Sometimes it’s difficult to get any work done when there’s an overload of relatives in our house, with everyone using the same resources. Similarly, in terms of hosting, shared hosting is not efficient to work with when there’s much server traffic with limited resources and control. However, if you want much better uptime, customization, and security, VPS hosting is the best.
It is like having your own customized dedicated server and total control over it but within a shared environment. It is faster and more secure than shared hosting and affordable compared to expensive dedicated hosting.
The integrated virtual layers segregate the server and create a private bubble or space unique for each user which allows the user to operate their own OS or private software freely. It also enables complete root access and customization to suit their business needs. Therefore, the protected VPS hosting offers full flexibility and autonomy over your operations without being affected by others users on the same server.
Now that you have decided to go for a VPS hosting plan you might want to choose the best plan that allows profits for your website and business. There are various factors you can consider to pick a plan that suits you. Prior to that, it is essential that you have a clear understanding of what your website demands. Having a list of requirements will be useful to compare the features provided by different hosting providers.
Speed and Server Uptime
The amount of time your website is online and available to the clients is referred to as uptime. So it’s important to pick a host that guarantees almost 100 percent uptime with a high web server speed. A VPS with good speed will determine your search rankings and reliability. If a host partner provides a guaranteed 99% uptime, it means that on average, the server is not down for more than seven hours for a combined period in a month.
Customer Support
Make sure that the host offers 24×7 or well-adjusted customer support so that you can reach them anytime via multiple channels like phone support, live chat, or forums. Find out about the downtime management offered by the VPS provider. Enquire about their response time and read the reviews to get an idea about the quality of their services.
Backup and Security
Having a solid backup plan is absolutely vital to securing your data and maintaining the reliability of your website. You need to consider some factors like the frequency of backups, retention time, data restoration solutions offered during emergencies, and whether it’s automated or customized based on your needs. Also, security features like firewall, anti-virus, threat monitoring, and authentication are to be considered along with regular automation of the latest updates.
Root Access and Control Panel
Complete server control and customization are possible through root access and a good control panel (cPanel and Plesk are commonly used). Root access gives administrator-level login and allows one to host multiple websites, third-party applications, software, etc., and customize the VPS anyway. For new users, root access customization and user and client authentication arrangements can be a bit handy but a good cPanel aids in the simple and efficient management of root access.
Managed and Unmanaged
In Managed VPS hosting, everything from installation, setup, and configuration is done by the hosting provider. This is recommended for beginners or those lacking proper technical knowledge or support. From regular updates to server monitoring, security, and any server-related issues, all are handled for you. Whereas unmanaged hosting pins the entire responsibility onto you, the host will not manage or access your server, tech-savvy individuals can modify or experiment with it freely.
Upgrade Options and Primary Features
See that your host offers the flexibility to upgrade whenever you require without charging you beyond your plan or becoming a hurdle. Choose the hosting plan with your future goals in mind and thoroughly read the features and benefits before committing to it. Going through a trial period offered by host providers will give you an understanding of their services. Some host providers offer special features and products which differ from others, so, carefully compare to choose the one which gives you a competitive edge.
In the end, you might want to choose a VPS plan which becomes an asset for your online business. Understand your requirements well to strike a balance between resources and performance, and spend money wisely. Importantly, make sure to read the terms and conditions and refund policies so that you can cancel your plan and get a refund if the hosting provider doesn’t stand up to the services they promised you.
