Virtualization technology is on surge for a decade now and so is the VPS. VPS or Virtual Private Server hosting is based on virtualization technology wherein a physical server is sliced into multiple virtual servers. Websites hosted on these virtual servers are like hosted on their own dedicated servers, but in fact they share a single server with a number of other users. The best part of a VPS is that it offers clients some of the great features of a dedicated server without spending huge amount for a dedicated server.
With an array of benefits, mostly suitable for SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises), VPS hosting is booming with a significant rate and so is the number of VPS hosting providers. In this market scenario, where each hosting provider claiming to be the best hosting service provider, choosing the best VPS hosting provider is bit confusing which requires an insight into the VPS hosting.
Here are some salient factors that should be pondered while entering into a VPS hosting contract:
- Operating system: Check with the service provider whether they offer both the options of operating system. Windows and Linux – both are different hosting environment, each having their own advantages and disadvantages. The choice of operating system should be made entirely on the platform your application is based on. For an instance- If your Website is based on ASP.net or ASP, Windows environment would work better.
- Scalability & Redundancy: If your Website outgrows over the time, you would need your host to accommodate the surging needs of your Website. Also, you must check the redundancy of the datacenter. What’s their power backup plan? How they cope with the situation when there is a sudden failure in regular power supply? A good data center should have generators and UPS for uninterrupted power supply. Also, if the services of ISP are disrupted, there must be an alternative to it, or if one server gets overloaded, there should be an arrangement of standby server.
- Managed/Unmanaged: This is yet another important decision whether to choose Managed services or Unmanaged. Monitoring, managing and maintenance of server requires expertise in the field. Only a seasoned geek can perform the above tasks efficiently. So if you think you’re capable enough to manage and configure your server that includes – software update, repairing & rebooting, shutting down the server, perform patch-up, and forth, you shouldn’t spend money in buying managed services.
- Cloud or Traditional: Cloud computing is the latest technology that offer multiple benefits compared to a traditional VPS hosting. Cloud-based Virtual Private Server hosting doesn’t have limit as it offers you to add another server into cluster and additional storage into the centralized storage system.
- Specifications & Configurations: Specifications and configurations of server are, perhaps, the most important factors responsible for good performance of any Website. Server configurations which include RAM, Processor and Storage play a pivotal role in overall performance of a Website. Furthermore, hardware and other networking equipment must be evaluated in order to make sure they are from reputed brand.
- Solid Customer Support: What will you do if any technical issue arises and the technical support of your service provider is not responding or quick enough? This could be the most worrisome situation for you as a business owner as a long downtime would dent your brand image while causing inconveniences to your users. So enquire about the quality of customer support of the VPS hosting provider. No host is great in absence of a great customer support. A good VPS hosting provider should have highly-experienced and friendly team of customer support available 24*7 ensuring your business won’t get hampered should there be any technical glitches.
I am hopeful that these six factors will definitely help you choosing the best VPS hosting provider for your Website.
