VPS Hosting
What is VPS and why should you
care about it?
VPS stands for Virtual Private Server, and the term is usually used when referring to VPS hosting. It’s also often confused with VPN, although VPS and VPN are two different things.
VPS hosting is typically a natural next step after you’ve run into the limitations of a traditional shared hosting plan.
This kind of server environment operates similarly to a dedicated server. However, instead of a single physical server, you’re sharing multiple physical servers, which are linked together through virtualization technologies.
There are many differences between VPS hosting and shared hosting due to the virtualization technologies employed in VPS hosting. Even though you might be sharing the same physical server there won’t be any overlap in resource use, and the other VPS accounts won’t affect your site in any way.
Here are the most common reasons website owners decide to upgrade to VPS hosting.
1. High Level of Performance
If you currently have a slow loading website, then you’re doing a disservice to your visitors and your website as a whole. If you’ve been utilizing shared hosting and have been noticing a drop in performance, then one of the first things you’ll notice is an improvement in your loading speeds and overall site performance.
VPS hosting is equipped to handle higher traffic levels right out of the gate. Plus, you have the ability to scale your server resources if your needs expand over time.
2. Improved Overall Security
When your site starts to grow in popularity there’s a chance you’ll start to experience more security threats. Even if you’ve done everything in your power to harden your site’s security you could still be experiencing issues. In this case, it’s time to upgrade your hosting.
VPS hosting offers you very high levels of security. You’re not only completely protected from other sites using the same physical server, but you’ll be able to implement other security hardening protocols as well.
3. Great Value Pricing
VPS hosting might not be in everyone’s budget, but it offers a great value for the resources you have access to. Essentially, you’re getting access to a dedicated server at the fraction of the cost.
Plus, with VPS hosting you’ll be enabling higher levels of performance and elevating the security protocols surrounding your site. When compared to shared hosting you’re getting a serious upgrade in hosting quality without a massive jump in price.
4. Greater Server Access and Customization
VPS web hosting will generally provide you with a greater level of server access, along with the ability to customize your server environment as you see fit. Some, like WordPress VPS hosting, will have certain restrictions for plugin use and overall configuration. However, others will operate more or less like a clean slate, allowing you to choose your operating system and build whatever configuration will supercharge your site the most.
Keep in mind that some hosts will also offer managed VPS web hosting, which means that the majority of the technical tasks required to manage your server will be taken care of by their teams. This option will help to free up your time and ensure your server is always fully optimized according to your website’s specifications.