VPS hosting plans are one of the most secured and fastest growing webhosting service. Let’s have a look at what VPS hosting is and the top 7 most popular VPS hosting advantages. By the end of this article you will understand VPS hosting service and see why it's growing in popularity.
What Is VPS hosting?
VPS or Virtual Private Server is a web hosting server that houses website’s storage for files and data. VPS hosting is similar to living arrangement that exists within an apartment complex. Wherein everyone shares the compound, but has their own apartment with its own set of resources. In the case of the apartment, you have your own utilities, cable, phone and grocery bills. With VPS hosting, the resources dedicated to each user includes, but are not limited to, CPU, bandwidth, storage, RAM.
How does VPS Hosting Work?
VPS hosting is a server with its own copy of operating system and allocated server resources, but all of that is inside a larger server. Think about the apartment compound example analogy above. The developers for the compound wants it sold, but they know that one person may not be able to buy it, so they split it up into apartments, t hat way they get want they want without forcing the cost onto one buyer. It’s the same principle with VPS hosting. It splits up one powerful server into multiple virtual servers so as to make it more cost-effective for users. VPS performs like a dedicated server by giving users their own system processes, logins, custom application software and file-systems with unlimited root access. It is also similar to a dedicated server, in that it provides the highest level of security and has firewall protection that can be customised. In also secures your isolated disk space. Learn more about VPS security and get tips to on how to secure your VPS plan here.
Who Uses VPS Hosting?
Since VPS gives users more freedom and costs less than dedicated servers, it is ideal for individuals and businesses. So, if you are looking for more control over your virtual environment VPS hosting is for you. It has way more resources than what’s offered in shared hosting plans. And finally, it's more secured since each website is isolated on the server. This can explain why it has a higher rating than shared servers. By now, you must be wondering what other VPS hosting advantages are there? Let's find out.
VPS Hosting Advantages to power your site
The cost of VPS hosting, in comparison to a dedicated server, is one of its many pros. Here are some other VPS Hosting advantages that will help to boost your website's speed, security and online visibility.
1. Increased resources
This may have been mentioned before and may be mentioned several times after this, but the resources offered by VPS are worth all the talk about them. Let’s look at bandwidth and disk space for example. Overtime, the traffic and content on most websites will increase. This means that you will outgrow the host you started out with and need to upgrade to a host that better suit your needs; one that can manage the traffic volume to your website. Additionally, the more content you add to your site, the slower it may get after a while, especially if your website depends on database-intensive operations. With the dedicated resources virtual server hosting provides, you do not have to worry about those things as they are non-issues for VPS users.
2. Scalability
Users can start off with the very basic amount of resources they require at the time and then add to that as it becomes necessary. And because it is tailored to each user’s need, it means you only pay for what you use. If you scale up, you pay a little more and vice versa.
3. Root Access
The Root access provided by VPS gives users total control over their account. For example, it gives you more control over your virtual server which allows you the independence to change your setup to meet your needs as often as you want and you don’t need permission before you can make those changes. VPS also gives users the freedom to install as many software as they need to and again, you do not need approval to do your installs as these actions can be done from the interface of your control panel application.
4. Performance and Stability
With shared hosting, your neighbours action, impact you. But with VPS, this is not so. What other VPS customers do will not have any serious impact on your operation, because you have our own dedicated resources. This also provides stability to you and your customers, in several areas. These include reliable load time on your website, which is generally between 99 and 99.9 percent. That is much faster than that of many shared hosting sites.
5. Increased Security
By ensuring you have your own, dedicated server, VPS hosting increases your security, and reliability. Remember the apartment compound? What your neighbour in apartment 12 doesn’t directly affect what you do over in apartment 23. Same idea with VPS hosting; the actions of others on their server, do not impact your server. So, if you are concerned about security breach on your shared server, VPS hosting is a great option to consider.
6. Cost-Efficiency
As mentioned before, VPS hosting costs less than a dedicated server. Despite the idea that it is very expensive and only meant for big businesses with big budgets, VPS offers some very affordable solutions. These services will be even more cost effective with the developments in virtualisation technologies. You can get a VPS hosting plan for as low as $10 per month. Remember its scalability allows you to pay for what you want, so if a $10 dollar plan gives you that, that’s all it’ll cost you.
7. Live customer support
If something were to go wrong with your website, you will have access to customer support, which is usually available 24\7 for most VPS hosting providers. And the support varies from phone and live chat to a ticketing system. Whether it’s provided in one or all forms, your VPS host will ensure you are able to get the help you need when you need it.
Summary
A Virtual Private Server, VPS, is the ‘sweet spot’ between shared hosting and dedicated servers. It offers users access to a host of features, provided by a dedicated server, but at a fraction the cost. And the rapid increase in the technology, the prices are expected to get even cheaper. Therefore, more businesses will have access to the service. VPS also offers users a great level of security and total control over your server. Things that shared hosting cannot guarantee. So, if you are looking for access control, better performance, privacy and security at an affordable price than shared hosting, VPS hosting is a great option to consider.
