VPS: discover the dedicated virtual server.

The properties of the VPS

• A dedicated server situated at the heart of a physical machine: the VPS is a virtual dedicated hosting solution at the heart of a server, a machine using a virtualisation system and other physical resources, thus facilitating the proper operation of the VPS. This first server is then divided into several servers. Each of them uses an operating system specific to itself and is able to reboot independently of the others.
• The VPS involves independent management: the VPS allows users to manage their server from the roots of the machine. It thus becomes possible to manage your server independently and securely, in the same way as a dedicated server.
• The virtual server is managed by a hypervisor: this manager of virtual machines means that each server can be assigned a portion of the resources, namely, of the processor, memory, and disk space.
• The VPS is capable of supporting the use of applications and other software: every user will be able to install the applications he or she requires depending on the operating system installed. The VPS is able to provide a mailbox, specific services for e-commerce sites, and can also facilitate the creation of blogs. Here again we can see properties similar to those of private hosting.

The VPS, thanks to its architecture being close to that of a dedicated server, offers undeniable advantages. We will look into these in a little more detail now.

Why choose a VPS: the advantages

• A good economic compromise between a shared server and a dedicated server: a shared server does not always meet a company’s needs due to lower performance and security levels. On the other hand, while a dedicated server is effective, it represents a not insignificant cost requiring a budget not available to all companies. The VPS can then be seen as an excellent compromise thanks to performances close to those of a dedicated server offered at a far more favourable rate. In fact, the processes for creating a VPS at the heart of an individual information system are simpler for web hosts, as well as faster and therefore less costly.
• There are many options on offer: being able to install your own operating system based on the programming language used, run applications and have access to numerous services provided by the VPS are all possible with this type of hosting. It is a particularly attractive solution. The options on offer are vast and will meet the majority of business requirements, and most likely more specific ones as well.
• A highly secure server: thanks to the encapsulation system aimed at ensuring the independence of each VPS, it is possible to secure servers which are managed in parallel by other users. As a result everyone will profit from a high level of security. All the more so since every VPS uses its own operating system. In addition, in the case of attacks, malfunction, or error, other hosted services will not be affected.
• The distribution of resources by the hypervisor: this is defined in advance by the web hosts. You will also pay for a minimum performance level which can often prove beneficial in practice. Basically, when VPS located on the same server are not being used, your own space will be able to profit from additional resources thanks to the hypervisor which is constantly redistributing them.

What are the disadvantages of the VPS?

• More complex management: in effect, it is the user who must access the machine’s root to manage his or her virtual server. The basic setup, as well as the maintenance and updates will also be managed by the user, and no longer by the host. In addition, it is necessary to have the understanding and expertise required to get the best use out of a VPS.
• Lesser network resources: the first server is controlled by a certain number of networks. The availability of these is therefore less significant than for a traditional dedicated server. The VPS therefore suffers from a substantial limitation which is its greatest disadvantage.

The VPS: for what type of user?

We have just seen that the VPS requires you to have certain understanding and skills to best use and manage it. Furthermore, its performance level is not as high as that of a dedicated server. It is therefore recommended to experienced users who do not have the budget required to obtain private hosting.

We also recommend using a VPS for the creation of shared sites, for example, or medium-scale e-commerce sites. Platforms that generate heavy traffic could also profit from VPS performances as well as those that require the installation of heavy applications or specific software, which is not possible with shared hosting.

How to make the right VPS choice?

• The technical properties: the processor, the RAM, and the storage are some of many resources that need to meet your specific requirements. Also, it should be pointed out that opting for a VPS capable of supporting the required processing load will grant you sufficient memory and storage space for your applications and different software programs.
• Further development options: the scaling of your virtual server must take the further development of your platform into account. We therefore recommend you to choose a host able to offer you a flexible and scalable solution that will allow you to resize your VPS to provide a sufficiently high-performing server with all the necessary hardware resources.
• Security and confidentiality: for a superior lever of security avail you may choose with a strong firewall for example. You should also make sure that your host guarantees the isolation of the different servers. Also check the location of the data centres. Different physical locations do not have the same regulations in relation to confidentiality. Therefore, if you are hosting unique data related to your customers, for example, you will need a higher level of confidentiality.