user upgrades the service.
Is a Virtual Private Server worth it?
VPS is a significant step-up from virtual hosting; it offers the computing power & functionality of a dedicated server for a fraction of the price. As long as the configuration of the virtual machine matches the demands of your tasks, VPS will be a stable, secure and inexpensive solution. However, if you need the computing power of a dedicated server or the flexibility of a cloud, these options may serve you better.
Choosing a hosting platform is a matter of comparing its functionality to your requirements. However, the finer details of how your service is going to function often depend on the provider. Our technical staff has decades of experience in the IT sector, which is why we understand the importance of creating a comprehensive experience that combines raw computing power and high-quality customer service. We’re available 24/7, no weekends or days off – reach out to us with any questions regarding our VPS service, and we’ll gladly answer them.
