Factors to Consider While Choosing the Right Virtual Private Server

Choosing a VPS is always a complex work and finalising the vendor is even more critical. Here, we have tried to create a list based on various server parameters you would need to consider while selecting your server.

Workload

This is theamount of work you want your VPS to do. For instance, if you wish to host a static website with 1000 visitors, you can choose a VPS with 2GB Ram and a reasonable amount of storage, say 30GB. A word of caution though; do not buy any server below 2GB Ram capacity. This is because the operating system itself consumes a lot of RAM space, hence you might find it difficult to run the small tasks in the server with RAM capacity lesser than 2GB
Hardware

When we say VPS hardware, it includes storage, RAM, network, processor series, bandwidth, IP address, DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) Protection, and traffic. Your vendor would be able to provide you with the hardware specifications, that might be needed as per your hosting requirements. For instance, SSD storage is a better option if you require very fast server operations otherwise pickthe one without SSD storage.

Image 1: Components of VPS server, handling multiple VPS accounts
Affordability

The price is a very important consideration as the VPS hosting plans work on renewal mode, usually onamonthly basis. Once your server is setup it is not advisable to change the vendor abruptly as the process may leave you with some loss in the investment. To be safe, find a vendor who can provide trial server services so you can experience the performance before renting the VPS.
Operating system

Microsoft Windows server is recommended for new VPS seeking users since it provides comparatively easy user-interfaces than their counterparts. Other option includes hosting a server on Linux machine which offers the operating system such as Centos, Fedora, Arch Linux or any other which you are familiar with.
The physical location of VPS

The need to know the name of the country where the actual server resides might help in understanding the data protection and privacy policies of the nation. The location of the VPS also guides whether it is permissible to run certain applications or software.Check this out before making a purchase. Software like railway ticket reservation or government applications may not run on the server whose physical location lies outside the country of service.
Data protection and privacy policy

Always check and understand the rules pertaining to data protection and privacy. These policies are vital for your business, the country laws and as well as for the other citizens of the nation.
Management

There are two server management approach being offered by the vendors
- The first approach is amanaged server where the vendor takes the complete responsibility of managing the server tasks and all the relatable activities.
- The second approach is the unmanaged server, where the client manages VPS services on its own while the vendor’s responsibility gets limited to manage the hardware and connectivity services of the server.
Image 2 – An overview of VPS
Software licensing policy

Some software is free to use while others require the purchase of license before you use them for personal or commercial use.Understanding the concerned software’s license policy for shared resources, you will be able to run it uninterrupted on your VPS.
Control panel

The control panel is the user-interface that is provided to you to access your owned server space. Some VPS vendors provide a self-developed control panel, while some others provide you with a third-party control panel such as Plesk,for which you would have to pay extra bucks. Many vendors just provide you with remote desktop access instead of any sort of control panel.
Database backup

Generally,a database backup is an additional service and one has to purchase it separately from the vendor. Although, some VPS providers allow data backup through FTP, on the VPS itself. Refer to the difference in the price, before making a purchase.
Upgradation of VPS

This service varies from one service provider to another.Some of them give you an option to upgrade from a VPS of lower configuration to that of the higher ones, while somedo not allow any kind VPS up-gradation. Ask your vendor regarding this concern as your business might have different avenues.
Payment Methods

Most of the vendors accept Credit Card or PayPal, but if want to pay with some other methods like Bank Transfer, Debit Cards, wallets, please confirm with your vendor.
KYC documents

“Know your customer documents” or KYC for short are made mandatory as per government regulations, in most of the countries. You would have to provide an identification proof along with your photograph before your VPS is activated.
Uptime

This is the most important aspect of your VPS.The online uptime refers to the time that a website or web service is available to users, over a given period. Clearly, the highest uptime is what we are aiming for. Most of the vendors claim to have 99% uptime but you must read the user reviews to know the actual uptime that has been managed bythat vendor so far.
Customer care

You are investing in your business when you purchase a VPS. It is crucial that you would be able to reach a live person through phone or email when you need technical or non-technical support.Auto replied by the bots or redirected to the knowledge forum is not enough, especially in the times of distress.
Renewals

The VPS vendors either bill you a fixed price for the entire month or you will be billed as pay-per-use.Also,be knowledgeable about the billing dates and the extension period, if there is any.