Web Hosting Packages - What Kind of Server Do You Need?

Choosing a web site hosting platform boils down to three features: space, flexibility, and room for growth.

If you have a basic website set up to inform potential customers about your business and direct them to your contact information, a site without online ordering or form submissions, then a shared platform should meet your needs. However, if you are a Web professional operating more than one site or if you operate a dynamic site that has multiple product lines or needs several interfaces, you will be left pondering the next two options: using and maintaining your own dedicated server or considering a VPS platform.

VPS

What Is a VPS?

A VPS uses virtualization software to parcel out physical servers into multiple virtual servers, each one offering the capability to run its own system and applications. Using a VPS is one level below utilizing an independent dedicated server. VPS may be an ideal choice for web developers and industry professionals that need to host several web sites, but is it a worthwhile investment for your company's Web site hosting? If you are considering the need and investment for your own server or VPS hosting, the following questions may help:

Are you running out of bandwidth to run your site with your current web host? Are you experiencing a diminished performance of your site? Do you have specific software that you want to run? Are you gearing up for increased growth in your website development? Do you operate more than one site?

If you answered "yes" to one or more of these questions, then a VPS platform or independent server are worth consideration.

Weighing the Pros and Cons

Now that you know you have needs that surpass the capabilities of a shared hosting option, you can use the following features to determine whether you should opt for a VPS or invest in your own server:

Server Advantages
Complete authority to run your own software, manage several sites, etc. Unlimited space
Server Disadvantages
Responsible for your own security Higher cost No technical support

If you have the budget and the technical capabilities within your organization to manage your own dedicated server, this is likely the route you'll want to go. However, independent or small business web professionals and some companies will want to find a happy medium. They need more than the shared hosting options available, but do not have the capabilities to house a dedicated server.

VPS: Bridging the Gap

VPS web hosting packages offer these advantages:

Less expensive than a dedicated server Technical support from a reliable provider Increased security Capability to install, delete or reboot software as though you had your own server Content easily moved to other platforms as your needs change

VPS hosting gives the illusion of a dedicated server without the cost or responsibility of housing one yourself, making it an ideal solution for many growing companies and thriving web professionals.

Web Hosting Packages - What Kind of Server Do You Need?