One of the hottest trends in web hosting today is Virtual Private Servers (VPS). Why wouldn't they? They provide a self-contained environment with enough resources to handle even high-traffic websites. VPS hosting eliminates all the risks associated with shared hosting: overselling, monopolizing resources, poor security. Meanwhile, virtual server plans are getting cheaper, making them more cost-effective than renting an entire dedicated server. Accessing VPS hosting has never been easier, but once you start looking around you'll realize there are some big decisions to be made. For starters, should I go with a traditional server type or would a cloud environment be more beneficial?
What is traditional VPS hosting?
The term "traditional VPS hosting" encompasses how this type of service was originally designed to work. You have a physical machine, which the host divides into a few virtual instances, each of which acts as a separate dedicated server. The hosting provider allocates the user a defined amount of system resources (CPU, RAM, disk space) that serves only that particular customer. This type of setup allows for maximum control and freedom of customization. The client has full control over the VPS platform, modifying its specificities according to the exact needs of his online project. Traditional VPS pricing is often offered on a fixed monthly fee, allowing you to add paid extras when needed. This makes these services quite predictable when it comes to budgeting, helping you keep the entire setup at a very affordable price.
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What is VPS cloud hosting?
Technology has evolved on a daily basis for the past few years and many industries have undergone major transformations in a very short period of time. Web hosting makes no difference, and this is largely due to the adoption of cloud computing services. But what exactly is the cloud? Cloud technology uses a large network of interconnected servers, all sharing the same pool of resources. The more machines added to the cluster, the more resources it can use. When it comes to VPS hosting, this setup is inherently different from a traditional server setup, where you're tied to your physical machine's CPU, RAM, and disk space. By comparing the two types of services, we can see some key differences…
Traditional VPS vs Cloud VPS
When it comes to choosing between a physical server or a cloud environment, there are a few things to consider that can easily tip the balance in favor of one or the other.
The most notable aspects to consider are: This one can be a bit difficult to compare since the two services may offer a different amount of resources up front. In theory, cloud VPS services could be more beneficial for growing projects because you can easily add more CPU and RAM on the fly. After all, you have a huge and practically inexhaustible reserve of potential resources.
Still, in a standard configuration, there is not much difference between physical servers and cloud-based virtual servers.
Scalability is one of the inherent advantages of VPS solutions. Illustrates the process of adding (or removing) one or more server resources as needed. The problem with traditional VPS hosting is that you don't always have this option. Especially when it comes to managed VPS plans, the provider prefers to offer fixed packages that are proven to maintain efficient performance.
Virtual servers in the cloud are much more dependent on scalability. Users often take advantage of this, especially since adding additional resources is as easy as clicking a few buttons on your control panel.
This is where cloud technology gives a massive boost to VPS hosting accounts. Your network setup contains copies of your website's essential data, so even if your underlying server goes down, there's always another machine to take over.
Cloud VPS users benefit from something cool called load balancing.
This greatly benefits high-traffic websites and online projects that experience sudden bursts of new visitors. When your physical server has too many requests at once, it can simply "grab" more CPU or RAM from the pool of resources the cloud offers.
In short, when it comes to uptime and uptime, virtual cloud servers will always take the lead.
Regardless of the type of VPS server, hosting providers always do their best to protect any virtual instance from the start. Cyber attacks are becoming more common and VPS platforms often host commercial or e-commerce projects that exchange highly sensitive personal and billing details.
If your host and webmaster have done a good job securing the server, it doesn't matter if it's on a traditional architecture or in the cloud.
Traditional VPS hosting has a slight advantage here, simply because of the single breaking point. While cloud networks often tout military-grade cybersecurity, in theory, hackers have even more options to "break in."
VPS solutions are typically less expensive than renting a dedicated server, but rates between providers can vary widely. Therefore, the price factor here must be determined by aspects such as predictability and profitability.
Due to their advanced scalability, virtual cloud servers are often preferred for more dynamic projects, websites that often experience sudden spikes in usage. This helps site owners keep things smooth and uninterrupted, sometimes even automatically.
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Traditional VPS or Cloud VPS: which one to choose?
When it comes time to draw the line, there is no one-size-fits-all solution in VPS hosting. Traditional and cloud architectures provide excellent performance and enhanced security for critical projects. This includes online stores, corporate websites, web apps, lead generation pages, and many more. But if your project is dynamic and traffic fluctuates a lot, a cloud VPS server is definitely the way to go. ScalaHosting is one of our top picks for cloud managed VPS solutions. The cloud industry is constantly evolving right now, introducing options like public cloud, private cloud, hybrid cloud... We have yet to see limits to technology and hosting providers and customers love it! !