Last Updated: May 23, 2012

March 31, 2011

Making an Informed Choice: VPS, Shared or Dedicated Web Hosting?

If you’re looking for a web host to launch and support either your company’s website or a personal blog, making an initial informed decision to meet your individual needs is the first essential step.  Virtual Private Servers (VPS), shared web hosting, and dedicated web hosting environments are among the most reliable and offer users a variety of hosting options.

VPS

VPS, or Virtual Private Servers, grants users access to a private virtual server to host online endeavors.   VPS web hosts are private and overall safe independent hosting environments.   A popular misconception of VPS is cost; a basic hosting package starts out at about $20 per month.   Small business owners favor this type of web hosting environment as it offers clients increased security, connection speeds,  and convenient control and versatility.   Additionally, VPS offers comprehensive administrator access to the server.

A caveat before selecting a VPS host – if you require more storage space than included in a basic monthly plan, expect a significant increase in price.  Also, VPS vendor reliability is often questionable as many vanish after being established for only a month, therefore, it’s important to research the vendors’ history, company profile, and then select a guaranteed web host server.

Shared Hosting

Shared hosting is an affordable web hosting environment that allows users to share hosting services and functions such as operating systems, bandwidth and disk space on a single server.   Each user is given a unique domain name with basic hosting packages starting around $10 per month.  Shared hosting environments are the ideal solution for novice business owners, as set-up and maintenance is relatively simple, with user-friendly interfaces and easy to use control panels and website building tools.  Additional benefits include numerous e-mail accounts including webmail, reliable technical support, databases, SSL certifications, file managers and support for programming languages such as Java and PhP.

Of course there are cons of shared hosting as well.  Security features and measures are lacking compared other web hosting environments.  When sharing a server and a general IP address, private and important information is often shared.  Restrictions are another disadvantage including priority distribution during peak usage hours and limitations placed on other shared websites when another is blacked out for illegal activity.

Dedicated Web Hosting

If you are looking for the supreme web hosting environment to support your website, then a dedicated web host is the perfect solution.  Dedicated hosting is much more flexible than shared hosting, granting users ultimate performance features including the ability to lease a single server, host one or more websites, and free access to modify configuration software.

Before making a final decision to opt for a dedicated hosting environment, you should take the following factors into consideration:

  • Network Connectivity
  • Data Backup
  • Data Restoration
  • Bandwidth Limits
  • IP Features
  • Technical Support
  • Server Hardware
  • Network Reliability and Uptime

The greatest disadvantage of dedicated hosting is affordability, with price ranges anywhere from $50 to $500+ per month.

Regardless of the web host package purchased, assess your individual needs to opt for a plan that best meets your needs within your budget.

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