Privacy & Security
Hosting your site on a virtual private server essentially gives you your own server environment. Although many virtual private servers are run from one physical server machine, each VPS is entirely separated from the others on the system. This means that only you can access any programs you install or files you write to, which dramatically reduces the risk of other users hacking your website. In today’s sophisticated online world, this type of security can be essential, especially for business websites handling sensitive information.
More Space & Bandwidth
VPS hosting means sharing the resources of one physical server among many virtual servers. However, these hosting plans usually offer a “guaranteed” amount of resources, such as RAM and hard drive space. Your site will always have access to these resources, giving you a great advantage over shared hosting plans. Rather than having to fight for things like bandwidth, your site will always run off your private server environment, ensuring top performance even on the busiest of days.
Root Access
When using shared hosting, you have to go through your web host in order to install scripting environments such as MySQL or PHP. These installations are restricted to the type of applications available via your web host. But VPS hosting gives you root access, which means total control of the server environment. This also means that you’re responsible for setup and configuration of any software you choose to install, but for advanced users and those who are comfortable with learning their way around a new web environment, this can be ideal.
Versatility & Flexibility
Root access to a virtual private server gives you, the user, a great deal of flexibility. Rather than having to rely on the programs provided by a shared web host, you can install any software that’s compatible with the virtual private server’s operating system. Most hosting packages let you choose from a variety of operating systems so that you may work with one you’re comfortable with. VPS hosting also allows you to install as many web applications as you want. This gives you the ability to build quite an extensive website with a lot of features, which can be necessary for advanced users and businesses. A virtual private server can also be used to store files for backup.
Host Other Services
In addition to hosting your website files and any other files you feel like storing, virtual private servers can also host other services such as mail servers and FTP servers. This can be useful for businesses wishing to have total control over their website and e-mail environments, or for users who want to manage remote file access with greater security.
Host Multiple Sites
If you have multiple sites to host, shared hosting can become complicated and expensive. With shared hosting, you may have to pay separately for domain names and more space for your sites and related applications. With VPS hosting, you can host as many sites as your virtual server has room for. Some services offer unlimited domains as part of their VPS hosting package, taking the worry out of securing the necessary domain for each site. Another benefit of being able to host multiple sites is the ability to sell hosting space to others. Those of an entrepreneurial mindset can take their virtual private server and turn it into a small web hosting business if they so desire.
Cost
VPS hosting offers the flexibility and privacy of dedicated server hosting at a fraction of the cost. Instead of having to buy and maintain physical server hardware and spend valuable time on complex system administration, you get the freedom to focus on building your website in a secure, customizable environment.
A virtual private server is a good solution for users who require the features of a dedicated server but are unable to support or maintain the hardware required. The greater flexibility and security of VPS hosting makes it an ideal environment for business websites or any site that requires advanced features. Users looking to build a bigger, better, more customized website may find a virtual private server to be the best choice.
