Virtual Private Servers offer hosting customers a great balance between the control and power of a dedicated server, but at very affordable prices as compared to shared hosting. Virtual Private Servers, also known as VPS, Virtual Dedicated Server (VDS), or virtual server hosting, offer developers and web hosting resellers an excellent way of maximizing hosting investments.

As an intermediary service between shared web hosting and dedicated server hosting, the actual hardware server is divided into several isolated environments. Each environment, or space of the hardware, has its own server software, mail server, and independent software instances and services. This provides total independence for that particular website, as a crashed or corrupted application in another client's VPS setup has no effect on your virtual server hosting package. Virtual Private Servers minimize the compromises that shared web hosting has, as one does not have to share resources, applications, nor an environment a large number of other users in the same directory. Overall, VPS offers a distinct advantage in performance and security, as compared to shared web hosting.

Advantages:

The rewards of Virtual server hosting are based around control, security, and scalability.

VPS offers control, as many of the server resources available to end users are very similar to that of dedicated servers without the cost and expenses associated with utilizing a totally dedicated solution. Because of the control, VPS users are able to install their own applications, as well as use the feature of dedicated web servers, mail servers, database servers, and FTP servers.

Security is a major issue, as each VPS has its own dedicated system files. Other virtual server hosting accounts should never be able to 'see' your data, detect your presence, or affect the operation of your VPS. As compared to shared hosting, the benefit is protection from usage or behavior of other sites.

Lastly, scalability offers a great benefit in being able to upgrade to a more robust VPS solution or transfer files and applications to a dedicated server solution.

DisAdvantages:

There are a plethora of known advantages. However, one of the major disadvantages is the requirement of advanced technical skills and program knowledge to install, maintain, and tweak specialized applications that need to run on VPS platforms. The answer to this, however, is that better Virtual Server Hosting companies provide detailed manuals that make processes of configuration and control easier, no matter what level of knowledge one has.

Next, mismanagement of too many virtual servers residing on the same computer, or if a few virtual servers start hogging resources, there may be an observable decrease in speed and performance on web page delivery.

Furthermore, depending on the hosting package, a virtual private server may allow endless ways of configuration, but it may not always include with it the essential web hosting tools and multiple-user management functions necessary to run the site of your specifications. One may have to find specific software to run, or may even have to purchase customized software to run on that platform, as compared to software which may be provided by shared hosting plans.

Lastly, although an advanced user would see the return on investment of virtual private hosting, cost may be prohibitive to a user who needs more basic

Technical Benefits:

Web hosting companies developed the virtual private server to provide features usually reserved for a dedicated server at a more affordable price. An increasing number of web hosting users needed more flexibility, custom configurations, and root access, and the concept of a true virtual server fit their needs perfectly.

What is the best application of a Virtual Private Server web hosting service provider?

Utility of virtual private services for advanced users is multifaceted. VPS users, in management of servers, have a wide variety of applications and uses. Flexibility, speed of data delivery, security, and reliability, as compared to a shared server environment, are markedly improved. Therefore, solutions such as e-commerce, multimedia, and web development testing suites and platforms such as ColdFusion, Active Server Pages, and Java™ are viable options for implementation on a VPS.

From simple websites to complex needs, Virtual private hosting can truly accommodate the present hosting needs, but also is for those who need the scalability of growth and prediction of future resource requirements.

Some more examples of applications that Virtual Private web hosting is duly suited for include:

* Web-based calendaring & scheduling with employee scheduling * Multimedia applications through graphics, video, audio, and advanced rich advertising needs. * Tighter Email management (including possible spam protection) * More robust and powerful e-commerce possibilities (with secure data storage) * Corporate intranet implementation. * Multiple custom application development & hosting * Customer support ticket tracking * Data management

=| How to decide: |==

Generally being more technically savvy, users of VPS would be able to compare architectures that would offer the necessary speeds, ease of new software deployment, and the ability to install the latest technologies. Furthermore, possible VPS customers should be able to compare features on the hardware and software packages. Therefore, the following list of questions would be appropriate to understand and compare what packages are being offered and how they will affect the web page delivery.

* If something breaks, do you have spare server parts to fix it immediately? * What kind of maintenance plan do you have with your hardware provider? * What kind of backup options do you offer to save my data? * What application options and modules are available to me for installation * What management methods are available for me to administer my server? * What kind of connection to the Internet do you have? * What are the brand and specifications of computers that you use? What are the hardware specs you have available (CPU speed, drive size, memory, etc.)? * Overall, virtual server hosting gives a high degree of flexibility and operative benefits.

Overall, the ROI for Virtual Private Servers offers web savvy customers needing fast and reliable services a great solution for their web hosting needs.
About the Author

Rodel Garcia is a freelance programmer and web developer. Owner and webmaster of http://www.web-hosting-service-directory.com/virtual-web-hosting.html