One form of hosting you\u2019ve probably come across is VPS hosting<\/a>. This unique form of hosting can provide a lot of tangible benefits to certain types of websites. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The use of VPS hosting<\/a> has exploded and for good reason.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you\u2019ve outgrown shared hosting and are looking for a flexible and robust hosting solution, then VPS might be the perfect fit for your needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Below we\u2019re going to look into what VPS hosting is, how it differs from other forms of hosting, and finally, we dive into the benefits, so you can decide if this form of hosting is right for your needs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n VPS<\/a> stands for Virtual Private Server. That might not mean much to you yet, but it\u2019ll make sense in a bit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The main feature of VPS hosting is the virtual aspect. It relies upon virtualization technology, which creates a virtual server on top of an existing physical server. So, you have a single physical server, and this is divided up into multiple virtual servers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These virtual servers operate entirely separate from one another. They all have their own dedicated server resources. So, you won\u2019t have to share your RAM, CPU, or storage with other websites, even though you still might be on the same physical server.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Compare this to shared hosting<\/a>, where you\u2019re sharing a physical server with potentially thousands of other websites. Plus, there\u2019s a chance that other websites can end up negatively impacting your site when you\u2019re using a shared server. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Essentially, a VPS will act similar to a dedicated server<\/a>. But, it\u2019s much cheaper, which makes it more accessible to a variety of different website owners. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You can think of VPS hosting like living in a high-rise apartment complex. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The overall structure of the building is being shared between every apartment in the building. But, each apartment is completely isolated from one another. You can customize your space however you see fit, and you won\u2019t have any issues with other apartments impacting your space. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In this scenario, the physical server you\u2019re all sharing is the physical structure of the building while each apartment is an individual VPS server. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The shared foundation of VPS hosting helps to keep costs lower, while still offering you the same benefits that a dedicated server can provide. <\/p>\n\n\n\n With VPS hosting the virtual server environment emulates a traditional physical server. With virtualization technology (mentioned above) the physical server is broken up into multiple virtual servers via a partition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Each of these partitions operates as a virtual server that allows each user to install their own operating system, software, and more. Just as you would a traditional dedicated server. This type of partition is similar to when you partition your personal computer to run multiple operating systems, like Windows and Mac. Each operating system functions in a container in complete isolation from the other OS. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Even though a VPS server is virtual, it operates in the same fashion as a physical server. So, you don\u2019t have to worry about issues with other sites impacting your website. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Hosting your website on a VPS gives you access to a guaranteed level of server resources that you\u2019ll never have to split between other users. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Before we cover the benefits of VPS hosting, let\u2019s see how it compares to other forms of hosting:<\/p>\n\n\n\n With shared hosting<\/a> you\u2019re splitting the cost of a server with hundreds of other users. This form of hosting is very easy to use and is well suited towards beginners, but there are some drawbacks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For instance, there\u2019s a chance that another site on the same server can use more than its share of server resources, leading to issues with your site. Shared hosting can also only support your site to a certain size and volume of traffic. <\/p>\n\n\n\n With dedicated hosting<\/a>, you have access to an entire physical server. You can host a single website on this server, or use it for multiple properties you manage. Dedicated hosting provides you with incredible levels of power, performance, storage, and security. <\/p>\n\n\n\n However, dedicated hosting is also the most expensive form of hosting<\/a>, since you\u2019re not splitting server costs. It also requires a higher level of technical expertise, since you\u2019ll also be responsible for managing your own server. <\/p>\n\n\n\n We\u2019ve already alluded to a few of the VPS hosting benefits above. But now it\u2019s time to go deep into the tangible benefits your website will receive once you upgrade to VPS hosting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are the most significant benefits that VPS hosting will provide:<\/p>\n\n\n\n As your site grows in size and your traffic levels continue to climb, you\u2019re going to need a host that supports your website. You\u2019ll want lightning-fast loading speeds, no matter how much traffic your site receives. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If your site\u2019s traffic levels have been growing, first of all, congratulations! Secondly, it\u2019s time to choose a hosting plan that\u2019s right for your website at its current stage and into the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A VPS plan could be exactly what you\u2019re looking for. With VPS hosting, you\u2019ll have more server resources at your disposal, so you can support growing levels of traffic while maintaining a speedy website. <\/p>\n\n\n\n With VPS hosting you\u2019ll have access to very high levels of storage and bandwidth. This will help improve both performance (mentioned above) and reliability (mentioned below).<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re migrating from a shared hosting plan<\/a>, then you\u2019ll be blown away by the amount of server space you have. The high levels of bandwidth can also support very high volumes of traffic without a hitch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This added space and bandwidth can support sites with hundreds of blog posts, media-rich multimedia sites, and a lot more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here\u2019s a quick look at the RAM, CPU, disk space, and bandwidth offered on the VPS plans here at HostGator:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Shared hosting can be great when you\u2019re just getting started online. But, due to the sheer volume of websites that are packed onto a single shared server, you might eventually run into issues with uptime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although shared servers today have done away with a lot of past issues. It still isn\u2019t the best choice if you\u2019re looking for high uptime and performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With a VPS, you\u2019re the only website using the server\u2019s resources. So, the only uptime issues you\u2019ll run into will be from choosing a low-quality hosting provider or exceeding the current resources of your plan. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Most VPS hosting plans offer you higher levels of server control and customization. So, if you require a unique operating system or a server setup that isn\u2019t supported on a shared hosting plan, then VPS could be the right fit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You also get root access to the server (similar to dedicated hosting), so you essentially begin with a blank slate and can customize your server to your exact website specifications. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This is a must-have for certain websites that require a unique software or server setup. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Some types of websites, like eCommerce sites, might benefit from having VPS hosting right from the very beginning. A lot of eCommerce sites use software or require more strict security protocols that might not be compatible with shared hosting setups. <\/p>\n\n\n\n VPS hosting ensures that you can customize your hosting setup to perfectly match your website\u2019s unique requirements. <\/p>\n\n\n\n VPS hosting is also pretty scalable. So, if your site traffic levels are trending upwards, you can trust on VPS hosting to be able to grow with you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Compare this to other forms of hosting, like shared hosting, where once you reach the limits of your plan, you\u2019ll have to upgrade to another type of hosting entirely. <\/p>\n\n\n\n With VPS hosting all it takes is the click of a button to add more resources to your server. Plus, it\u2019s easier to scale your server resources up and down. So, you can scale up when you\u2019re running a promotion, or during the busy holiday season, and scale back down when traffic levels return to normal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have variable traffic levels, of a site whose traffic continues to grow, then VPS hosting might be your best bet. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Dedicated hosting is typically some of the most expensive hosting across the board, which makes it inaccessible to a lot of website owners. But, VPS hosting can provide you with the same level of features, without the substantial financial investment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You might not get as large of a server, but for most website owners, this will be more than enough. <\/p>\n\n\n\n With dedicated hosting, you end up paying for the entire server no matter what percentage of the server\u2019s resources you\u2019re currently using. But, with VPS hosting, you have greater control over the resources of the server, so you\u2019ll only end up paying for the resources you\u2019re currently using. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This makes it more cost-effective than dedicated hosting, even beyond the initial monthly price point. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Running your site on a VPS server is a little more technical in nature. It\u2019s a step up from shared hosting, which is incredibly easy to manage on your own. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you run into an issue with your server, or your site goes offline for a mysterious reason you\u2019ll want to ensure there\u2019s a quality support team that can help you out. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Most VPS hosting providers will have a technical support team that can assist you. However, some providers also offer advanced technical support just for their VPS customers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n No matter your technical proficiency it can be helpful to have a support team to rely upon when you need it the most. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Since you\u2019re going to be the only website who\u2019s using a single physical server you\u2019re going to have higher levels of security right out of the gate. And that\u2019s just the beginning. You\u2019ll also have the opportunity to install custom security software, firewalls, and whatever other security features you desire to turn your website into a fortress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n VPS hosting is known for its higher levels of security. Typically, it\u2019s on par with dedicated hosting, which can offer you some of the most secure hosting around. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Of course, a lot of your website\u2019s security has to do with how secure your actual website is too. So, even with a super secure host, you\u2019ll need to implement website security best practices<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Most users who outgrow their initial shared hosting plans will upgrade to VPS hosting. This form of hosting gives you more control over your hosting environment, along with added server storage and bandwidth. With this you can easily support larger sites that get high volumes of traffic. <\/p>\n\n\n\n However, some site owners may need VPS hosting<\/a> from the start. For example, if you\u2019re running an eCommerce website, or a site that requires higher levels of security, then it makes sense to start with VPS hosting right from the start.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But, most website owners will grow into VPS hosting. Once you\u2019ve reached the limits of shared hosting and are noticing a decline in performance, then it\u2019s time to upgrade. Unless you have the budget and need for a dedicated server, VPS will probably be your best option. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Here\u2019s a quick recap of the benefits your site will receive when upgrading to VPS hosting<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat is VPS Hosting?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"VPS](\"https:\/\/www.hostgator.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/VPS-Hosting-932x1024.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nHow Does VPS Hosting Work?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
VPS vs Shared and Dedicated Hosting<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Shared Hosting<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Dedicated Hosting<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
7 Benefits of VPS Hosting<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. Improved Performance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
2. Greater Storage and Bandwidth<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"hostgator](\"https:\/\/lh4.googleusercontent.com\/eVQUNUT9ijme3iCgL270m_-rLzzu638w-ZPfYd1cv396oSiSNNq1a6gPIH2ULauyuoRhSqA-YXgqwhCxMByLM-6s42Mm_DH7ZCWlbqEVxXdx5B1K9_zs1Ics8umrmLVOqhQZFr9u\")
3. Higher Levels of Reliability<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
4. Greater Server Control and Customization<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
5. Ability to Scale Your Server Setup<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
6. Cheaper When Compared to Dedicated Hosting<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
7. Have Support From a Skilled Tech Team<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
8. Higher Levels of Security<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Is VPS Hosting Right for Me?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n