A Virtual Private Server is a virtual machine that runs its copy of an operating system and allows users to have administrator access to that operating system. This means that users can install software running on the operating system. To put this into perspective for web developers, it means that a hosting company can, on one physical server, host multiple “virtual” servers.
Each of these virtual servers can run their operating system and application. Most web developers who require super user access to the server to run their software prefer Virtual Private Servers. So when do you need to switch from the typical web hosting setup to a VPS? Read on to find out.
1. Running Specific Android Applications
Sometimes web developers may want to customize their web hosting server. Other times, shared hosting does not provide enough technical flexibility and acquiring a dedicated server is quite costly. Here, a Virtual Private Server is an ideal option. With it, you get root access to be able to install or uninstall software, determine your custom server environment and also create accounts. You do not need to be worried about maintenance and security of the physical server because you are using shared hardware.
Virtual Private Servers are also brilliant solutions for enterprises that want the features dedicated servers offer but don’t have the resources to support, maintain or even physically host the server hardware. Shared servers (typical web hosted ones) won’t offer you same bandwidth or web hosting space that a Virtual Private Server will. In a shared environment, you will also have a lot of software constraints.
A Virtual Private Server, on the other hand, gives you freedom to do anything you want with your software. This includes installing deleting and rebooting. It feels as if you have your server but don’t need to maintain it. There is also increased security than on an environment. This is because every Virtual Private server is run separately from other Virtual Private Servers on the same physical server. In the event hackers get access to one virtual server, they can’t access the others using the physical server. On the same physical server, each virtual server can be halted or rebooted independently of the rest.
2. You’ve Grown Beyond Shared Mobile Website Hosting Servers
If the space provided on a shared website hosting plan is not enough for your site, you may want to look at Virtual Private Servers. The space issue mostly affects web developers who run multiple high-traffic websites. The “in-between” option that Virtual Private Servers offer helps you evade the cost and complexity of acquiring a virtual server. It gives any web developer flexibility and great scope.
When you discover that you use a lot of bandwidth and your website keeps getting slower and slower, a shared hosting plan does not offer ample resources for you. Shared website hosting limits the potential of your site because you share everything. A shared plan also means resources such as bandwidth; disk space may be affected if the traffic flow and bandwidth of other sites running the server increase.
VPS hosting is the ultimate answer for you if you have outgrown your shared hosting plan because you have a certain allocated amount of memory and bandwidth within your environment. When you make the switch to Virtual Private Server, being affected by other websites’ traffic flow and bandwidth will be a thing of the past. A virtual private server makes it easier to transfer your site to a physical server than if you are moving from a dedicated server.
3. Your Website is Key to Your Business
Some companies rely on their respective websites. They may include online Android application stores or those that provide online services to their customers. If you are in this category, you should start thinking of investing in a Virtual Private Server. It ensures a flawless performance that you won’t easily get on a shared plan.
Final Thoughts: VPS hosting vs. shared website hosting
Here, having a VPS is clearly more advantageous than a shared plan. It is the perfect balance of performance and flexibility without paying the hefty price tag. With a Virtual Private Server, you have an environment where you can develop your website more and test it. By this, I mean you can get two Virtual Private Severs and get one to be used for testing and the other for the complete website. You can test and debug software in a safe environment without affecting your main site. Imagine the cost of getting physical servers for that.
With a Virtual Private Server, you can you can backup data and store files. The ease of switching between your virtual servers can help you maintain your websites’ online visibility while doing significant changes and trying out different exciting features. Even the cheapest physical servers can’t compare. This is because when it comes to a Virtual Private Server, you are provided with technical support, and you do not need to worry about the condition of the hardware. Cheap physical servers need a lot of investment regarding security, maintenance, and support.
If you don’t want to fork out a lot of cash for a server, but you need more resources and a more secure environment, a Virtual Private Server is your best choice. It is your next move as a web developer to be more flexible and try out many crucial functions, like testing and further website development, smoothly.
