Virtual Web Hosting vs. Virtual Private Servers

By Staff
           

A web server can literally make or break your online business. This is why it is extremely important to make sure that you choose the right one. There are two different types of web servers that will be focused on here, Virtual Web Hosting and the other is Virtual Private Servers.

Over the last couple of years Virtual Web Hosting has been the main choice in web servers. One of the reasons they became so popular was because they supported necessary files and allowed more freedom than other conventional web hosts. Then Virtual Private servers, not to be confused with Virtual hosts, they are two completely different animals, came along and offered even more freedom.

Let me back up a little and first explain the difference is between a Virtual Host and a Virtual Private Server, so that you can fully understand.

Virtual Hosting

Let's start with Virtual Hosting. Virtual Hosting is also known as Shared Web Hosting because you are sharing the physical server and a single set of software applications with other users. It has been extremely popular in the past because of it's fast deployment, strong resources, and most importantly because it is very affordable. Another advantage to Virtual Hosting is that you have a powerful, reliable, and professionally managed server without having to possess advanced technical skills, making it ideal for an individual or small business.

The disadvantage of Virtual Hosting is that you are sharing the server with other users, which has been configured and is controlled by someone else, usually an administrator. You have no control what so ever. You literally have your hands tied behind your back and are at their mercy. You have to contact the administrator every time you need to make an adjustment or change your configuration settings. In addition, even if you are lucky enough to contact the administrator, they may not fulfill your request when you need it done. They call the shots, pure and simple.

Virtual Private Servers

Virtual Private Servers on the other hand are a hot topic these days and for a good reason. A Virtual Private Server is a single server that is partitioned at the root into multiple dedicated servers. This allows you to share the cost of the network connectivity, hardware, and system maintenance with other hosting customers, while maintaining flexibility and freedom. The real advantage of them is that they allow you to have complete control over site maintenance and you also have access to your password, aliases file, and sendmail configuration file. In addition, they have the security advantages of a dedicated server at the fraction of the cost.  A Virtual Private Server is an excellent solution for small to medium size business that has increasingly complex needs.

There is however a downside to using Virtual Private Servers. You do need to have some programming knowledge to control and configure the settings. Sounds overwhelming, it doesn’t have to be since most web host companies that offer Virtual Private Servers have very detailed manuals, which makes it easier to configure and control your web site no matter if you know anything about programming or not.

Which one is right for you? It all depends on you and the size of your network. If you have or plan on having just one web site and have absolutely no programming knowledge, then Virtual Hosting is the recommended and the most economical way to go. If you have a larger more complex business, then you may want to consider using  a Virtual Private Server web host.

Cost for both varies greatly with Virtual Hosting costing anywhere from $20 - $50 a month, versus a $100 or more per month for a Virtual Private Server. On the other hand, if you have a larger network that requires multiple web sites and you have some programming knowledge, then a Virtual Private Server would be ideal for your business.

With a Virtual Private Server account, you can host up to 50 web sites instead of having multiple Virtual Hosting accounts, which would then not be as economical. When it comes time to get a web server, make sure that the server fits your business needs and that it supports the essential software in order to run your online business effectively and more important, profitably.

Dedicated server vs. Shared Reseller Hosting

If you are just starting out in the host reseller business, there are a lot of decisions that you will have to make.  You will need to determine is you should get a reseller account and what type of server to get as well.  Let’s take a look at the options available and the good and bad points of each.

Shared Reseller Hosting

This is the easiest hosting environment to start. It is also the cheapest and most effective way to start selling hosting. Now, you also have two options as a shared reseller host.

1.      Resell other hosting plans at discount prices.

2.      Buy storage space in bulk and create your own hosting plans and structure your own pricing.

 Most people starting out in the reseller business prefer buying bulk plans since they are usually developers or designers and they may need the ability to create customized plans for each individual customer. The good part about choosing either plan is that they generally come with full support from the host that you buy from.

Virtual Dedicated Server

Basically with a Virtual Dedicated Server offers you get a portion of a dedicated server. You get your own operating system along with a guaranteed percentage of the server’s resources such as memory and processor. The advantage is that you have root access so you can install various types of software and programs. You have added stability over a shared hosting environment since no one else can crash your server. The disadvantage occurs when you install anything to your operating system that causes problems. Then you have to pay to have it fixed. Also to consider is the cost of a Virtual Dedicated Server vs. a shared reseller account, they cost much more. The Virtual Dedicated Server will generally come with full support.

Dedicated Server

A Dedicated Server is an entire machine dedicated solely to you and your hosting business. Generally it can hold anywhere from 200 to 500 web sites. You have complete control over the server with regards to what you install, what you can put on it and what type of content you can host on it. You usually get more bandwidth and storage space as well. Some hosts can you give you up to 5 hard drives and 600 GB of bandwidth in one server.

The cost can vary form inexpensive to very expensive depending on the support that is provided. You can get one for less than $200 per month but it will come with no support what so ever. You should have a good knowledge of the operating system that is installed since you will be responsible for any problems with the server. The higher cost servers costing over $200 a month with come with full support.

So if you are considering becoming a reseller it may be best to start with a shared reseller account and then move to a dedicated server once you reach roughly 50 to 75 accounts. Make sure that the host you buy your reseller account from has good support and is financially stable.