Choosing a web hosting solution is essential for any online business. Two popular options for Australian domain hosts are Virtual Private Server (VPS) hosting and cloud hosting.
But what exactly sets them apart? This article explains the key differences between VPS hosting in Australia and cloud hosting to help you pick the best one for your needs.
What is VPS Hosting?
A VPS partitions a physical server into several virtual servers. Each virtual server functions autonomously and is assigned its own dedicated resources, including CPU power, RAM, and storage space.
Essentially, VPS hosting gives you more control and customisation ability over the server compared to shared hosting. It also ensures guaranteed resources so that other sites do not impact the performance of your website on the same server.
Advantages and Disadvantages of VPS Hosting
Advantages
- Dedicated resources prevent resource hogging by other sites
- Full admin access for software installation and customisation -Better security and data isolation
- Scalability to add more resources
Disadvantages
- Limited by the host server’s hardware capacity
- In case of host failure, all VPS instances are affected
- Requires technical expertise to manage
What is Cloud Hosting?
An interconnected network of servers is used in cloud hosting to function as a “cloud”. Instead of being confined to the limits of a single physical server, cloud-hosted websites can leverage the combined computing power of all servers in the cloud.
If one server fails or runs out of capacity, traffic is dynamically shifted to other servers to prevent downtime. Resources can also scale up or down to accommodate spikes and dips in traffic.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Cloud Hosting
Advantages
- Excellent uptime and reliability
- Limitless scalability
- Pay-as-you-go flexible pricing
- Top-notch security measures
Disadvantages
- Less control and admin access compared to VPS
- Dependence on internet connection
- Multi-tenant architecture poses some security risks
VPS Hosting vs Cloud Hosting – The Major Differences
Here’s an overview table to help you understand the difference between VPS hosting and cloud hosting:
| Parameter | VPS | Cloud Hosting |
| Underlying Architecture | Single physical server split into multiple VPS using virtualisation | A network of interconnected physical servers works as a “cloud.” |
| Customisation and control | Full admin access and customisation ability | Limited compared to VPS |
| Scalability | Scalable but limited by host hardware | Almost unlimited |
| Reliability | Risk downtime by host hardware | Excellent uptime due to disturbed redundancy |
| Security | Better than shared hosting, but risks from host vulnerability exist | Top-notch based on cloud architecture |
| Cost | Affordable and predictable | Pay only for the Resource used |
Which One Should You Choose?
VPS hosting is ideal if you want maximum control and customisation ability. It provides guaranteed resources for predictable performance. But there is a small risk of downtime.
Cloud hosting is highly reliable and scalable. But you have relatively less control compared to VPS. It utilises a pay-as-you-go with almost unlimited growth potential.
Overall, cloud hosting edges out VPS on features like uptime and scalability. However, advanced users may still prefer the flexibility of VPS configuration. Assess your specific priorities, like budget, growth requirements, technical skills, etc., to pick the right solution.
Conclusion
VPS and cloud hosting cater to overlapping yet distinct hosting needs. VPS grants fine-grained control, while the cloud offers unlimited scalability.
Analysing the benefits and downsides helps you to determine the right service according to your website priorities and target audience expectations.
When deciding between cloud hosting vs VPS, assess your specific requirements to pick the ideal solution.