A virtual private server (VPS) solution uses a software platform
that permits a hosting vendor to multiplex a single dedicated
server into multiple "virtual" machines. In essence, a VPS
solution is a private and protected Web services infrastructure
that operates as an independent server.
A virtual private server allows multiple
customers to share the expense of hardware and network
connections without sacrificing privacy, performance or
preference. For this reason, VPS is considered one of the most
sophisticated modes of automation available for provisioning
small to mid-sized enterprise Web hosting.
The use of such technology allows hosting
providers to save money by simulating the features of a
dedicated server multiple times upon a single physical hosting
environment, while concurrently allowing them to deliver
high-quality Web services to their end users. VPS solutions
allow Web hosting resellers to provide a full range of services
usually only afforded by dedicated hosting technology. Resellers
can therefore offer their clientele full administrative or
"root" access to their Web services.
The virtual private server was first implemented
by hosting giant NTT/Verio to bridge the gap between shared
hosting environments and customized dedicated servers. By using
a virtual private server, Web hosting resellers and Web
designers can provide small businesses the performance,
security, and control of dedicated hosting services at a
fraction of the cost.
A virtual private server eliminates the
restrictions of virtual hosting by providing all of the
administrative features of a dedicated server. Each VPS user
therefore receives their own set of services that they can
customize to their specific needs. Virtual hosting is limited in
comparison because its users do not have root access and
software configurations cannot be customized, despite the fact
that physical resources are also multiplexed. A virtual private
server on the other hand, contains its own unique file system
and CGI-BIN, disk space, system resources, bandwidth and memory
allotments, which allow for a high level of customization.
Due to the fact that a VPS solution truly
simulates a dedicated server, some technical understanding of
server administration is required. Any true VPS solution will
provide users with: "root" or full administrative access;
guarantee a specific allocation of server resources, including
CPU, memory and bandwidth; and allow the user to manage multiple
servers and file areas through a sophisticated control panel.
A virtual private server will ensure
"performance isolation" so that heavy traffic or CPU loads will
not affect other VPS solutions on the same infrastructure.
Others major features that characterize VPS solutions include:
"fault tolerance," which ensures that errors, which affect one
specific private server, do not affect others; and "enhanced
security," which ensures that e-business applications can be
deployed with greater privacy.
The most popular feature that VPS customers use,
however, is the virtual private server's capacity for
"functional isolation." Because a VPS has its own contained
services, it is possible for users to install and customize
their own open-source and commercial software packages.
Many virtual private servers on the Unix
platform have become so advanced that they even permit users to
install Linux RPM packages. This allows users to take source
code for new software and package it into source and binary
form, such that binaries can be easily installed and tracked,
and source can be easily rebuilt. The use of RPM packages also
allows VPS users to maintain a database of all packages and
their files that can be used for verifying packages and querying
for information about files and/or packages.
Small businesses that run their own e-commerce
Web sites also appreciate the functional isolation of their
private server, because it allows them to obtain their own
secure certificates and shopping cart software for their
e-business operations. Many sophisticated VPS solutions will
even offer third-party plug-ins or modules, allowing users to
take advantage of control panel functionality in order to
install everything from the simplest CGI scripts to the most
advanced shopping carts.
Due to these advantages, virtual private servers
are very popular and are a relatively inexpensive choice for
small to mid-sized enterprises seeking to maintain their own Web
presence. VPS solutions are the natural choice for SMEs and
individuals wishing to upgrade a shared or virtual hosting
package. The following are descriptions of popular VPS packages
now available through an assortment of major Web host vendors:
Ensim
Ensim's award-winning product line includes control panels,
virtual private servers, server management, as well as Microsoft
Exchange hosting software.
H-Sphere
Hsphere is scalable multi-server, centralized hosting automation
software with fully brandable resellers support, comprehensive
recurrent billing, trouble ticket system as well as complete
account provisioning automated signup. It supports Win2000,
Linux & FreeBSD. It provides fully features, easy-to-use end
user web based control panel, and powerful admin user interface.
SW-soft
SW-soft develops the Virtuozzo technology and the HSPcomplete
hosting automation solution. SWsoft's products deliver powerful,
comprehensive solutions that power data center management and
provide excellent return on investment.
Sphera
Sphera is a leading developer of Web hosting automation and
management software for Internet data centers, ISPs and hosting
providers. Sphera's HostingDirector enables cost-cutting and
revenue increases by automating Web hosting management,
facilitating sales of value added applications, services and
more.
These above hosting software firms develop
popular and dependable VPS packages. Consider using a hosting
firm that elects to use one of the above virtual private server
systems.
