VPS stands for Virtual Private Server and it is an isolated, virtual environment on a physical server owned by a cloud service provider, such as Google Cloud or AWS. It may also be an internet hosting operator.
VPS hosting uses virtualisation technology to divide a single physical machine into multiple private server environments that share resources.
In the Google Cloud environment (formerly Google Cloud Platform), a Virtual Private Server (VPS) is a virtual machine that provides virtual server resources on a physical server shared with other users.
By using Google Cloud VPS, you get dedicated server space. It comes with a reserved volume of resources on Google’s infrastructure, which offers more control and customisation than shared hosting.
Web hosting vs. cloud hosting
Cloud hosting and web hosting differ in several ways. In the case of traditional web hosting, when a website needs more resources due to increased demand, the user usually has to change his service plan to provide more processing power. This makes scalability difficult.
Meanwhile, cloud hosting ensures that your website content is distributed across multiple virtual servers, often in different regions. This means that when demand increases, your content can be easily scaled.
This also makes cloud hosting more robust and reliable than what a web hosting provider can offer.
Advantages of cloud hosting
As mentioned above, scalability can be of crucial importance for many websites. Online retailers often rely on seasonal sales. Content streamers have to be prepared to scale up when demand rises.
There are many more advantages to using cloud hosting. Here are the most important ones:
Flexibility and scalability
Google Cloud hosting services allow you to easily adapt resources to your current needs. You can increase or decrease processing power, storage space and other resources depending on your project requirements.
Charge only for resources used
In the cloud, you only pay for the resources you actually use. This means you don’t have to invest in expensive infrastructure and maintain an actual physical server. When using cloud infrastructure, costs are scaled proportionally to the use of resources.
Availability and reliability
Google Cloud hosting services are usually very reliable. Cloud providers often offer solutions based on multiple data centres, which ensures high availability of services. They store backups in different regions to ensure uninterrupted server’s resources even in case of a local fire, flooding or another natural disaster.
Automation and remote management
Cloud hosting allows you to automate many processes, which can speed up the deployment, management and scaling of your environments. Remote administration using cloud computing services is usually simpler and more flexible.
Data safety
Cloud service providers typically offer advanced security features such as data encryption, regular backups, and access to security monitoring tools.
Global availability
By using Google Cloud hosting, you can easily share your applications and data globally as cloud providers have data centres all over the world.
Ease of implementation
Deploying applications or websites in the cloud is usually faster than with traditional hosting models. Access to ready-made templates, virtual machine images and automation tools facilitates the implementation process. Google Cloud Platform console is considered one of the most user-friendly ones for admins and DevOps to use.
System updates and maintenance
Cloud hosting providers like Google often handle software updates and infrastructure maintenance, allowing users to focus on application development instead of technical areas.
Development environment
The cloud allows developers to more easily create, test, and deploy applications. Resources are easily accessible and configurable, supporting a rapid development cycle.
Google Cloud console allows you to implement granular access controls via Identity and Access Management (IAM). You can also easily enable APIs and services, create and manage infrastructure and resources like virtual machines, networking, and much more.
Protection against failures
Because Google Cloud resources are spread across the globe, the risk of data loss due to the failure of one data center is much lower than in traditional hosting models.
How does Virtual Private Server work?
VPS works from just one server. This means that even if you only share one physical server with other users, the VPS will simulate a dedicated server hosting environment.
What is a hypervisor?
The way it works is that your hosting provider installs a virtual layer called a hypervisor on the physical server’s operating system that divides it into virtual compartments.
The purpose of the layer is to enable each compartment to run its own operating system and software, thanks to which each environment can operate independently of each other.
Read also: Serverless – what is it and what are its benefits?
Difference between Google Cloud VPS and a dedicated server?
Let’s start with a description of the available hosting services.
Shared hosting
It’s when many users use one physical server with all its resources.
Because there is no specific amount of resources allocated, the site’s processing power and memory may impact the needs of other users. For instance, if another server users experiences a spike in traffic, this may adversely affect the resources allocated to other users and result in unpredictable network performance.
Dedicated hosting
Meanwhile, dedicated hosting provides an entire physical server, which means that all its resources will be reserved exclusively for your company’s needs. It’s like having an entire computer rented rather than
What are the benefits of such a solution? In this model, you get full control over everything, from the hardware, through the operating system, to custom server software.
VPS hosting
So where does Cloud VPS fall on the spectrum? It is somewhere in the middle of the two solutions mentioned above. With a VPS, you can host multiple websites and other apps on your dedicated slice of Google Cloud infrastructure. It offers more resources than a shared hosting, yet at a more competitive price than a dedicated server.
What makes it different? Unlike shared hosting, you get a set amount of resources allocated to your VPS.
With a Google Cloud Platform VPS, you also get complete control over your virtual machine. You can install any software you want. It allows for hosting multiple sites without worrying about unpredictable network performance.
At the same time, you can benefit from many advantages of dedicated hosting, including your own operating system, server applications and root control, at a fraction of the price of dedicated solutions.
Google Cloud VPS costs
Google Cloud VPS offers a range of virtual private server (VPS) options through Google Compute Engine service.
To learn more about the costs and possibilities of using the free tier, i.e. free limits in Google Cloud, contact FOTC experts.
Our cloud architects will help you estimate the costs of using Google Cloud Virtual Private Server.
