How to choose a reliable virtual dedicated hosting company

A dedicated server gives businesses unprecedented control over their server environment. Whether it’s managing a demanding application, a complex development platform, or a high traffic internet storefront, a dedicated server delivers power and flexibility. In a tough economy however, the decision to move into a dedicated server can be hampered by budget concerns. If this sounds familiar, maybe you should consider a virtual dedicated server. A virtual dedicated server is a cost effective alternative, combining the flexibility and performance of a dedicated server with the lowered expense of shared resources.

Understanding the difference

It’s important to clarify definitions when talking about a virtual dedicated server. Most providers will offer a VPS product, or Virtual Private Server. A VPS uses software to create a virtual ‘slice’ of the server resources for a particular user. To all appearances for the user, they are on their own server. This is done in a way that protects all the users on a server from being impacted from a runaway process from a particular user, and it usually works pretty well. There are limits to access, and in many ways a VPS is a pumped up cousin of shared web hosting.

Getting to the root of things

On the other hand, a virtual dedicated server creates an actual OS instance in the user partition. This allows users complete and total access to all normal server functions. With root level access to the operating system, administrators have the freedom to do exactly what they want. As with a VPS, each segment is quarantined and isolated from the others for performance and security. When you evaluate potential providers, make sure you find one that gives you the level of access you require.

The rest of your shopping list will look very similar to what you would want in any dedicated hosting service provider. Virtual dedicated servers will come in Linux and Windows flavors, allowing you to choose the OS for your particular application. As with any dedicated server, you’ll determine single or dual processor function, RAM and storage space, and bandwidth allocation. But those are the obvious things.

Details that make the difference

As you go through your evaluation checklist, pay special attention to the details that will make the difference in efficient operations. Do they offer manned support around the clock, or are you going to get a voice mailbox in the middle of the night? Do they have certified engineers on site? Do they have a back end infrastructure that can support enterprise class customers? For that matter, do they have enterprise class customers? If they do, it’s a strong indicator as to the quality of service they provide.

The other benefit to a large provider is the quality and quantity of available related managed services. Performance enhancing services like load balancers and network attached storage, security minded services like firewalls and intrusion protection, managed backup and other application specific services can play a significant role in your IT department. The economies of scale offered by a larger provider mean those valuable services are available at a fraction of the delivery cost.

A virtual dedicated server is a cost effective way to get the power and flexibility of dedicated hardware at a budget friendly price. Not all virtual servers are created equal however. By determining your requirements in advance and understanding the key differences between virtual server offerings, you can make the right decision for your business.