Virtual Private Server (VPS) is fast becoming the future of webhosting in the 21st century. It rivals the speed, performance and functionality of dedicated servers but at a lower cost. If you need additional system resources for your domain, then a VPS server is an optimal choice.
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What is VPS?
Essentially a VPS stores the files and data for your website in a virtual setting that is linked to a physical machine. This is done using virtualisation software. The virtualisation technology divides the physical server into multiple virtual machines. These are optimised with dedicated resources such as memory, processor, storage and an independent operating system, separate from the one running on the physical server.
Managed Vs Unmanaged VPS
There are two options to the kind of VPS you purchase-managed and unmanaged. Both have the same characteristics with the fundamental difference being the kind of service the webhost provider supplies.
With an unmanaged plan, the service provider sets up your account, forwards you the logins and you take from there and make all future changes. While with a Managed VPS, the webhost will do most of the groundwork for you.
Managed VPS
If you choose the option of a managed VPS plan, the hosting provider is responsible for the configuration, security, maintenance and software update of your server. It is a great way for you to have an expert manage your server while you focus your attention on your brand, business and customers.
Managed VPS works effortlessly as you will exert little effort in setting it up and less monitoring since the service provider would be in charge of doing those tasks.
The best website hosting providers will offer both managed and unmanaged VPS plans tailored for you. Leave the legwork to your Host, meaning the web Host will complete the initial set-up and perform all upgrades. A technologically savvy team will fix any fails or errors so there is minimal to no downtime on your website.
With access to the cPanel you will still be in charge of your server with the ability to customise and make changes to your website. While you do that, the Host will perform regular updates; ensuring your site is secure and the systems are running smoothly.
Pros of Choosing a Managed VPS
- Little to no downtimes with fault-tolerant mechanism and infrastructure.
- Better security. The service provider takes care of vulnerability scans, required security patches and essential upgrades. This is to secure your websites or blogs from potential attacks.
- Access to 24/7/365 VPS support
Cons of Choosing a Managed VPS
- It’s not cheap. Comparatively, a managed VPS is more expensive than an unmanaged VPS. However, it would cost more to hire a whole team to manage your site so the price is still with reason.
- Some VPS providers do not allow you to change Operating Systems
- It can be a little time-consuming to do the initial setup
Unmanaged VPS
Unmanaged or self-managed VPS is for persons who are tech-savvy with a vast understanding of Linux command line and Windows. You will receive the VPS from the service provider but will be tasked with installing, updating, customising and basically managing your server.
It’s like the choice of buying a fully furnished house or purchasing land and building one yourself. You can simply move into the complete house and start living there right away. However, it will take a lot of time, effort and knowledge to buy the material to build your house and then later furnish it before it’s liveable. Unmanaged VPS is just like building a house. You will have to be in control over your own hardware and software, and install your own operating system.
This is not for beginners. Building and outfitting your VPS will take time.
However, this way you can custom-build your VPS for your purposes. You will be in total control over it. Essentially everything is left up to you including the updates, monitoring and security features.
If you are a beginner or simply not interested in managing scripts and the configuration of your server an unmanaged server is not your best option.
Pros of Choosing an Unmanaged VPS
- More economical when compared to a managed server
- Have complete administrative power to configure your server for specific needs
- Install personal VPN
Cons of Choosing an Unmanaged VPS
- Economically less in comparison to managed VPS
- You may suffer from more downtime if your VPS is not DDOS protected and since you are your own technical team
- You may have to hire a server manager to configure your server which will comes at a cost
- To secure your site from potential security threats you will have to install, manage and update security software on you VPS.
Managed VPS vs Unmanaged VPS
If you are not interested in being an administrator for your server or you are simply not tech-savvy, a managed VPS is the better option for you. It provides high quality support, software installation and updates. This way you can put your effort and energy into your website, brand and customers. However, you will have to pay for these features.
While unmanaged VPS is for individuals, who want to be able to customise and expand. You need to be an expert to properly take advantage of an unmanaged VPS. In this option, you will only get basic assistance from the service provider. You will have to take care of installing and upgrading every aspect of the server even security patches.
If you are in doubt about your competence to fully run a server and configure it, you should probably stick with a Managed VPS product and focus, instead, on growing your business and optimising your site.
If you are looking for managed VPS hosting plans with a minimum 99.9% uptime and technical support every day, check out these solutions. Are you interested in finding out more about the advantages and disadvantages of managed and unmanaged VPS? Or if you have questions on whether VPS is right for you our team is willing to answer all your questions.
When you are ready, you can choose from our flexible VPS plans.
