Need to choose between using a VPS or a cloud server? Both have more positives than negatives.
Anyone who works with projects on the internet knows the importance of good website hosting. If you’ve ever seen a website down, you know that this is one of the worst nightmares experienced by internet professionals.

But if you haven’t gone through this, believe me, you don’t want to know what it’s like to go through this. With that in mind, this post aims to clarify the differences between a cloud server and a VPS.

While both are types of hosting, there are many differences between a VPS and a Cloud Server. To choose the most appropriate one for a project, it is important to recognize its characteristics, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of each.

Understanding the type of hosting for a website is even more important in the case of online stores — and you’ll be grateful for knowing that as soon as possible!

In the next lines, we’ll find out what are the main differences between VPS and Cloud Server, and we’ll define what each one is.

What is VPS?

The acronym VPS comes from English Virtual Private Server, or virtual private server. In other words, VPS is a physical server that is split into other virtual servers. Each of these parts then acts as an individual server.

In practice, it is a single machine responsible for running several applications, such as websites and computer programs, but with spaces dedicated to each user.

What is Cloud Server?

As the name implies, a cloud server uses cloud computing. That means you won’t have a physical machine.

Unlike VPS, the cloud server has resources from multiple physical machines, which allows it to scale the resources to be used. All of this, of course, will depend on the user’s need.

What Is the Difference Between a Cloud Server and a VPS?

First, it is worth remembering that both have in common the fact that they work as dedicated servers. But at this point, the main difference is that the VPS hosting has resources of only one physical machine, while the cloud server is based on several other machines.

From this structural difference, we can raise a series of advantages and possible disadvantages:

Advantages of a VPS

Just like a cloud server, a virtual private server is an excellent option for those who need more memory and processor, for example;
There is no data exchange between clients hosted on the same server, as the data is stored separately;
If necessary, you can restart a virtual server without affecting the activity of others.

Disadvantages of a VPS

The general settings and security of a virtual private server are up to the user;
If the physical server fails, all virtual servers will also have their activities affected;
Servers of this type do not have scalable features. That is, once the maximum capacity of any resource is reached, you will have to look for new options, which can take a lot of time.

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Advantages of a Cloud Server

The resources of a cloud server are scalable. If they run out, another machine starts to work automatically to supply the demand;
In case of failure, as in the previous situation, there will be another machine to supply the new demands;
Each customer can select their own operating system, which is not the case with a VPS;
If another client reaches the peak of accesses, the resources of a cloud server will not be affected.

Disadvantages of a Cloud Server

To set up and deal with a cloud server, you will need some advanced knowledge.

After All, What Is the Best Option?

When it comes to business, it’s very difficult to reach a unanimous consensus comparing just two options — and in this case, it’s no different. Therefore, the choice will depend on the needs of each user.

But we can give you a few hints: if your project is still in its infancy, maybe a VPS is the best option, as you probably won’t experience spikes in access.

In this scenario, opting for virtual private servers also means opting for lower costs and easier configurations.

But if you need to supply big spikes in traffic, then the best option is the Cloud server, as the resources will be scalable. As for the cost, it will be worth it for the guaranteed stability.

If your business cannot afford to go offline your choice will be made easier. That’s because cloud servers are more suitable for this type of demand.

The same is true if you can’t even think of failed operations. Remember that cloud servers will quickly do the job.

Conclusion

As you can see, both options can be excellent. Both have more positives than negatives. In addition, they are good choices for companies and professionals who have an online presence.

Everything will depend on the needs of each project, and nobody better to decide this than the user.