Web hosting is becoming common but there is a lack of awareness when it comes to understanding terminologies associated with it. Most of the individuals often misunderstand different terms because they are synonymous with inexperienced consumers. This leads to poor decisionmaking which can affect their company’s efficiency and profits in the long run.

Virtual servers have made life easier for businesses. You connect to a cloud service provider that is linked to a large network. A Virtual Private Server (VPS) is a dedicated server which creates more servers dedicated to a particular Operating System. Cloud hosting is also VPS hosting but more specific in some ways. You can get the space you need to work without connecting directly to a physical server. Sounds amazing, right? However, it’s important to read up on the differences between cloud hosting and VPS so you realize which one fits your needs best.

How do Cloud Hosting & VPS Differ?

We will be taking a closer look at various aspects of virtual servers from a consumer’s point of view to better understand the choice which has to be made.

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Structure

The biggest difference between cloud hosting and VPS is the basic principle of their framework. VPS hosting involves splitting one main server into several dedicated virtual servers. Cloud hosting is not about one major server, rather the cloud service provider rents a part of huge public networks. As clients pour in, they’re given fractions of those parts.

Physical Resource

A VPS hosting service provider only has control of a single physical server. They can only give you parts of that server. Whereas, cloud hosting service providers have access to entire networks depending on how much they wish to rent. When a client asks for more, they can easily expand to accommodate their client.

Scalable

As mentioned previously, VPS hosting is limited to one particular server. Your service provider has nothing else to work with. So there’s no way they can give you more if you ask for it. Cloud hosting service providers can get you more depending on what you need. What’s more, they’ll deliver it within a few minutes.

Suitability

Since VPS hosting is not as flexible and customizable as cloud hosting, it is not recommended for larger companies. When the demand is huge and you cannot afford to slow down in any way, VPS hosting could pose a risk you don’t want to take. In addition, VPS hosting is not scalable, so it definitely places unnecessary limits on a major brand.

Availability

Relying on a single server means that you’re stuck with it even if it encounters technical difficulties. You just have to wait for it to recover. VPS hosting is troublesome for this reason. In the case of cloud hosting, they will re-route you to another virtual server in order to make sure that you are not facing any speed bumps.

Speed

As you might have guessed, having your system down until the problem with the main server is sorted out slows you down in VPS hosting. If you cannot afford time delays in your daily business operations, then don’t sign up for VPS hosting. Cloud hosting is much faster in this regard.

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Resource Sharing

In cloud hosting, you get exactly what you pay for. You are totally separated from other users and can enjoy your own resources. This is not true for VPS hosting where you’re, of course, sharing resources from the same main server. You share the same CPU and memory as other clients of your VPS hosting service provider.

Security

Cloud hosting is known to be much more secure as compared to VPS hosting. If security is a deal breaker for you, then you know for sure whether to pick cloud hosting or VPS. The cause of security risk in VPS hosting is that the CPU is the same for all the virtual servers branching out of it. If one is comprised, they all are affected.

Operating System

One of the biggest differences between cloud hosting and VPS is the option of an operating system. Cloud hosting has a wide selection of systems to choose from, so you get to take your pick of OS. Whereas, VPS hosting offers nothing of this sort, unfortunately.

Payment

Private cloud is expensive but public cloud is affordable. VPS hosting is much cheaper than private cloud. Once you make the payment, it takes seconds for you to connect to a virtual server. You have your own customized slice from the cloud network. You spend every cent well with cloud hosting, however, the same cannot be said for VPS hosting.

Should I sign up for cloud hosting or VPS? This is a pretty common question among new users. The answer is that neither is superior. There are certain aspects where one is better than the other but this does not apply to the big picture.