9090VPS Web Hosting
VPS, or virtual private server, is one of a few options for your web hosting solution. But what, exactly, is it? Who is this hosting option perfect for?
Let's take a look at virtual private server hosting, what makes it different from the other hosting options, and determine if it is right for you and your business. 
What is VPS Web Hosting?
Virtual private server hosting can confuse folks looking for the best solution for their business website. Why? Because it combines both dedicated and shared hosting into the hybrid VPS.
It is partitioned to have its own operating system, bandwidth, and disk space. So basically, the physical server sitting in the data center is then divided into partitions, which all represent virtual servers. Separate server software is set up in each compartment, ensuring the unit can function independently.
A virtual private server account holder can only access the designated partitioned area where their data is stored on the server rather than having the run of the entire server. It is a shared server that acts like a dedicated server.
Because it behaves like a dedicated server, this makes VPS hosting a great option for websites that aren't ready to go with a dedicated server just yet, but think there may be a need for it in the future. It's like a gateway between shared and dedicated hosting.
Who Should Use VPS Hosting?
This type of hosting environment is perfect for the customer who wants more control than a shared host can provide. If you can afford the added expense of going with the VPS option, its worth it for the control alone, even if you don't need the additional system resources that come along with your hosting package.
If you're contemplating a dedicated server hosting plan but are a little bit leery as to what type of technical knowledge you need to keep it running smoothly, VPS is a great place to start. In getting to know VPS, you're learning what you need to know to go dedicated server down the road without the high price tag right off the bat.
VPS Pros
- More affordable than a dedicated hosting plan that relies on a single server.
- VPS hosting packages are highly customizable so you aren't stuck with features you will never use, and only pay for the services you need.
- More control! VPS hosting brings added the control that shared hosting just doesn't offer. Oftentimes, you'll be granted root access and are able to use scripts shared hosting environments just don't allow.
- VPS hosting packages are highly scalable. In your hosting relationship, you are able to start out with the minimum requirement for resources. As your website grows, it's simple to tweak your package according to your needs, meaning you're not paying for space you aren't even using.
- You are able to choose between fully managed hosting, where the web host takes care of all maintenance, to semi manage hosting, where your host deals with some maintenance of your site.
- Tech support is the same as shared hosting for the majority of issues you'll run into.
VPS Cons
- Although it is cheaper than dedicated server hosting, it is more expensive than shared hosting. Some websites just can't afford this upgrade.
- Big problems with your site can occur when a hosting provider doesn't properly allocate resources. This will be noticed when a certain site maxes out the resources it's calling on. Usually it's due to the web hosting provider overselling space on the server, which happens when the provider thinks that there is no way that the accounts using the server will use the maximum space allocated to them. Contact your hosting provider and ask them just how many sites are sharing the VPS server.
VPS hosting is a great solution for those looking to dip their toes in the dedicated server waters. The control it provides beats shared hosting solutions any day, and the price is better than that of dedicated server packages. If you feel this is the solution for your growing website, just be sure you are choosing wisely so that you don't run into resource allocation issues down the road.
Have you been considering VPS hosting? Is there anything else you would like to know? Ask us, we'd love to help!
