Marcus RichardsA virtual private server, or a VPS, is a website hosting service in which many users utilize a single server as the host for their websites. In this type of website hosting, the user is provided with a memory allotment on a single server so that they’re not affected by the overconsumption or errors experienced by other users on the same server.
Choosing your VPS hosting provider is never the most straightforward task in the world. When searching for a new VPS hosting partner, it’s relatively easy to be wooed by free or low-cost providers. This is particularly true for anyone who may be new to VPS hosting. Nevertheless, many find the hard way that you get what you pay for when selecting to go with these so-called free or unreasonably cheap hosting providers.
So, if you find yourself needing a new, reliable VPS partner, you’re at the right place. In this article, we’ll cover the four things you should consider when choosing your future VPS hosting provider and how to avoid making costly yet commonly made mistakes regarding VPS hosting.
The Quantity Of The Resources Your Business Requires
First of all, your website will consume resources on the virtual private server, which is why it’s necessary to decide the amount of those resources you’ll need from the provider. Here, we’re talking about the size of hard disk space, the amount of RAM you need, and the CPU, among other things.
Of course, the bigger your project, the more resources you’ll need from your future VPS provider. And if your project is likely to grow and expand in the future, you should also choose accordingly, considering your future plans as well. Here are the two most critical resources-related considerations you need to have in mind:
RAM
When it comes to RAM, the rule is that you’ll need more RAM if you’re going to run numerous projects on the VPS, and you should get a package that comes with at least 4 GB of RAM. However, if your projects are more media-intensive, you might need more than that.
VPS Disk Space
Generally, most VPS hosting providers offer fantastic storage amounts for their VPS plans. This amount includes the disk space which will be utilized to store the data, so several GBs of disk space is always nice. However, if you’re looking to expand in the future, go with a provider that provides unlimited storage.
The Host’s Location
If you live or your project runs in Latin America, then Brazil VPS providers have the best location for web hosting as the country possesses the most sophisticated technology at cheap rates on the continent.
When selecting the preferred host location, you must also consider your company’s need to protect customer data. For example, US-based VPS providers need to have a near open-door policy for governmental access to sensitive data, while VPS providers from Canada are known to be the most reliable for data protection on that continent. Therefore, take all things that are important to your project into consideration and decide on which host’s location suits your needs the best.
VPS Security System
Regarding security, most VPS providers offer distinct security features that can make a significant difference in keeping your business and your visitors safe. Nowadays, when hacking, malware, DDoS attacks, and identity theft have increased to previously unseen levels, looking for SSL certificates, DDoS protection, malware scanning, and firewall protection is an absolute must when deciding on your future VPS partner. In addition, ensure that the provider performs regular backups to reduce downtime and keep your website fully operative and functioning if any problem arises.
Check Whether They Offer Root Access
Last but not least, a VPS plan with a root access feature might help you manage your server from the deepest level possible, a feature that will permit you to edit all files on your virtual server. So, if you plan on installing additional software or implementing complex coding, a plan that comes with root access is the way to go.
However, with full root access, there is always a chance that you’ll somehow ruin your website. For that reason, not all VPS providers offer this feature. Still, those who do only provide a single administrative access point for the website’s safety. With root access, it’s highly recommended to avoid using the feature until you’re highly experienced with web hosting or have a team of skilled IT engineers in your company.
Final Words
There are four top things you should consider when selecting your next VPS hosting provider. Ensure that you weigh all options available and evaluate your project’s requirements carefully before deciding on a particular VPS provider.
