subject: A guide to VPS hosting [print this page] A guide to VPS hosting A guide to VPS hosting
You might know it already. Web hosting is tricky stuff. Of course, you have different hosting options for different needs. But, with each option, there are a number of trade-offs.
So, what is VPS hosting?
Before we get to that, let us understand what shared hosting is. In shared hosting, you will be placing your files (the files that make up your website) on a shared server. Other people will be sharing your server. This means you pay less for the hosting service. It also means you will be sharing your valuable resources with others. This includes RAM, Disk space and CPU. When too many people dip into the same bowl, you could face problems like slow download and more downtime. These are the banes of a shared server.
As your business grows, it will generate more traffic. This places unbelievable burden on the server. So, when the business becomes too big for a shared server, you should ideally move on to VPS hosting.
VPS hosting has several advantages:
* It is flexible, meaning it can adapt to your changing need
* It is scalable
* It is highly economical
Thus, VPS hosting plans are best suited for those businesses that need to move away from shared servers but haven't become big enough to warrant a dedicated server. Dedicated hosting plans are always very expensive. Therefore, businesses that require large databases and have loads of traffic have to invest in dedicated hosting. Smaller ones can do without that.
So, VPS hosting falls somewhere in between, and is therefore suited to most businesses on the net.
What are the advantages of using VPS hosting?
Like dedicated hosting, VPS hosting gives your website dedicated disk space and RAM, but you will be sharing the CPU with others. The shared processor may impact the performance of your website. However, most reputed companies guarantee maximum uptime. Additionally, hosting companies allow server level customization because they allow you to install your own Operating System and other software on the server.
Reputed service providers offer a Burstable RAM with their VPS hosting package. This is a pool of memory that can accommodate special requirements. So, if and when you receive extra traffic, this pool helps your website perform at its optimum. Burstable RAM is unavailable on shared hosting.
Most reputed companies offer a high level of support with VPS hosting plans. There are some companies that offer semi-managed VPS solutions, and some companies are completely hands off. This is alright if you have the technical know-how to install and customize your software on the server. Unfortunately, most businesses do not have this kind of expertise.
So, VPS hosting is truly the Via Media' or the middle path. It gives you the benefits of dedicated hosting at a price that is just a little more than shared hosting.
