Virtualization technologies have come a long way, and their popularity and use will continue to grow. One such example is a private virtual server which is nothing more than a server installed on a physical machine or computer that is actually used as a part of shared hosting. Also known as VPS, it allows the user to use that particular computer as a dedicated server for hosting their websites, blogs, content, etc.
A VPS has its own operating system, RAM, bandwidth, and hard disk space and it is created by partitioning the main physical server. Users can gain access to this server, install software, and even restart it as if it was their own dedicated server. It acts like a bridge between shared hosting and dedicated hosting. There are many benefits of using a VPS. From being environmentally-friendly to superior performance, a VPS has changed the way hosting takes place; let’s take a look.
· Reliable
Nowadays, many web hosting companies are trying to acquire greater numbers of customers and provide them with the same web server in a shared hosting environment. Although this strategy might be good in the short-term, it diminishes the reliability of the service over a long-term.
This is because in shared hosting, all the resources of the physical computer are being shared by thousands of customers at the same time and that affects your website’s performance and uptime. On the other hand, a VPS is more reliable and since it emulates a dedicated server, your customers will have a better and more reliable service to look forward to. Your website’s performance and uptime won’t be affected in a negative way.
· Greater Control
With shared hosting, you are usually not allowed complete access to the virtual environment. This is because shared hosting is designed for performance and security, and if you want to install software, for example, you might not be able to do so due to the security limitations.
On the flipside, a VPS allows full root access, so you are free to do whatever you want. You can easily install custom software without any support from the hosting provider.
· Environmentally-friendly
When you select dedicated hosting, all the resources of the server are dedicated to you and hence, the power consumption increases. This results in more usage of electricity and thereby, more fossil fuels are burnt.
With a VPS, the resources of a single dedicated server are shared amongst many different users which decrease the consumption of energy, thereby reducing your carbon footprint.
· Cost-Effective
VPS hosting is inexpensive as compared to dedicated hosting which utilizes an independent physical computer as a server. Furthermore, VPS hosting is becoming cost-effective due to rapid advances in virtual technologies.
Nowadays, you can easily get a VPS for nearly the same price as you would for shared hosting, but without the drawbacks of shared hosting such as loss in uptime and performance.
