What is a virtual private server (VPS)? It is a portion of a physical server or server cluster that is partitioned off and acts like an individual ‘virtual’ machine. This means that while existing as part of a greater system, a VPS behaves as if it was its own separate machine with its own resources, software and processing.

Performance and scalability

One of the most immediate advantages of a VPS is the performance. Compared with shared hosting, a VPS always performs at its best, regardless of what may be happening with other websites on the same physical hosting system, meaning faster processing speeds and reliable bandwidth. Also by nature of being a virtual entity on a physical server, a VPS is very scalable. Unlike a dedicated server, which has a very real limit on what it can provide, should you need more resources in a VPS it is usually trivial to upgrade to what you need. And while a dedicated server means you have the entire machine despite only needing a portion, with a VPS service you can downgrade as easily as you can upgrade should you not require as many resources.

Control and Flexibility

Unlike shared hosting, where the hosting provider determines the operating system and general software architecture of the server, with a VPS you are in control. You determine the VPS operating system, and any software you wish to run on it. With complete control, you can set up multiple partitions and virtualisations to manage and run whatever you wish.

Stability

Running as its own separate entity, a Virtual Private Server runs independently to any other VPS hosting services, that may be on the same physical machine. This means anything your digital neighbours do cannot affect what is happening on your VPS, and vice versa. This is also true for the server’s physical resources; a set amount of RAM, bandwidth, processing, and other physical resources are allocated to your VPS, which is specifically allocated to your service.

Maintenance

The maintenance of your Virtual Private Server is split both ways. On one hand, the dedicated service provider manages the server’s physical requirements, maintaining and upgrading hardware, running and installing patches, and worrying about repairs. They can also look after the backing up of your VPS, taking regular back-ups of your software so you don’t need to be concerned if the worst should happen. On the other hand, you have complete 24×7 access to your services, to monitor as you see fit. All the relevant statistics and information is there when you want it.

Pricing

Pricing is an important aspect to consider as well. You may want the flexibility and control a dedicated server offers over shared hosting, however, securing your own dedicated server in-house may not be feasible. This is where the option of a VPS can give you the requirements you want, while not incurring the same outlay and upkeep costs as your own physical dedicated server.

Netregistry offers a large number of VPS hosting solutions. You can read all about them at Netregistry online, or speak to a consultant on 1300 638 734.