Cloud and VPS web hosting are two of the most common choices for web hosting to the market today; and they are both often confused for each other. Multiple websites are run by both types from a server, yet each of the websites runs independently of any other - even from other websites that are on that same server. Just what exactly will be the difference between the two?
The largest difference between the 2 may be the servers that they're run. A VPS typically contains just one physical server - even though hardware and pc software may appear to be much more capable than that of a regular computer. It's within that physical host that many, many different websites will be stored. Nevertheless even though they're in the exact same physical location, these sites are virtually partitioned off from each other employing a hypervisor and virtualization software. Each site is assigned a certain level of resources, and one never disrupts yet another.
Cloud hosting is fairly different.
Cloud website hosting enables numerous websites to be on a single server as well; and just like VPS, the websites do not interfere with each other. Nevertheless unlike VPS, cloud website hosting doesn't usually count on just one machine or one physical unit. Instead, cloud web hosting is made up of a cluster, or clouds, of servers. These clouds overlap and intertwine with each other, in order that they can assist one another when necessary.
Must one host in the cloud need additional bandwidth or storage space, it can draw on another cloud to get what it needs, and vice-versa. They can still help each other and share resources, although each cloud and each website within that group of servers is totally independent from any other website.
The storage facilities of both different types of hosting may also be different. VPS are generally stored somewhere nearby the hosting company, if not right on-site then somewhere that is easier than you think to get to in a short amount of time. Cloud hosting on the other-hand, often uses remote servers that will perhaps not be reached physically from the variety or even the website owner. This is actually a big factor for businesses or persons who find that they need access to their host sometimes.
Last but most certainly not least, there's also a large difference in the level of assistance offered by VPS and cloud web hosts. VPS hosting will hire you a server and keep it for you but that is generally all the support you'll find. While you'll occasionally be able to call the web host for advice and help, they an average of don't help you sustain, set up, or handle your server once you have already signed up for it. Cloud hosting to the other hand, is sold with a variety of managed hosting choices for the ones that are not comfortable working in a server environment. This can be especially helpful for individuals that don't have lots of technical know-how, and companies that don't have an IT team.
Cloud and VPS hosting do sound very similar at first. But a little digging below the surface reveals exactly how different these two forms of hosting really are. Luckily, it's these differences that make it easy to compare the needs of one's site with that of one's web-host and find the type of hosting that's right for you!