Creating a thriving online project in today’s world is relatively simple. You can choose from a wide range of hosting companies and numerous site-building applications, each offering its own distinct advantages.
However, before diving into your new online endeavor, there’s one crucial question to contemplate — which hosting service is the best fit for me? The one that will provide sufficient resources for your website at a reasonable monthly price.
Alternatives are abundant — there are shared services, dedicated options, WordPress hosting plans, cloud servers, and the list continues.
In recent times, one hosting type has experienced significant growth in both clientele and market presence — VPS hosting. This sector is currently valued at almost $5 billion and is essential for the seamless operation of hundreds of millions of websites globally.
Let’s start with the basics.
What is VPS Hosting?
Virtual private servers serve as the next appropriate solution once you have outgrown your shared hosting account. They consist of virtual instances of a physical server, where each client receives a designated share of resources in a separate environment. This means you are allocated a specific amount of CPU, RAM, disk space, and bandwidth solely for your use.
Hosting providers furnish VPS servers through a method known as virtualization. This enables them to divide a single machine into multiple independent virtual instances, each with its own operating system, resources, and software environment.
Generally, there are two categories of VPS solutions:
- Managed VPS — you receive limited administrative access to the server, while your hosting provider handles all technical aspects. This is suitable for startups and novice users.
- Unmanaged VPS — you are granted full root access and are free to install and operate any OS or software you choose. The host is only responsible for the initial setup and offers no technical support. This option is ideal for web developers and companies with in-house server administrators.
The VPS structure resolves numerous issues associated with shared hosting accounts.
VPS Hosting Advantages
So, what makes virtual private servers particularly advantageous? More importantly — how can you determine when VPS hosting is necessary in the first place?
- Enhanced Scalability — VPS solutions are an excellent choice for expanding businesses. As your website gains popularity and starts attracting hundreds or thousands of visitors, your server resources will quickly deplete. The virtual platform allows for the addition and removal of resources in real-time, ensuring optimal speeds and consistent availability for your web projects.
- Full Control — VPS servers are perfect when you need to customize every aspect of your website. The shared environment (understandably) restricts your administrative access, as you can modify settings for all clients on the same server. Being isolated on a VPS allows you to explore extensive customizations and guarantee the ideal configuration, whether your website runs on WordPress, Joomla, or Magento.
- Optimized Security — Virtual servers are ideal for critical websites. A shared client’s security is directly influenced by all neighboring accounts on the same machine. You can implement all necessary security protocols, but still risk getting hacked through vulnerabilities beyond your control. The VPS confines your account in a virtual enclosure, making it resistant to external attacks.
VPS Hosting Disadvantages
Alongside the numerous advantages, there are a few challenges to consider if you plan to transition to a VPS server.
- Some Technical Experience Needed — Even if you choose a managed VPS service, having a basic understanding of server management is beneficial. You can still create and promote an excellent website — absolutely.
- Yet, possessing some knowledge of virtual machines will provide you with insights and the skills to fine-tune every aspect of your online project. Areas such as resource allocation, security protocols, and software efficiency can all be enhanced with the aid of a VPS.
- More Expensive than Shared — In comparison to shared hosting services, VPS solutions are understandably pricier. With fewer users sharing a single server, the costs are less spread out, and you gain significantly more in terms of system resources and added features. Although virtual servers have become increasingly affordable over the years, shared hosts remain the preferred option for budget-conscious projects.
Now, based on what we’ve learned thus far, let’s address the pivotal question.
When Is VPS Hosting Necessary
Considering the features of the primary hosting types, we can infer the following:
- You should consider VPS hosting when your website begins to expand and requires increased traffic and resource flexibility. Virtual servers are ideally suited for online stores, corporate websites, and enterprise applications due to their dedicated server capabilities and top-notch security.
- Shared hosting is better suited for individual and startup projects, as well as websites that have minimal requirements for disk space, RAM, and bandwidth. The low costs associated with entry-level plans are great for those starting with a limited budget.
- If you desire complete control and possess the technical expertise to manage a server independently, you would opt for an unmanaged or dedicated server. The possibilities are boundless, but you will not receive any assistance from the hosting provider.
Typical Uses of VPS
Web Hosting
VPS is frequently utilized for web hosting. It can serve various types of websites, including personal blogs, e-commerce sites, project management platforms, and forums. These sites can be developed using popular software like WordPress, Drupal, phpBB, and Strapi. They can also be built from scratch using specific programming languages such as PHP, Java, and Python. Often, VPS hosting providers offer numerous beginner guides to help users host a website.
Here are a few guides on hosting websites on VPS.
Create a Backup Server
Users can configure VPS as a remote storage solution to securely back up essential files and data. This ensures data redundancy and protection against possible hardware failures. For instance, you can set up your own cloud storage using Owncloud or Nextcloud software. Users can also use VPS to create online albums for their photos. Database Mart provides various backup solutions designed to protect clients’ data and secure businesses, covering both VPS and dedicated servers. If you’re in the market for a VPS to create a backup server, feel free to explore the backup solutions page for more information.
Host a VPN (Virtual Private Network)
With VPS, you can establish your own VPN, creating a secure and private network for internet access or connecting remote locations. However, some countries may prohibit this type of use, and the associated IP addresses could be banned. Thus, VPS hosting providers may restrict this application. Make sure to verify with your service provider whether they permit hosting a VPN.
Host Game Servers
Setting up a personal game server allows you to connect with other players and friends, fostering your own community. It also provides numerous advantages, such as control, community development, performance enhancement, cost efficiency, customization, learning possibilities, and increased privacy and security. This setup allows gamers to curate unique gaming experiences and build communities around their favorite titles. To achieve all these benefits, gamers typically choose to host their game servers. They can search for hosting services tailored to specific games, such as Factorio server hosting, Ark: Survival Evolved server hosting, best Minecraft hosting/rent Minecraft server, and 7 Days to Die server hosting/7 Days to Die dedicated server.
Host a Mail Server
A VPS can be configured to operate a mail server, managing email communications for either personal use or small businesses. However, it’s crucial to understand that if your VPS IP address becomes associated with malicious activities like spamming, phishing, malware distribution, or involvement in a botnet, it can severely damage your financial standing and reputation. Additionally, this would violate the Terms of Service of the VPS hosting providers, potentially leading to cancellation or suspension of your service. Thus, you should only set up a mail server for legitimate communication and refrain from engaging in any abusive practices.
Forex VPS
Financial institutions, trading platforms, and payment gateways require uninterrupted service to process transactions, handle sensitive information, and ensure secure connections. A VPS that runs continuously helps uphold the reliability and security of these services. Database Mart has supported many clients with their trading platform needs, including MT4, MT5, and Exness.
Application Development and Testing
Developers often utilize VPS for building and testing applications prior to their deployment in production settings. This allows them to explore various configurations and settings without impacting the main server. A VPS also simplifies remote development efforts by enabling developers to create isolated environments, letting them work on projects without affecting their local systems.
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Systems
ERP systems are essential for organizations to oversee various operations, including inventory, finance, and human resources. A continuous VPS guarantees that critical business functions proceed without interruption. Common ERP and CRM software includes Odoo, Dolibarr, ERPNext, OrangeHRM, and SuiteCRM.
How to Select a VPS?
Considerations to Keep in Mind Before Purchasing a VPS Server
To ensure the VPS meets your particular requirements, there are several factors to evaluate before purchasing a VPS server. These elements are typically included in the plan package. It is advisable to reach out to the team if you have any uncertainties or inquiries.
CPU: The CPU delivers the instructions and processing capability necessary for the computer to perform its tasks. CPUs contain processing units referred to as cores. A CPU with more cores can handle a higher number of instructions in a specified timeframe.
RAM: RAM stores the program instructions and data that the CPU is currently utilizing. More RAM space results in improved computing performance.
Storage: There are primarily two varieties of storage: SSD and HDD. SSDs are generally much quicker than even the best-performing HDDs. Latency is also significantly decreased, leading to much quicker boot times for users.
Bandwidth: Increased bandwidth allows for faster data transfers, which also enhances the speed at which your website loads. When searching for optimal VPS hosting, a bandwidth of 100Mbps is usually sufficient for various applications.
Data center location: The nearer your data center is to your website’s audience, the quicker your pages will load. It is advisable to keep your servers nearby; they don’t necessarily have to be in the same city but should ideally be in the same country.
Uptime: Uptime indicates how long a computer or service remains operational and accessible. It is an industry standard to offer at least 99.9% uptime, which means service providers must limit downtime to under 90 seconds daily, less than 45 minutes monthly, and no more than 9 hours annually.
Scalability: Typically, your applications or websites will expand over time, necessitating an increase in RAM and/or disk space for the VPS server. The best VPS hosting options allow for easy scaling or plan upgrades, or even plan customization at any time, with minimal downtime.
Technical support: 24/7 support ensures you can receive assistance and find solutions to questions as they arise—around the clock and in real-time. This is particularly crucial during instances of downtime.