There are numerous web hosting options available when you wish to host applications. VPS stands for virtual private server which means you get the independence of managing the entire resource of the server with no partner in a virtually administered environment. This means that you have complete control of the private server. The VPS scheme works basically by having many kinds of virtual web servers on an actual or physical web server and this system gives a feel and looks like a standalone dedicated server.
With many available VPS hosting providers in the web world, the task of choosing the best VPS hosting provider seems a little tricky.
This article shares the main clues to lead you toward a judicious decision. Read till the end!
What Is VPS Hosting?
The VPS hosting lies in-between shared web hosting and dedicated hosting in the spectrum of both control and power. This hosting service is a self-contained dedicated server that lives on a server with other VPS systems. VPS hosting is also known as a virtual dedicated system as it gives them control like a dedicated server but is housed on a real physical server with other VPS systems. Here, the user enjoys a good deal of flexibility with a VPS system since you gain the control, performance isolation, and flexibility of a dedicated server while only having to pay for a part of the server.
The VPS architecture is based on Operating System virtualization that provides the most effective use of hardware, software, and server resources. Every VPS executes exactly like a stand-alone server. The virtual private servers can be rebooted independently, as well as, have independent virtual objects such as root, users, IP addresses, processors, applications, settings, files, and folders.
Related: What Is Linux VPS Hosting?
Prime Elements Of VPS Architecture:
- Operating system-level virtualization
- Networking Virtualization
- Resource Management
A VPS server consists of some important components, like:
- Virtual server operating system
- Virtualization software
- Operating system
- Physical server
- Network
VPS Compared With Shared & Dedicated Hosting
Shared Hosting: This is the most common type of web hosting and the best option for new and small website owners. In a shared hosting environment, the key resources of the server like CPU, RAM, and storage are shared with the other users on that server. These web hosting services have some drawbacks like limited resource availability, higher downtime during a sudden spike of traffic, less security, and no root access to the server. However, shared hosting is popular as it is cheaper than other hosting services and easy to set up.
Dedicated Hosting: The features of this hosting service are just the opposite of shared hosting. Here, you don’t need to share the resources with other users, rather they are dedicated to you. Dedicated hosting is great if you experience high traffic, and need to configure the server as you want. However, dedicated hosting will be more expensive than shared hosting.
VPS Hosting: Hosting on a virtual private server is superior to shared hosting and similar to dedicated hosting. By choosing VPS, you share the server resources with other websites; but, in this case, only your website is allocated to your particular virtual compartment. For that reason, you can choose to customize the server by choosing your OS, RAM, storage capacity, and bandwidth.
Related: VPS Hosting Vs. Dedicated Hosting
When To Opt For A VPS?
If the server user is not happy with the limitations of shared hosting; but, is not ready to pay the higher price for dedicated hosting, VPS hosting is the best solution.
- If the VPS user needs enhanced security features, advanced monitoring features, and higher backup space.
- If the website starts to experience high traffic volume and is constantly growing.
- If the website or applications becomes slow or unresponsive day by day due to less RAM or storage.
- If you own an ecommerce website that experiences a lot of traffic.
- VPS hosting facilitates the Forex trading with no performance issues. Here, you can use the Forex VPS server.
How To Choose The Best VPS Hosting Service For Hosting Applications?
Server Uptime
Server uptime is the amount of time a server is online and serves the users. High server uptime is a must as minor server downtime can affect the search engine ranking of the hosted website. The isolated environment of a VPS is considered much more reliable to offer higher uptime, compared to the cheaper shared hosting plans. The VPS provider should offer the highest uptime possible like 99.9% to keep your website always available for the viewers.
Root Access
The root access gives the user of the server full control of customization. Every VPS hosting vendor does not offer this option. Opting for root access can be beneficial as you can choose your OS, change security settings, configure the server as you like, and install custom applications. In the VPS hosting environment, full root access allows you to have unrestricted and unhindered access to the server.
Reliability
The VPS hosting provider you choose should be highly reliable. Check if they promise higher uptime like more than 99.5%, have a good reputation on the web, and excellent customer support.
Hardware
The VPS service provider should offer the latest hardware resources to make sure your website runs smoothly on the server. The server should be loaded with processors ranging from 2 core to 6 core, higher RAM, and the fastest storage type – a solid-state drive or SSD. The lack of moving parts in SSD will increase the uptime of VPS.
Operating System
In most cases, the servers are run on two operating systems, Windows and Linux. You can prefer Linux VPS and Windows VPS plans as per your project requirements. Before you choose the VPS hosting provider, make sure that you are allowed the freedom to choose operating systems like CentOS, Ubuntu, AlmaLinux, Arch Linux, FreeBSD, OpenBSD, and more as per your hosting requirements for enhanced VPS performance.
Managed or Unmanaged
Managed VPS plans offer a managed environment like a shared hosting service, but with increased resources like CPU, and RAM. If the shared hosting service is not enough, but you are not ready to switch to the dedicated hosting service, a managed VPS is the best option.
Unmanaged VPS hosting service is best for advanced users who need more root access with freedom of customization. Here, the server user can install applications and configure the server, upgrade the server when needed, and custom partitioning.
Related: What Is The Difference Between Managed & Unmanaged VPS Hosting And Which One To Choose?
Cost
Cost is a prime factor to choose the right VPS hosting provider. Before doing that the server user needs to evaluate the needs of his business. VPS hosting prices entirely depends on its technical specifications, like the operating system, RAM, bandwidth, storage type, HDD or SSD, and storage capacity in GB. Another point to be noted is that unmanaged VPS will cost more than managed VPS. How many resources you need depends on how many websites or applications you run simultaneously and they experience how much traffic.
Almost all VPS hosting providers offer the service in multiple packages in different pricing models. Choose one which suits your needs.
Backup Service
Something can go wrong at any moment while upgrading the server or revamping the hosted website or application in VPS. The server user can lose everything if he or she missed to backup the site. This situation can lead to high downtime and losing business revenue. To avoid this type of situation, choose a VPS hosting provider who can offer easy backup solutions.
Customer Support
If anything goes wrong and you can’t decide what to do, only the customer support desk can be your help in need. They can assist in setup the server, customizing the cPanel, and managing the websites and applications hosted on VPS. Different VPS providers come with multiple levels of support. The best customer support of a VPS hosting provider will offer:
- 24/7 support
- Phone number to talk with a person
- Dedicated IT team if needed
- Live chat option to get a quick answer
Security
The security of a hosting service is a major factor to keep in mind, as any security-related disaster can lead to financial loss and damage to reputation. Undoubtedly VPS hosting offers better security than shared hosting; though, there are some differences among different VPS hosting providers, and also among different plans. For example, cloud-based VPS solutions can offer better security.
Conclusion
VPS hosting is considered the most affordable and go-to hosting solution for many advantages offered like isolation, flexibility, dynamicity, end-user control, disaster recovery options, higher scalability, and upgradability. When you want to host applications on the VPS, you must ensure to opt for a web host that offers a wide range of security features as well as backups, DDoS protection, and malware scanning. With these features, you will be able to create a safe and scalable environment for hosting the applications.
