There are lots of web hosts out there. It can be baffling to choose what’s right for you.
Well, for most SMEs, a basic shared host just won’t cut it. But they’re not ready to spend extra for a dedicated server either. That’s why they often resort to a VPS (Virtual Private Server) hosting plan.
VPS is a midpoint between shared and dedicated hosting, providing power and reliable security at an affordable price.
The question now is: Does it fit your business’s specific digital needs?
In this article, we’ll look into what VPS hosting is, how much it costs, and if it’s something to consider for your website.
What Is VPS hosting?
A large physical server is divided into multiple units called VPS, also known as a Virtual Private Server. Each VPS runs its own operating system (OS) and applications and has its own portion of the server’s resources, such as RAM, storage space, and CPU cores. Since a VPS is independent of the others, it runs as if it’s a stand-alone machine.
To put it simply, imagine you own a condo unit in a building where you have your own resources you can use, like storage space and parking area. Your neighbours can’t simply barge in and use your resources. This means you need to share some facilities with the other tenants like the swimming pool and the fitness centre.
READ: How to Choose a Hosting Plan That Skyrockets Your Business Online
How Much is a VPS?
The hosting environment of a VPS is set up almost like a dedicated server, but cheaper. It gives you complete control over your OS and a share of key resources.
How much will it cost you?
Its cost depends on the type of VPS you choose and the resources you’ll need. You can get a VPS hosting plan for as low as $3 per month and as high as $100 per month.
If your website is for low traffic business or personal use, you can go for a VPS hosting plan that costs anywhere from $3 to $20 per month. However, if you expect a large surge of traffic on your website, you should consider paying $20 to $100 a month.
But before you choose a VPS host, here are some factors you should take note of:
Scalability: Look for a VPS host that can upgrade you to a dedicated solution when you outgrow your current server. As your business grows, you’ll see an increase in traffic on your website. You’ll also notice that you need an upgrade in features and functionalities to provide the same quality of service to your customers.
Security: Most VPS providers offer a variety of security features that can help keep you and your visitors secure. Choose a host that makes regular backups to minimise website downtime and to restore a complete server or a part of it if an issue arises.
Specifications: Look at the type of processors used and the number of cores that a VPS plan provides. Also, compare backup features, bandwidth, control panel, CPU, disk space, and RAM. For heavy traffic, you should look for a host that offers stronger features.
Support: Go with a host who is willing to assist you with your questions or concerns. Possibly, around-the-clock as well. This way, if you run into any technical issues, you can easily reach out to them and get help right away.
What Are the Pros and Cons of VPS Hosting?
Pros
- Cost: While VPS hosting costs more than shared hosting, it’s cheaper than dedicated hosting.
- Customization: You have complete control over your hosting environment. You can pick the resources you need and the OS you want to run on your VPS.
- Performance: Experience faster page load time and fewer server issues.
- Security: Receive better security options. You don’t need to worry about losing website data, outages, or slow page load time when there’s a lot of traffic.
- Scalability: Easily upgrade your resources to meet the needs of your growing business.
Cons
- Cost: While it’s not as expensive as a dedicated server, a VPS tends to be more expensive than a shared.
- Configuration. VPS hosting is less demanding but still needs some technical know-how to manage the server.
When Should I Consider Switching to VPS?
When your traffic grows
As your business grows, so does your traffic. With a VPS hosting plan, your website continues to run at top speed and your traffic flows smoothly.
When you experience slow page load time
Shared servers become crowded if multiple websites get a lot of traffic. This can cause server overload.
With VPS, you get a dedicated amount of CPU time, bandwidth, memory, and storage space. This ensures that your website runs with its own resources and responds rapidly at any time.
When you can’t afford a dedicated server
Though a dedicated server offers more server resources, control, and flexibility, jumping straight to it might be too hard on your budget. When there’s no room in your budget for a dedicated server, you can still get the same features with VPS without hurting your wallet.
When you need to store more data
If you need bigger storage, VPS is a logical step up for your hosting plan. You can host thousands of photographs in galleries or a high-definition media library with huge video files.
READ: 5 Telltale Signs It’s Time to Upgrade Your Shared Hosting Plan
Is It Time to Upgrade Your Shared Hosting Plan?
When your website outgrows a shared hosting environment, you may need to move to a host that provides more server power, functionality, and flexibility.
Since VPS hosting sits nicely between shared hosting and dedicated server, it’s an excellent choice for your growing website that requires a hosting plan that provides more but for a cheaper price.
