Do I need a Virtual Private Server (VPS) cloud or Dedicated Server for my Small Business?
Very often a small business or SMB reaches a point where their online systems, website or lead generation channels begin to experience severe growing pains and may therefore impact performance for site visitors and even internal staff tasked with managing a company’s Internet presence.
Typically, most small businesses will initially get their feet wet with a shared hosting package which keeps costs low and offers a very simple entry point into launching and running a website.
They, along with hundreds of other SMBs, will share a single remote server featuring cheap hosting rates, free software and a reliable uptime guarantee.
However, as the SMB grows and launches new e-commerce products (consumed by users on a diverse array of devices including laptops, tablets and Smartphones) it may require more firepower than a shared server can dish out.
The SMB generally has two choices when faced with this situation, depending on their appetite for risk and what level of control they wish to exert over their online systems.
A Virtual Private Server (VPS) Cloud
A VPS cloud is the next natural evolutionary step for an SMB that seeks to acquire higher performance levels and feature-sets from their hosting provider. It extracts the best features of cloud computing, which is driving innovation in the IT sector and the general web-hosting arena.
A VPS clouds allows an SMB to precisely control CPU, RAM and Hard Disk space using attractive, simple online wizard-driven dashboards. Resources are spread over several servers allowing the hosting company to offer self-healing capability with automatic failovers. Essentially, a VPS cloud gives you the ability to scale your resources up or down, in minutes, at very low rates. It’s more powerful than a shared server but less complicated than purchasing a dedicated server outlined next.
If your IT admins (or your company staff in general) are control freaks who enjoy getting their hands dirty with regards the daily operational issues attached to running a web server, then a dedicated server is perfect for your SMB! Your team has complete control over the physical server; no other companies share resources on this box. You can choose between Linux and Windows operating systems and immediately benefit from giant increases in hard disk space. Fast, unmetered physical servers can be customized precisely to your business-operating environment. Based on the latest range of Intel processors, you can leverage up to 32 GB of RAM via the more advanced hosting packages available from UK2.
As can be expected, you get full root access to the underlying server accompanied by a dazzling array of security, backup, control panel and SSL certificate features.
In conclusion, a VPS could gives you a quick, painless journey into a new world of powerful cloud resources while a dedicated server is reserved for more advanced administrators who wish to gain maximum firepower and control over their digital assets.
Guest Blogger: Jason Stevens from jason-stevens.com / Freelance web developer, tech writer and follower of cloud computing trends. Follow him on Twitter @_jason_stevens_
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