subject: Unmetered Dedicated Or Virtual Private Server - Making The Right Choice [print this page] Growing online businesses today whose needs surpass that of what a shared hosting environment can provide will have to make a choice between a Dedicated and Virtual Private Server (VPS). Moreover, they will have to decide whether to get unmetered server or a metered hosting service. Here is a guide to help you.
A VPS is a new technological advancement in IT. Simply put, it is a dedicated server that runs several virtual machines simultaneously. It allows hardware to run more efficiently at a higher utilization rate. Since several machines run on one single hardware, you can significantly save on costs (electricity, hardware, cooling, backup power) and amount of physical space needed. This makes VPS webhosting a lot affordable than dedicated hosting.
On the other hand, unmetered services have always been most advisable for growing web businesses. An unmetered server protects you from being charged hefty fees if you use more bandwidth than allotted to you. With unlimited dedicated webhosting for example, you are charged based on gigabyte measurement (not per megabyte), allowing you more bandwidth. More bandwidth means faster downloads and allows more visitors to access your site at the same time without experiencing loading delays. Unmetered VPS works the same way, but allows you a range of choices in OS and software installations, at a fraction of a price.
Now, here are some tips to help you decide whether to get unmetered dedicated hosting or VPS:
If your web applications need large capacities of RAM on a regular basis, an unmetered dedicated server might be better for you. Although VPS plans can go as high as 1 gigabyte of guaranteed RAM, getting a dedicated server with a RAM exclusive to you might make a difference.
If you need a large amount of space (i.e. 150 or 200 GB), a dedicated server will allow you to scale for further expected growth. You will never know when some situations might suddenly require you more space.
A VPS is a good choice for those who require more access and control over their system (i.e. accessing SSH as root) or have freedom over your server OS and software, a VPS will work better. It provides the software control convenience of dedicated web hosting without costing as much.
For mission-critical services, unmetered dedicated service is highly recommended. Stability and reliability are two things you need to pay more for.
If your online business is expanding at a rapid rate or if you expect it to in the near future, it is always best to prepare for the growth potential with a dedicated server. Migrating from an unmetered VPS to a dedicated server is much more complicated than adding another hard drive to a dedicated server.
Finally, if you have limited budget and have a busy not-so-very-critical site to host, go for VPS
