What is a Virtual Dedicated Server?
The vast majority of websites are run on shared servers, where hundreds of sites all share the resources of a single server owned by a web hosting company. For many years, sites that had outgrown their shared server package would have to look at a dedicated server as the next step up. This has changed recently, and a virtual dedicated server has become a viable option. A virtual dedicated server is essentially a dedicated server which has been divided into several virtual servers, splitting the resources between each one; for example, five virtual dedicated servers that each use 20% of the total disk space and bandwidth of a dedicated server.
The main advantage with this option is the cost. It bridges the expansive price gap that lies between shared hosting and using a dedicated server. Typically a virtual dedicated server package costs around three times as much as shared hosting, compared to the ten times as much that dedicated hosting can set you back. Using a virtual dedicated server becomes a great way of improving your sites content and performance, without breaking the bank.
When looking at this option, it is important to carefully calculate the resources that your site will require. If you misjudge it, you may upgrade to a virtual dedicated server package, only to find that it makes little difference to your sites performance. Unless you are running an extremely busy site though, it is unlikely that this will happen.
Upgrading to a virtual dedicated server also requires an element of technical knowledge and server administration. You will become responsible for any software issues – such as problems with applications that you have installed, and will have to fix these problems yourself in order to get the site running efficiently again. The web hosting company will still take care of any hardware or network issues that arise, and it may be possible for them to offer additional software support at an extra cost. Speak to your web hosting company and see what they are able to offer you.
If you are currently on a shared web hosting plan, and you have found that your site is starting to outgrow this plan – for instance, your site may be running slowly due to a lot of content or a high volume of traffic, then you may wish to consider upgrading to a virtual dedicated server plan. It is a much more financially viable option than moving to a dedicated server, and offers a significant step up in terms of resources that will be available to you. It will also make the transition to a dedicated server easier as and when you do decide to go down that route.