Website hosting rarely sits still. 2008 will be no exception to this rule. Among the changes taking place in the web hosting world is a shift into virtualization - and specifically into VPS web hosting, also know as a virtual private server.
Cheap hosting directory checked with the VPS web hosting experts at HostMySite.com, among others - to come up with a guide on what to look for in VPS hosting for 2008.
What exactly is VPS hosting or a Virtual Private Server?
According to Wikipedia, ''A virtual private server (VPS, also referred to as Virtual Dedicated Server or VDS) is a method of partitioning a physical server computer into multiple servers that each has the appearance and capabilities of running on its own dedicated machine. Each virtual server can run its own full-fledged operating system, and each server can be independently rebooted.''
The site goes on to say, ''The practice of partitioning a single server so that it appears as multiple servers has long been common practice in mainframe computers, but has seen a resurgence lately with the development of virtualization software and technologies for other architectures.''
Why select a Virtual Private Server hosting plan?
The 2 main reasons to select a VPS web hosting plan over either a shared web hosting account or a dedicated server are:
1. When a shared account has resource constraints, or server resources are becoming scarce as multiple website owners are sharing the same server resources, this may trigger the need for a VPS account. In contrast to a dedicated server (whether a fully manager web server, or a self-managed dedicated server) the VPS web hosting account is almost always considerably cheaper than a dedicated server. Although the virtual private server approach is more cost effective, it often encompasses the very same features as a dedicated solution. The main benefits being: root level access (the ability to manage your server resources separately from others, including the ability to reboot at will), isolation from poorly written code and application from others sharing a server which may slow or cripple the server, and a higher level of security.
2. As a substitute for a dedicated server, but at a lower cost. Take for example the concept of a testing or staging server. You may want to run tests for a certain bit of code, or test applications that may prove unstable. Rather than incur the expense of a dedicated server, one may accomplish the same ends through use of a VPS hosting account.
Why are VPS web hosting accounts becoming popular?
The software enabling the creation of discreet partitions on the server and giving the appearance of a dedicated server have become much more prevalent and cost effective. Licenses for such software are becoming much more affordable as the popularity of VPS accounts increases. Increased competition from various vendors is also getting the pricing to attractive levels. Finally, the software applications themselves are much more robust and have been more fully developed as the software undergoes greater adoption in the marketplace.
What should I expect to pay for a virtual private server web hosting account?
Just as there is a wide range of cost associated with dedicated servers ($99 - multiple thousands of dollars, for clustered, firewalled, multi-machine solutions) there are a number of price points for VPS as well. On the low side (read ''stripped down'') one can find a VPS account for under $50. To obtain an account with all the ''bells and whistles'' and complete functionality may run as high as $200 or so.
Whatever the cost, virtual private servers or VPS web hosting accounts are here to stay. Good luck finding the account that works best for you and your applications.
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