VPS vs. VDS: What’s the Difference?

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You know you need a server, but you have a choice between VPS hosting and VDS hosting. They both seem similar, so what differences exist between the two products? Here we look at the ways a VPS and a VDS differ to help you buy the service that best meets your needs.

Virtual Dedicated Server (VDS)

Packaged VDS services provide a virtual discrete server that runs isolated from other servers. For practical purposes, a VDS is a stand-alone machine over which users have full control. For example, VDS services allow users to use virtualization to run different operating system (OS) software at once. VDS packages have dedicated resources, so they never slow down, even when neighboring servers perform at peak levels. Better performance and more flexibility attract many users to the VDS platform.

Although the VDS runs independently from other servers, it does share an underlying part, the Hypervisor software. This sets up and manages independent machines within a shared space. Users should not confuse a VDS hosting plan with a dedicated server hosting plan which works on standalone hardware. VDS solutions provide almost identical services as a dedicated plan, so those two plans are almost identical. Greater differences exist between VDS and VPS packages, although many people also consider them interchangeable.

Virtual Private Server (VPS)

VPS hosting gives users a virtual server that resides on the same platform with tens or hundreds of other servers. They share resources providing virtual CPUs, memory and disk space with other VPS packages. This means performance can suffer depending on what other hosting customers do. VPS servers usually run a single OS and have less flexibility and stability than VDS solutions.

Because VPS resources overlap, customers can experience service issues if another server hosted on the same machine experiences heavy demand. These variations may cause problems with mission-critical applications, and force them to buy a VDS package.

Choosing between a VDS and a VPS

Many customers will decide to buy a VPS package because of its lower cost. After all, were there no price differential, everyone would probably buy the top-of-the-line VDS package. Businesses not forced into a VPS because of price can consider other factors. For example, companies that foresee a need to expand should consider buying a VDS hosting package because their flexibility.

Companies that do not expect to experience growth may not need the flexibility of a VDS unless they have a mission-critical application that needs it. Therefore, VPS hosting will suffice for most business environments. Flexibility also comes into play at this point. Companies that can use an out-of-box Linux or Microsoft OS will usually fit in a VPS package, but those who need custom arrangements should consider a VDS plan.

Server maintenance can also help decide whether businesses buy a VPS or a VDS. Like any discrete server, a VDS requires much maintenance. A company without the labor available to operate a VDS may find ways to adapt to a VPS product where they have less responsibility for its routine operation.