VPS hosting services offer a comfortable middle ground between shared hosting and renting private servers. The provider partitions a single server, creating many independently-functioning virtual servers. There are a lot of VPS hosting providers out there, but they’re not all created equal. Business owners can read on to find some tips on how to choose the right one.
Choose a Provider with Plenty of Plan Options
There are two primary options when it comes to VPS service plans: managed hosting and self-managed hosting. Each has its unique benefits and drawbacks, but as a general rule, it’s best to work with a provider that offers both fully-managed plans and solutions for clients who want to take a more hands-on approach.
It’s equally important to find a VPS hosting provider that can accommodate the company’s current operational model. Check out the options when you visit iozoom.com to see an example. The company offers dedicated hosting and management for Windows, Linux, Forex, and WordPress. This diversity of offerings allows them to create plans that target clients’ needs.
Read the SLA
Reputable VPS hosting services will let potential clients view their Service Level Agreements (SLAs) before signing on the dotted line. This document will offer information about the provider’s responsibilities, including details about any guarantees offered in its promotional materials. Make sure to read through it carefully to get a good idea of what to expect should service be interrupted or a client decide that the provider is not a good fit.
Define the Company’s Needs
It’s a mistake to switch to a new VPS hosting service without first stopping to define what the company hopes to get out of making the move. Determine how much bandwidth and storage will be required and convey this information to the service provider. Transparent communication is the best way to determine if the provider will be able to accommodate the software, applications, and other resources.
Choose the Right Operating System
A VPS can be configured to run either Windows or Linux. It’s important to work with a company that can host both of these operating systems, especially if clients want to sign up for self-managed plans. Those who aren’t familiar enough with either operating system to ensure efficient server maintenance should sign up for fully-managed plans.
Understand the Provider’s Restrictions
Those on the hunt for unlimited storage or bandwidth should pay careful attention to the fine print. Not all companies mean it when they say their clients will have access to unlimited storage. Sometimes that just means “as much storage as the provider chooses to offer.” It’s equally crucial to ask about any fees associated with using the VPS provider’s software and operating systems.
Avoid “Free” Services
It may be tempting to use free VPS hosting services, but keep in mind that those companies need to make their money somehow. More often than not, they do so by inundating site visitors with ads, which can hurt traffic rates and SEO. Free VPS hosting platforms can accommodate few visitors and offer very limited functionality, so unless the company is offering a free trial of a paid service, steer clear.
Inquire About Server Uptime
There’s no sense in hiring a VPS hosting service that can’t guarantee that downtime for their clients’ site will be all but unheard of. Look for a provider that can ensure 9at least 99.95% uptime. It may cost more to work with a service that offers a high uptime guarantee, but it’s the only way to create a website that’s stable enough to keep the business running as usual.
Look for Stellar Customer Support
The company should offer access to customer support personnel, especially for fully-managed VPS hosting plans. When clients sign up for self-managed plans, they do so with the understanding that all the technical work of maintaining the server will be their own responsibility. Those who sign up for managed plans should feel confident that they’ll get all the support they need not just to keep their sites running efficiently, but also to make any changes in a timely manner.
The best way to get an idea of how good a provider’s customer support program will be is to read through some testimonials or reviews from current or previous clients. Calling to speak with a representative before signing up for the service can also help. Just make sure to ask any questions about how to contact the support team and timelines for responses to customer concerns in advance.
Investigate Security and Network Monitoring Procedures
Any serious VPS hosting service will have robust network monitoring and cybersecurity procedures in place to protect clients’ data. Remember that only managed plans come with these services. Clients who choose to enroll in self-managed plans will have to perform their own risk assessments and network updates and will be responsible for establishing their own security protocols.
Competitive Pricing
While it’s unwise for serious business owners to enroll in free VPS hosting plans, it’s fine to shop around and find a provider that offers competitive pricing. As a benchmark, most VPS hosting providers charge $20 per month for managed plans. Self-managed plans typically require a less significant upfront investment, but they require having a dedicated IT staff.
It’s best to find a company that balances competitive pricing against providing clients with exceptional service. Business owners on a budget don’t have to settle for less than the best. They just need to spend some extra time investigating options in their price ranges.
Final Thoughts
Business owners shouldn’t underestimate the importance of working with a reputable VPS hosting service. It may cost more than signing up for a free or almost-free hosting platform, but working with well-respected industry experts is the only way to ensure that the site will be stable enough to provide for a client’s needs.
When in doubt, call to ask a customer service representative about what’s included in each of the plans and what guarantees the company offers regarding uptime, bandwidth availability, and storage. It’s better to spend the extra time finding a reputable company than to lose potential customers and drive away traffic with an unreliable website.