How Does a VPS Work?
From charities to small businesses, scalability is the key to growing any enterprise. Got your sights set on growth? A dedicated virtual private server (VPS) is one of the best ways to future-proof your organisation.
How does a VPS work and why should you invest in one? Below, we answer all your questions about virtual private servers, the architecture behind the technology, and how a VPS can benefit your enterprise.
What is a VPS?
A VPS is essentially a virtual space dedicated exclusively to your website. How does a VPS work? Operated by third-party web hosting providers or cloud-based platforms, a VPS provides a private server space to run software, process data, store files, launch web applications and more.
What are the benefits of a VPS?
- A dedicated server space
- More options for customisation in comparison to shared hosting
- Greater control
- Better experience for website visitors
- Minimise server errors
What does the ‘virtual’ mean?
Where does the ‘virtual’ come in? While a VPS equips you with a private platform, it only uses a fraction of the server’s total resources. The server uses advanced virtualisation technology to create multiple dedicated online servers. This simulates an exclusive environment – though, in reality, resources are shared between users.
A third-party provider operates and maintains the physical server, as well as the private ‘virtual’ servers created using virtualisation technology. VPS is basically a fusion of dedicated and shared hosting.
How does a VPS work?
Now you know more about where the ‘virtual’ element comes from, let’s take a closer look at how a VPS works. As mentioned above, the third-party hosting provider uses virtualisation technology to split the physical server into a series of smaller private servers.
A virtual layer called a hypervisor is installed over the top of the principal operating system (OS) used by the physical server. This creates a network of virtual servers with private hosting environments. So, how does a VPS work if the physical server is shared? It’s all about the hypervisor. This clever virtual layer allows each virtual server to operate using its own software and systems. While the physical server is shared, every virtual server operates independently.
When should I use a VPS?
If your business or charity is experiencing exponential growth, it’s time to start thinking about investing in a VPS . Most successful websites quickly outgrow their original architecture and hosting limits. A VPS takes your enterprise to the next level with a dedicated hosting platform. This allows you to install more sophisticated software and handle more website traffic.
Is a VPS secure?
How does a VPS work in terms of security? The best VPS hosting providers back their service with watertight security. You’re sharing a physical platform with other users, but your dedicated hosting platform is exclusive.
Get started with a virtual private server
Ready to future-proof your organisation with a dedicated VPS ? Get in touch with the VS Group today to learn more about how a VPS can take your business to the next level.