Types of Web Hosting – Shared, VPS, Dedicated & Cloud Server

Types of Web Hosting & Servers

When we think of hosting for our website, there are four types of web hosting which comes to our mind. They are listed below and explained in detail:

1. Shared Hosting
2. VPS(Virtual Private Server) Hosting
3. Dedicated Hosting
4. Cloud Hosting

The pricing of these types of web hosting services varies from provider to provider and it also depends on the resources you want. Now let us know what is the Differences between Shared, VPS, Dedicated and Cloud Hosting Services?

Differences between Shared, VPS, Dedicated & Cloud Hosting

1. Shared Hosting or Shared Server:

Shared hosting is referred as hosting service where many websites are shared on a single server. In shared hosting, all accounts must share the available resources with all the other accounts on the server. These include CPU time, memory, and disk space. All the users have a separate directory where they can upload their files. This is generally most economical option as all the users share the overall cost of the server.

Example: Shared Hosting includes our Business Class Hosting Plans. Shared Hosting is very similar to living in an Apartment Complex. All residents are in the same location and must share the available resources with everyone.These may include such things as the pool, parking lot, and play ground.

Who should go for Shared Server?

The users who just want a business website and do not need much resources can opt for shared hosting as the cost involved in shared hosting is nominal. If you are a start up company and want an online presence shared hosting is the best for you.

 

2. VPS(Virtual Private Server) Hosting or VPS Server:

VPS (Virtual Private Server) is a virtual machine created on a physical server.VPS Hosting includes our 4GB, 6GB, and 8GB VPS Hosting Plans. On a Virtual Private Server, you are allotted resources that are not shared by everyone. The over all CPU time and memory are shared across all accounts on the machine, but at the same time portions of those resources are always dedicated to each account. This allows for more power and flexibility than being on a shared account.  The hosting provider creates multiple VPS on a physical server and provides access to their users. VPS is as good as a dedicated server but with limited resources. VPS provides root access to the user so the user can install any software/OS and perform any root level tasks. This option is a little expensive as it is more powerful than a shared hosting account and has more privileges.

Example : VPS Hosting is similar to owning a Building. While you still share things on the property, you are ultimately responsible for maintaining your own property and repairs inside the buildong. There is also significantly less residents per building and assigned parking.

Who should go for a VPS Server?

The users who have sites with huge volume of visits and complex tasks being executed VPS hosting is recommended. This is because such website requires high amount of resources and constant monitoring on the part of the server admin. VPS becomes bit expensive but if you need more resources it is better to go for a VPS.

 

3. Dedicated Hosting or Dedicated Server:

Dedicated server is a service where the user leases the entire physical server and is not shared by anyone else. Unlike VPS and Shared hosting the user has full control over the server. The user can choose the hardware, software, OS, etc. Dedicated server is useful because of the benefits like high performance, security, email stability and control. This option is the costliest as you are the only one who is bearing the cost of the entire server. Most of the providers offer Managed dedicated server where the server is managed by the provider upto some extent.

Example :- Dedicated Hosting can be compared to owning a Separate house only for you. You are allowed and have access to all resources available on the machine. No one else’s account resides on the machine (your house) and would not be capable of tapping into your resources.

Who should go for a Dedicated Server?

Dedicated server is recommended for big companies and institutions who have huge data and perform multiple tasks and calculations. Dedicated server is expensive but you have full control over the server and you can install anything you require for your site. With a dedicated server you have ample resources to handle any volume of requests for your site.

4. Cloud Hosting or Cloud Server:

Finally, Cloud Hosting is usually distributed across the different number of servers. And, rather than having a portion of a server with dedicated resources, your resources are spread across the different number of shared servers in cloud hosting.

These is the Basic Types of Web hosting and Differences between Shared, VPS, Dedicated and Cloud Hosting.