Virtual Private Server (VPS) and Virtual Dedicated Server (VDS) are common platforms for implementing various projects on the Internet. The main difference between them is the price. To understand which server is more suitable for your needs, you need to know the main differences.
VPS and VDS are services provided by a provider, such as Hostzealot hosting. The lessor gets to use a virtual server, which is almost identical to a physical one. The customer gets root level rights, is the administrator, can change settings, create user groups, and add web applications and any software products. Other available options are:
- Reinstalling the operating system.
- Rebooting, turning on and off the server.
- Loading, editing, and deleting files.
- Installing updated modules.
The client freely builds databases, creates and develops websites, and performs actions and operations as on physical hardware. A virtual dedicated or private server has its own IP address. Several virtual servers are hosted on the same physical machine. However, their work is not connected and does not affect each other. For example, if one VPS fails, the other virtual private servers continue to operate as before. You can continue to store, update, and edit web projects, as long as there are enough resources – power and RAM – within the plan.
What is the difference between a VPS and a VDS
Both VPS and VDS virtual machines are separate servers with personal administration and individual server environments. However, the VPS tenant is provided with limited disk space and personal access to it on a powerful physical server. That is, they share the physical machine with one or more clients. Meanwhile the VDS tenant rents all the physical equipment, that is, is the only user of the entire server. Let’s talk in more detail.
VPS server means there are several similar virtual platforms on a physical machine. Their activity does not affect each other. Tenant is given the number of resources, as provided by the tariff plan, such as RAM and disk space. These parameters may vary for different pricing plans, which is reflected in the financial costs. The more resources, the higher VPS rental price.
A VDS server is a single virtual machine, which exists on the basis of physical equipment. The cost of this option is higher. However, it is optimally suited for complex tasks – the creation of large databases, where important, confidential information is stored, the configuration of game servers, the development of large websites with a large number of pages, and the increased flow of visitors. VDS has a better performance compared to VPS. This means that you can use them to solve more complex tasks.
Advantages of VPS and VDS
Many enterprises need an effective tool for creating secure communication channels, online stores, and the organization of joint work of affiliates. VPS and VDS can easily cope with these tasks. Both platforms can perform the same functions. But in the case of VPS, you do not have access to all resources of the physical server – disk space and RAM are allocated in accordance with your pricing plan. If you use a VDS, you are granted access to all resources. You pay more for this privilege.
Compared to shared hosting, both options win significantly in terms of performance, speed, scalability, and security. The main advantages of a virtual dedicated or private server are:
- Unlimited control over the server and the projects it hosts. You can reinstall the operating system and download any software. Shared hosting clients do not have such options available.
- Possibility to create an almost unlimited number of websites and databases – the limit is determined by the server capacity.
- Reliable protection of confidential information and security, including the use of applications and protocols that resist DDoS attacks. As a result, the server, websites, and applications work without failure even during peak load hours – a significant increase in the number of visitors.
Many providers offer automatic backups, which allow you to quickly restore data in case of loss or corruption. VPS and VDS management requires technical knowledge. If you have doubts about your abilities and still want the platform to work as efficiently as possible, it is better to turn to professionals for help.
Which one to choose
The VPS platform is optimal for connecting remote desktops, and collaborative work on projects. It is a suitable option for e-commerce stores and the creation of small corporate sites. What functions a VPS server can perform:
- Web hosting server.
- Mail server.
- Database.
- Hosting with Plesk and cPanel for efficient account management.
- Creation of a virtual desk for remote workers.
- A game server.
- Execution of transactions at Forex market and other marketplaces.
A VDS platform is worth choosing for projects that involve a lot of traffic. It is suitable for streaming audio and video files, creating large trading platforms, online financial and currency exchanges, and giant corporations with numerous branches located all over the world. It is important to remember that managing a virtual dedicated server requires technical knowledge and practical skills. The main areas of VDS usage:
- Creation of large informational websites.
- Launch large-scale educational projects, like universities and online learning centers.
- The working environment for developing, adjusting, and testing software products.
- Development of sites and applications for which information security and protection are critical factors.
What is better, VPS or VDS depends on the specific needs of the tenant and the scale of the project. Both types of servers offer a wide range of possibilities for solving various tasks. Both platforms have a lot in common. The difference between them is insignificant.
VDS has a fixed amount of resources. The number of software products and applications that are installed on the server can not exceed the allowable limit. If you choose VPS, all physical hardware resources are divided between several clients. In fact, it is impossible to imagine a situation where all VPSs located on the same physical platform is running at maximum capacity. Therefore, a VPS tenant can slightly exceed the load on the virtual server without negative consequences, such as slowdowns or denial of access for users.