If you have been toying with the idea of creating a website for yourself, your first step would be purchasing web hosting. You must have probably begun the research already. Here I will share some facts about how VPS Hosting can be the most beneficial option for your website so you can make an informed choice. Here’s an all-you-need-to-know guide on VPS hosting.
Let’s start by understanding the complete meaning of VPS – the Virtual Private Server.
A server is a powerful computer that has the capacity to store all the files and other data of your website. It presents your website to a searcher who types your domain name on the web browser. Now, this powerful server is split into multiple virtual servers using virtualization technology. They then function like several separate servers. Although there are multiple servers, the server marked for your website is exclusively for you. Hence the word “private”.
VPS and other Hosting Plans
To understand the functioning of VPS hosting, you must know some web hosting basics. Let us briefly consider the differences between VPS and other popular plans -- shared and dedicated.
1. Shared Hosting
The most common web hosting format, it is good for new websites. A shared hosting account owner has to share his CPU, RAM, and hard drive space with several other websites owners on that server. This allows you limited space for your website’s files. Besides keeping your costs down, shared hosting provides an easy-to-navigate panel as for shared customers, the server is pre-configured and maintained by the host.
2. Dedicated hosting
Unlike shared hosting, dedicated hosting one gives you a server that is reserved just for your website. So, you do not have to pool resources with other websites. It, of course, costs you more. Therefore, it is a great choice for websites which:
- Have robust technical demands
- Get massive amounts of traffic daily
- Have their own operating system
- Manage financial transactions at a large scale
- Need customized software
The catch is, despite paying more, it doesn’t give complete control over your resources.
3. VPS Hosting
This one strikes a perfect balance between the above two types. It gives you the benefits of a dedicated server in a cost-effective manner. In this form, your main powerful server might also be hosting other websites. But you have a separate virtual compartment to which only your website domain is allocated. So, you get an exclusive CPU, operating system and a scalable RAM, with dedicated storage and unlimited bandwidth. Isn’t it bringing more bang for your buck?
Why will you need VPS someday?
A simple answer to this question is: To address the following issues.
The need is going to arise someday if you have bought a domain and maintaining a website. You know it is time to upgrade your plan to VPS hosting for one or more of the following reasons:
- Security: When your website needs enhanced security features, you turn to VPS. Along with top-notch security features, VPS also allows you more backup space and a stronger website with advanced monitoring capabilities.
- High traffic:If the audience of your website is steadily rising, you can start considering an upgrade. Constantly increasing traffic to the website may slow down its pace and cause it to crash eventually. It is wise to switch to VPS if you can anticipate a rise in the number of visitors.
- Slowed down website: Websites with huge RAM cannot do with shared hosting for a longer time. As it grows, a website naturally sees a denser content, and the load affects its performance. This is an indication that it needs expanded limits.
- For online store: You have no option but to upgrade to VPS hosting when you are planning an online store. Besides its other advantages, you get a secure and dedicated virtual server that has passed the PCI compliance test, the top Data Security Standard.
- For custom software: Shared hosting is useful for websites with standard programs and WordPress plugins. But when it comes to installing custom software or server configuration, then there is no better option that VPS hosting. It provides you with more control over your operating system with advanced programming options, and around-the-clock server availability.
- Server errors:The biggest block between you and your customers are errors such as “Service Unavailable”, “Internal Server Error” or 50X errors. They instantly put off a visitor. Websites in online business can’t afford such server errors. So, watch out for any such possibility in your website and avert it by upgrading to VPS.
- Budget constraint: Taking dedicated hosting package can solve a lot of traffic, quality and maintenance issues. But it is not so easy to move on to a dedicated server as it is a pricier option. If you have lower budgets and need to keep the costs under control while seeking to improve bandwidth, beef up your security, and get extra RAM, then VPS hosting is the best option.
- To build websites for clients: If you are building websites for your clients, purchasing individual shared plans each time can get unnecessarily expensive. Also, managing domains from separate accounts can get tedious. VPS allows you the facility of the hosting unlimited number of domains and enough RAM for each site.
Conclusion
After your website -- which you have taken pains to build up -- starts getting the desired attention, you naturally make efforts to maintain its performance. And this needs upgrading. And what can be a better option than VPS hosting that gives you the benefits of both a dedicated server at the prices which are only a little higher than shared hosting.