What is a VPS?
VPS: Definition
A virtual private server is a type of web hosting service. Created from a physical dedicated server, the VPS is a fully virtual environment that can be used to set up a web hosting infrastructure.
This tool is perfect for getting started with server administration, and for helping an online business grow.
What is a VPS good for?
- Website hosting
- Hosting software applications
- Hosting WordPress multisite platforms
- Developing sandbox environments
- Hosting pre-production and production environments
How does a VPS work?
Deployment and virtualization
From a purely technical point of view, a VPS is a virtual server created from a dedicated server. In short, a hypervisor is added to a physical machine. The hypervisor divides the dedicated server’s resources into partitions to create virtual machines. The user can then install their preferred OS and applications.
With virtualization, a VPS simulates a physical dedicated server with shared virtual resources. Even though your environment is isolated, it delivers the freedom of a dedicated server, while guaranteeing the flexibility, scalability and simplicity of the cloud.
Managing a virtual private server
Once you have installed and configured your VPS, you can configure it to suit your needs. You can log in via a control panel, which makes it easy to supervise, manage and monitor your hosting plan. Add the resources you need depending on the web applications you plan to install (vCPU, RAM, disk space, etc.).
Need more information on using and managing a VPS? Read our guide: Getting started with an OVHcloud VPS
Autonomy and flexibility
A VPS can be configured with the operating system of your choice, and comes with administrator access. Also known as root access, it means you can install and configure any applications on your own virtual machine. You can manage the scalability of your server’s components, and handle any potential issues.
Backup
Several types of backup are generally available with the VPS solutions. In the event of an outage or configuration error, you can simply relaunch your activity from these backups, maintaining the integrity of your data no matter the scenario.
Scalability
VPS solutions can be scaled to suit your needs. You can add resources directly from your OVHcloud Control Panel. Thanks to its flexibility, your VPS allows you to do this from the control panel.
Dedicated environment and high performance
Your VPS resources are allocated and scalable (virtual processor, RAM, disk space), giving you high performance at the best price.
Launch your project with our VPS solutions.
Scalable and customisable to meet all your needs.
VPS
Unlike a physical dedicated server, a VPS does not require the user to manage the hardware. It is adapted to web projects that are kept at a reasonable size. You can size the resources you need for your project to succeed, so long as it does not require a high level of performance, resilience or infrastructure upgrades. This way, you can manage the costs associated with your web projects.
Dedicated Server
If your business grows, your VPS performance will begin to show its limits. A dedicated server has a higher capacity to handle large workloads and deploy more complex infrastructures. It delivers raw performance that can support high-traffic web projects. What’s more, access to vRack helps you to secure your infrastructure and the data hosted on it as much as possible.
Your questions answered
What services and options come with a VPS server?
With this turn-key solution, you can create your own server to suit your needs, thanks to the many services and options available with your VPS. Here is an overview:
Services included:
Unlimited bandwidth, anti-DDoS protection, IP address and high availability. Free distributions including Ubuntu, Debian and Centos.
Available options:
Additional, geolocated IPv4 addresses, additional storage space, automatic and/or manual backups. Multiple pre-installed application options available (cPanel, Plesk or even Windows).
Discover and compare the technical features of our VPSs.
What is the difference between a VPS and a shared hosting plan?
The main difference between VPS servers and shared hosting solutions is the way you manage and configure your hosting plan. The shared solution is fully managed by your hosting provider, while you manage and configure your VPS. Also, the data hosted on a VPS is isolated on a dedicated machine.