They’re similar, but they’re not the same. Strictly employing the “Cloud” is a relatively new way of web hosting that offers numerous advantages over shared hosting and even purely VPS environments. When deciding which path to pursue, it may appear that you’re getting the same thing when comparing a VPS server to one in the cloud, but there are significant distinctions to be made.
Scale and Adaptability
In a pure VPS system, resources are separated on a single server utilizing virtual machines for each client. Because it is a virtualization of a server, the amount of space available is somewhat adjustable based on the demands of the site. Virtualization also makes it easier to migrate hosting between real servers if more powerful hardware is required. However, because the host environment must be down for the most of the time during the relocation, this method can cause downtime.
Cloud hosting is less reliant on physical hardware than a VPS. Even for a single website, multiple physical servers are continually in use. If a server fails, a cloud-hosted system automatically shifts the load to other servers until the problem is resolved, resulting in no downtime. Because the servers are clustered and hold the same information, a site can stay up and operating during an upgrade.
Security and Control
On a VPS, you’ll typically be given root access to your virtual area, allowing you to make changes as you see fit. Most services even let you use command line tools to make minor changes to your environment. In terms of operating system, maintenance, and customized tools, the server can be maintained in a variety of ways. Because root level access and customized tools are permitted, it can be a very secure environment if properly managed by an administrator.
In most cases, a pure cloud hosting environment isn’t as open. Your data is mirrored over numerous servers, and the provider is in charge of patching and maintenance. There is also no single repository for all of your data. If data security is a key priority, cloud hosting may not be the best option because the provider decides how to balance server burden and the user has no knowledge where their data will be stored at any given time.
Price
In terms of being imbalanced, this has become less of a concern. Cloud hosting offers a very flexible pricing model that only charges for the resources you really use. In a cloud setting, it’s far easier for the provider to control bandwidth and storage space, so you’ll only be paid for what you use, with no upfront price. Pricing for VPS is a little more set in stone. Some providers will charge you ahead for the gear you’re using or the bandwidth you’ve been granted, even if you don’t use it all, because you’ve been allocated a set amount on a specific server.
Verdict
It is dependent on the industry. A company that values data security and privacy may choose to use only virtual private servers. Cloud hosting may provide the finest adaptability if rapid expansion is planned. When it comes to either solution, there is no right or wrong answer. There are hundreds of hosting businesses to choose from, so any personal or company venture may be accommodated.
