Internet advancements have led to the market development of different technologies. Thanks to managed IT services in the UK, such as cloud computing and other virtual private server resources, businesses have been able to expand exponentially.
Hosting selection has become a major boon to businesses with the introduction of cloud technology. Businesses can acquire a shared server for their employees’ collaborative needs while maintaining a dedicated server for everything else. The company also has the freedom to decide on which operating system the server will be run on. This along with any software the company may require.
Businesses have begun adopting virtual private servers to meet digital transformation needs. These servers can be used as a virtual storage facility to be shared across multiple users, in multiple locations, based on the needs of the company or organization. It’s also possible for companies to find remote IT support and managed services offered as a full combined service.
A Virtual Private Server (VPS) Overview
Often referred to as a web-hosted service, a VPS provides dedicated resources for storing data and running applications. It uses virtualization technology to provide a business with a server environment for its website. It hosts this website, along with other websites, in a physical location. The virtualization technology is used to divide a single server into multiple virtual partitions. This is how web hosts can offer low pricing while still providing improved performance and reliability.
Virtual Private Servers are a far cheaper alternative to a dedicated hosting server. It will also never have to compete with resources like that of a shared hosting plan. This makes a VPS an incredible choice for efficiency on a budget. You get more control over the server environment and it’s highly scalable to boot!
A VPS should not be confused with a VPN (Virtual Private Network) as they vary greatly. A VPN is a network of secure, dedicated servers that allows access to a public network via a private network. In a VPS, the servers are hosted on the same physical on-site server as others but must be accessed virtually with the help of a tool. These servers are then used to access data, applications, and other resources stored there.
Top Benefits of Using VPS (Virtual Private Server) for Businesses
There are many benefits to managed IT services like Virtual Private Servers. What you require from a VPS, including the workload expected, will determine which type of VPS your business needs. Below we’ve laid out the top five benefits of a Virtual Private Server.
1. Increase In Website Performance and Reliability
Other websites will not be able to slow your website down while using a VPS. This is one of the key advantages a VPS has over shared server hosting. However, this isn’t the only way in which a VPS boosts website performance.
In contrast to shared plans, VPS plans will normally provide a larger allotment of resources including bandwidth, storage, and more advanced technologies (sometimes). This lowers page loading times, which means website visitors are less likely to become bored and distracted (and more likely to stay on your site). The more visitors who stick around, the more positive you can expect your conversion rates.
As we already mentioned, a VPS is highly scalable. This includes the allotted resources we alluded to earlier. This makes it easier to acquire additional resources should you predict a jump in online traffic. With any sudden jump in traffic, you’ll be glad to have a VPS over shared hosting. With a VPS, performance issues are not likely to occur with an increase in website visitors.
Security issues are also less problematic when selecting a VPS over shared hosting. With a VPS, your server is dedicated to your website and only your website. The environment and resources are safely stowed away in their own space. On a shared hosting server, one hacked website is a risk to all other sites found on the same server.
These factors alone make a Virtual Private Server a tremendous managed IT service for any business.
2. Dedicated Resources
A VPS provides dedicated resources to your website that can be used in any way that you wish. Unlike shared hosting, when signing up for a VPS, all your resources are readily displayed. You’ll know exactly how many you have and what they can be used for. Shared hosting wouldn’t give your business that kind of control.
With enough resources, you can even run an additional website on the same plan. On top of that, the expansion of resources is easier as you’re not constrained by a single physical server. Matching your website’s ever-increasing needs has never been simpler.
3. Business Specified OS and Software
VPS plans provide many choices on how to configure your server, including which operating systems and applications to install based on what your business requires. You’ll receive very little choice when choosing shared hosting. Instead, the web host will manage everything exclusively including the applications and OS they choose. For businesses looking for ultimate freedom over what is installed on their server, a VPS may offer unmanaged plans.
Web developers looking for a managed IT service will find a VPS especially helpful. You can choose your preferred server-side scripting language, or employ node.js for your web development project. Any and all applications you realize aren’t necessary can be uninstalled, freeing up additional server resources for better use.
4. Both Managed and Unmanaged Services
Many VPS plans can grant your choice of services. Things like IT support and managed services are accessible. However, should you prefer more freedom, unmanaged servers are also an option. Most shared hosting will barely provide much more than a storage area for you to run your site.
Understand that if you choose an unmanaged virtual server, you will be responsible for its configuration and maintenance. For those looking to avoid this burden, sticking with a managed version is more suitable. The web host will take care of the heavy lifting so that you can focus on your business and the website itself.
5. Scalable and Cost-Effective
It has already been touched on lightly, but scalability is a big deal for businesses. As your business grows, you’ll need to expand, and unlike shared hosting and dedicated servers, a VPS offers easy scalability and support. There are multiple plans which include storage and memory optimization. If your business is looking to grow, a VPS can fit the required demands.
Not only is a VPS scalable, but it’s cost-effective too. VPS costs are predicated on what your business needs. Whether you need a small or large setup, all are afforded the same services at an affordable price. Throw in the scalability, which incurs additional costs based on growth requirements, and you get what you pay for (albeit at a much lower price than with shared hosting or dedicated hosting).
Choose a VPS To Boost Your Business
IT support and managed services are becoming cornerstones in the growth and development of any business. Maintaining and juggling resources on shared hosting may not be the best choice for your company.
Now that you understand the major benefits of a VPS, it’s up to you and your business to choose the service it requires. A VPS can fall within budget and still provide all the above benefits and more. Do you need managed IT services for a UK company? We can help. Get in touch with Optimising IT to find out more.
