The right type of web hosting solution is essential for any website or web application to run smoothly and securely. Unfortunately, not all hosting is created equal. But what is web hosting? Why are there so many options and price points? What’s the difference between the most common options? And what are the types of services associated with hosting?
Every website or web application is a type of program that runs on a computer called a server. This server is connected to the internet and has specialized hardware and software designed to respond to other computers’ online requests to download your website’s files and data. This server essentially “hosts” your website – it’s the home for your website or application files and database. So, “hosting” both refers to where your website lives, as well as the services associated with server upkeep and availability.
What are the best options for web hosting? It depends on your needs. The type of website or web application hosting you select is important because it can dramatically impact the performance, security, availability, and control you have over your site. As such, we will compare three of the most common hosting options – shared hosting, VPS, and dedicated server – and explore their advantages and disadvantages.
Types of Web Hosting Solutions
1. Shared Hosting – Living with Roommates
Shared hosting is like sharing a single living space with multiple roommates. In shared hosting, several websites share server resources such as the operating system, software, CPU, RAM, and storage. It’s like roommates sharing common rooms, including the kitchen and bathroom. Also, the furniture, decorations, and amenities are owned and managed by the landlord, so tenants don’t have much say when it comes to painting the walls, swapping out furniture, or making the place your own. Shared hosting is typically a very low-cost, turn-key option. But while it can be convenient and cost-effective, it may lead to limited resources, slow loading times, downtime, and security concerns.
2. VPS Hosting – An Apartment in a Multi-Unit Building
A VPS, or Virtual Private Server, is like having an apartment with your own living room, bathroom, and kitchen. However, the apartment’s building also contains other apartments. Similarly, a VPS accommodates multiple users, but each virtual server can be set up with its own operating system, software, and dedicated resource allocation of CPU, RAM, and storage. This makes a VPS a great choice for high-performance applications and sites that require high uptime; it can be configured to each user’s unique needs and desires, offering greater control, isolation, flexibility, and availability compared to shared hosting. Further, if properly configured, a VPS can be more secure. Keep in mind, though, that users still share the same physical server and hardware infrastructure with other VPSs.
3. Dedicated Server (Dedicated Hosting) – Your Own House
A dedicated server is like having your own house. You have complete control over the resources of the server, and there are no other tenants sharing the same physical space. This means you can customize your server as per your needs and have higher security due to complete isolation from other users. The caveat is that dedicated servers are more expensive than shared hosting and VPSs, and the ROI may not be there unless your needs truly justify this option.
Hosting Options – Factors to Consider
Ultimately, utilizing the right types of web hosting option is crucial. Shared hosting, VPS, and dedicated servers all have their pros and cons. Shared hosting is suitable for small websites with minimal traffic, while a VPS is suitable for websites and applications that require more resources and greater control. Finally, a dedicated server is best for very large websites and applications with tons of traffic that need separate hardware and complete isolation from other users. But with any option, someone needs to manage the hosting environment – the server hardware and software.
The Full Package: Managed Hosting and DevOps
Typically, a property manager or owner is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of a living space. In the case of shared hosting, the provider usually bundles in limited server management services shared among tenants. However, this is not always the case with a VPS or dedicated server; in these instances, it usually falls on the “owner” to attend to server management or hire someone to do it for them.
Managed hosting is a solution that provides customers with fully managed hosting, where the provider takes care of all the technical aspects of hosting the customer’s website or application. This includes server maintenance, software updates, security patches, backups, and other tasks that are necessary for the smooth functioning of the hosting environment.
DevOps services are a set of practices that combine software development and IT operations to provide a streamlined and efficient process for deploying and managing applications. DevOps services are focused on automation, collaboration, and continuous delivery, and they help organizations deliver applications faster, with higher quality and reliability.
When offered as an additional service on top of hosting, managed hosting with DevOps services can provide customers with a comprehensive solution for hosting and managing their applications. Managed hosting takes care of the infrastructure and server management, while DevOps services provide customers with a streamlined process for developing, testing, and deploying their applications. This can help customers save time and resources and enable them to focus on their core business functions, rather than managing the technical aspects of hosting and application management.
Artonic’s Custom Web Hosting Solution
At Artonic, we offer high-performance VPS and dedicated server hosting bundled with a suite of Managed Hosting and DevOps services. Our packages include: domain management, renewal, and privacy; premium DNS management, dedicated IP, form backups, application email delivery, and migration services; SSL certificate, management, monitoring, and wildcard support; backups, uptime monitoring, CDN delivery, and more. To learn more about our premium website and application hosting services, contact us at 517-902-7851 or [email protected].