What kind of server to choose: virtual or physical

This article will help you figure out when a virtual server (VPS) is best for your project when a physical server would be better, and what the pros and cons of each are.

Virtual servers (VPS / VDS) — when you need something inexpensive and fast

VPS is a virtual server set up inside a powerful physical server in the data center of your hosting provider. Virtualization is used to create a VPS server, allowing you to divide the resources of one physical server into several separate VPS servers.

The pros and cons of a virtual server (VPS / VDS) in brief

Pros

Cons

Economy. A VPS is much cheaper than a physical server, as you only pay for the resources allocated to you.
Scalability. If necessary, you can increase your server resources at any time — RAM, CPU, and disk volume. This is especially useful for projects with a variable load.
Quick setup. VPS is deployed in minutes, which makes it a great option for those who need a server “yesterday”.
Reliability. Many providers allow you to make VPS backups, which increases the security of the information stored and allows you to restore your server in the event of any error.
Convenient testing. A VPS is perfect for software development and testing.

Limited resources. Though a VPS provides dedicated resources, its performance is limited as compared to a physical server.
Dependency on hosting. Problems with the main physical server can affect the performance of all VPSes hosted on it.

Who a virtual server is best for

A VPS is ideal for small and medium-sized businesses, as well as for projects with moderate resource requirements. For example, web applications, online stores, blogs, and corporate websites. A VPS is also suitable for developers who need a testing environment or startups that need flexibility and low cost.

Physical servers — if you are ready to pay for greater security and control

A physical server is hardware that a company manages and maintains on its own, without the involvement of a hosting provider. Everything from server configuration to security is handled by the company in house.

The pros and cons of a physical server in brief

Pros

Cons

Complete Control. Having your own server gives you complete freedom to manage and customize your hardware and software without the restrictions that hosting providers may impose. For example, choosing an operating system, the amount of traffic, or the amount of disk space or processor power allocated.
Security and privacy. Data are stored inside the company's infrastructure. Their security depends entirely on internal employees making it easier to guarantee. This is especially important for companies working with confidential information.
Independence from providers. This reduces the risks associated with the policies of service providers, including possible price changes or failures in their infrastructure.
Performance. Physical servers are much better at handling large amounts of data and high workloads, making them ideal for larger companies that need more powerful solutions.

High costs. The purchase of equipment, setting it up, maintaining and upgrading it require significant investments. The company must arrange its own equipment upgrades, technical support, and security. This requires either a dedicated team of IT specialists or outsourcing system administrators.
Limited scalability. To increase server capacity, it may be necessary to purchase new equipment, which involves additional costs and setup time.
Risks of physical loss of data. There are risks associated with fire, flooding, or physical damage to the equipment. The company needs to set up its own robust backup and data protection systems.

For whom a physical server is suitable

Having your own physical server is best for large companies with high requirements for data security, performance, and infrastructure control. It is an ideal option for large Internet projects, banking, medical institutions, and organizations that can not risk their data or want to reduce dependence on external service providers.

What to choose

A physical server is usually best if a project requires maximum control, security, and performance. Proprietary hardware offers independence and eliminates external risks, but demands substantial tech support and costs.

A virtual server is best if you need a flexible and cost-effective solution with scalability. It is great for startups, small and medium-sized businesses, and projects with moderate resource requirements.