What is a virtual server?
A virtual private server (VPS) is a type of server where several virtual servers share the same underlying physical hardware. The virtual servers’ resource requirements – such as the operating system, memory and storage – are set by the user, and created using a shared virtualising software tool called a hypervisor.
What is the difference between a physical Bare Metal server and a virtual server?
Hypervisors make servers more efficient by letting one physical server share its resources across several virtual servers, all on the same machine. The hypervisor caps how much of the shared hardware’s resources each virtual server can use.
So if a Bare Metal dedicated server has 128 GB memory, a hypervisor can configure one or more virtual private servers to share those resources. A hypervisor can spin up various virtual servers and allocate resources between them. With a cheap dedicated server, you can host one or more virtual private servers, each set up differently. There’s no standard configuration, as most virtual private servers are built with a specific use case in mind.
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Why is it called a virtual private server?
It’s called a virtual private server because using one feels just like using a traditional Bare Metal server. Where it really differs is in the hypervisor, which stretches the hardware and the server’s resources further.
What is a virtual machine?
Virtual machines work on a similar concept to virtual servers, but here the hypervisor provides the functionality of a desktop computer rather than a server on shared hardware. The hypervisor allocates resources like memory and storage to the virtual machine, and lets different virtual machines run on shared hardware, such as a cheap dedicated server, even when using different operating systems. Virtual machines and virtual servers have become hugely popular because they’re flexible and cost-effective. They make better use of hardware resources and allow different users to share them, each with their own custom configuration.
History of virtual private servers
Virtualisation technology was invented in the 1970s by IBM, which put a lot of effort into building a tool that let different users time-share the resources of a single computer. Over the next three decades, processors doubled in power around every 18 months. By the mid-2000s, the internet was growing fast and computer technology had become a serious focus for most businesses.
It was around this time that virtualisation technology reached the point where hypervisors could reliably create virtual servers and virtual machines, allowing hardware to be shared and used more efficiently.
Before hypervisors existed, it was common for different applications to run on their own Bare Metal server. This wasn’t efficient, since servers typically run at just 15% capacity on average. Four virtual servers on a single physical server, sharing resources between them, would bring that server up to around 60% capacity, costing no more than one cheap dedicated server.
How quickly can a VPS be provisioned?
A Bare Metal dedicated server usually takes longer to provision than a VPS. Dedicated server hardware can be customised for one customer’s exclusive use, but unless the datacentre provider has hardware ready to go, ordering and setting up the components can take time. Virtual private servers are far more flexible and can be provisioned in seconds. As a VPS runs on shared hardware and is limited by the hypervisor, it can be customised, but not to the same extent as a dedicated server.
To provision a virtual private server, the datacentre provider simply needs to use the hypervisor to build a server with the resource options the customer picks. Then it’s all set.
Cost efficiency
Virtual private servers run on shared hardware, so the operating costs get split between customers, which makes them far more cost-effective. If your business needs a server fast and works to a tight budget, a virtual private server could be a good option. That said, if your business wants full control over the server, its own private network, or fine-tuned customisation to run specific applications, a Bare Metal dedicated server is likely the better fit.
Performance
Virtual private servers handle a wide variety of workloads and can deliver a high level of performance. But because they share hardware resources controlled by a hypervisor, they can't match the performance of a dedicated server.
A virtual private server could be ideal for hosting a website, even one that gets high volumes of traffic. The virtual server might however start to struggle if the website handles large media files, hits sudden traffic spikes, or runs a busy database. In these cases, a cheap dedicated server might be more suitable.
OVHcloud’s VPS servers are powered by Intel's next-generation architecture and NVMe SSD storage, all backed by highly resilient infrastructure. We’ve built a dedicated environment that delivers maximum performance for hosting websites or business applications. The OVHcloud Control Panel gives customers complete control over their server, with a wide range of Windows or Linux operating systems to pick from.
Bare Metal dedicated server vs virtual private server: Which is best for your business?
Choosing between a Bare Metal dedicated server and a virtual private server comes down to a few key factors, including performance requirements, control, security, and how fast it can be provisioned.
Virtual private server use cases
Virtual private servers are flexible by design and suit a broad variety of use cases.
Web hosting: hosting a website is one of the most popular use cases for virtual servers. A VPS can be configured to serve content, run applications, and provide secure and reliable connections. Whether it’s for a personal blog or an online shop, there’s no shortage of VPS configurations to choose from. If fast, simple provisioning is what you’re after, a VPS is the right choice.
The OVHcloud VPS range lets you partition your server to host several websites or applications, simply by allocating a private space to each one. You can easily manage this yourself using a hosting control panel like Plesk or cPanel.
Backup: virtual servers are ideal for backing up and cloning the servers or desktop computers your business relies on. This is especially useful if a mission-critical server or desktop gets damaged or stolen.
Sandbox testing environment: if your business is testing new features or building updates for its digital products, a VPS can make a solid testing or sandbox environment. A sandbox is an isolated environment where new products and solutions can be tested, without any risk to the production environment or sensitive customer data.
With a virtual private server provisioned, engineers can test the new application, feature, fix or update safely. A VPS gives you the flexibility and efficiency to quickly provision a suitable environment, run the test, then shut the virtual server down once complete.
A VPS can be the most cost-effective way to set up a testing environment
Running older or incompatible software: if your business depends on an application that requires a non-standard or older operating system, a virtual server offers a cost-effective fix. This means those who need the non-standard software can access it, without the expense and hassle of maintaining a physical server.
Email server: for tighter security and complete control over your email, a virtual server keeps sensitive messages safe with end-to-end encryption.
Backup and control
OVHcloud VPS solutions can help secure your data. With the Snapshot option, customers can create an exact copy of their VPS using the OVHcloud Control Panel. The OVHcloud Control Panel gives VPS customers the same level of control over their server as they’d get with a Bare Metal dedicated server.
OVHcloud’s VPS range offers reliability and the high performance of a dedicated server, minus the hassle of managing physical hardware. OVHcloud VPS plans are customisable. You skip the complicated features you’ll never use and only pay for what you need. All in all, the VPS gives you a flexible, cost-effective and powerful tool to help your business run better.
OVHcloud and virtual private servers
OVHcloud’s Virtual Private Servers deliver solid performance at competitive prices, with six options on offer to suit your needs. From our entry-level plan, perfect for small blogs and web hosting, to our most powerful configurations for online game hosting, our range has you covered.