There is no conversation about network services, infrastructure, servers, etc., in which VPS (Virtual Private Server) does not come up and which automatically its merits are beginning to be mentioned in more meanings. However, there is still a lot of ignorance about what exactly they consist of, what we can do with them, and how they differ from other server solutions. Therefore, it is best to start by clarifying what a VPS is and then be able to assess its advantages over other alternatives.

What is a VPS? VPS is for short a type of infrastructure that uses virtualization to provide dedicated server resources on a server shared by multiple users. So we can say that private virtual servers are located between a server shared among multiple users and a dedicated server that is used exclusively by us. Of course, this brings us to the first important clue, which is that we are talking about a fairly balanced solution that tries to take the best of both models.

So, Operation with VPS is similar to what we get with a dedicated serverwith complete and exclusive control over what happens in it. We can configure the server according to our needs and preferences, deploy the services we want, monitor its operation without restrictions… in short, exactly the same as we would have with a dedicated server, but with more favorable conditions.

The first advantage that is usually mentioned about VPS is its price.and the cost of the server running the VPS instance translates into a very, very important cost reduction, which is always great news. Now there is an even more important aspect that has to do with the way a virtual private server is able to always respond to our needs, no matter how they change.

Scalability is the key word. Unlike a dedicated server that has a specific configuration, when we hire a VPS, we offer a high level of customization of its key components: CPU cores, RAM, storage capacity, bandwidth of your network configuration, etc. Now, if we need to make changes to it later, thanks the fact that our server runs on a virtual machine, we can adjust these settings at any time according to our needs, and we will do it in a very simple way, with a click of the mouse.

Thus, we will forget about terms like “provisioning«, which causes so many headaches in the daily life of many infrastructure managers. With a plus, which brings us back to the first point, which is that by adjusting the resources allocated to our server based on our actual needs, we will pay for exactly what we need, not what we may need in the future. .

To make it clearer how a VPS stacks up against shared servers such as shared hosting and dedicated servers, here’s a quick rundown of the benefits that set it apart:

Advantages of VPS over shared server

• Reserved resources– In a VPS, you have a fixed amount of CPU, RAM, storage and other resources reserved exclusively for your use, which improves performance and stability compared to a shared server where resource availability can be affected in high load situations.
• Isolation: VPS offers complete isolation, which means that problems in other services running on the same physical server will not affect your VPS. In a shared service, the performance of your jobs may be affected by traffic and issues from other sites.
• Control and customization– With a VPS, you have root or administrator access, which allows you to configure the operating system and applications according to your needs. Configuration options are limited on a shared server.
• Safety– VPS isolation provides more security compared to a shared server where a vulnerability in one service can potentially affect others.
• Scalability– Resources on a VPS can be easily scaled up or down as needed, while on a shared server the scalability options are much more limited.

Advantages of a VPS over a dedicated server

• Costs: u VPS is significantly more affordable than a dedicated server, making it a more affordable option for many users and small businesses.
• Scalability– A VPS can be easily scaled by increasing or decreasing the allocated resources as needed, while scaling a dedicated server may require purchasing additional hardware or moving to another computer.
• Rapid deployment– VPS setup and deployment is usually faster than a dedicated server.
• Flexibility in initial configuration– Setting up a VPS can be easier and more flexible because you can choose from several predefined configurations and templates, while setting up a dedicated server from scratch can take more time and effort.
• Resource management– On a VPS, resource management such as bandwidth and storage can be more efficient with virtualization, while on a dedicated server, resource management and optimization may require more technical attention.

So as you can see VPS is in many cases the most suitable option for fast and customized deployment infrastructure that we need for any purpose. Which, of course, explains to us that today it is the preferred option of many administrators and those responsible for all types of services, and that this list is growing every day.

Content offered by OVH.