What is the difference between VPS and VDS?

When you are faced with choosing a virtual server for your project, the question often arises: VDS vs VPS – which is better for your needs? Although these two terms are frequently used interchangeably, it is essential to understand the difference between VDS and VPS, as this can affect your project's performance. Let’s look at each option to choose the optimal solution for your project.

What is VPS?

VPS (Virtual Private Server) is a hybrid between shared hosting and a full-fledged dedicated server. It works based on virtualization technology, dividing the resources of one physical server into several virtual servers, each functioning as a separate system with its resources.

Key characteristics of VPS

1. Resources: Each VPS gets dedicated resources (RAM, CPU time, disk) independent of other users on the same physical server. For example, most VPS plans offer 1 to 8 CPU cores and 2 to 16 GB of RAM.
2. Flexibility and customization: VPS owners have full root access and can install any software or operating system and configure the server according to their needs. This makes VPS an ideal choice for those who require more control than shared hosting.
3. Security: Each VPS on the same server is isolated from others, so others cannot access one user’s data and operating system. This significantly increases security and privacy.
4. Cost: The price of VPS varies depending on the number of allocated resources and the level of support. On average, VPS with basic parameters costs around 1000-1400 UAH per month, making it affordable even for small businesses.

VPS Advantages and Features

• Performance: VPS provides more stable and predictable performance for websites and applications due to the dedicated resources.
• Scalability: You can quickly increase the resources (CPU, RAM, disk) as your needs grow, making VPS a flexible solution for developing projects.
• Statistics: According to Hosting Tribunal, the average annual growth rate of the cloud hosting and VPS market in 2023 was 15.9%. Around 80% of companies are switching to virtual servers to optimize their IT resources.

What is VDS?

VDS (Virtual Dedicated Server) is a virtual server that represents a complete copy of a virtual server running on virtualization technology.

Key characteristics of VDS

1. Dedicated resources: Unlike VPS, where the resources of a physical server are dynamically shared between several virtual machines, in VDS, resources are fully allocated to the user. This means you get guaranteed CPU power, memory, and disk space.
2. Complete control: Like with VPS, the VDS owner has full root access. This allows for the installation of any software, the configuration of the server architecture, and the management of all aspects of the system.
3. Isolation: The level of isolation on VDS is higher than on VPS. Each virtual server acts as a separate physical machine, providing higher security and power.
4. Performance: VDS ensures stable operation even under high loads due to guaranteed resources. It is an ideal solution for large websites or complex web applications.

VDS Advantages and Features

• Security: A high level of isolation guarantees that your server's performance won’t be affected by other users. It also protects against attacks on other virtual machines on the same physical server.
• Flexibility: The system can be fully customized and optimized for the project's specific needs, whether using special operating systems or installing unique programs.
• Scalability: As the project grows, the server's capacity can be expanded by adding CPU cores, RAM, or disk space.
• According to Hosting Facts, in 2023, VDS became a popular solution for small and medium-sized enterprises.

How does VPS differ from VDS?

VPS and VDS are often perceived as synonyms, but they have specific differences related to the level of virtualization and resource distribution.

1. Virtualization technology
   • VPS often uses paravirtualization (such as OpenVZ or Virtuozzo), where server resources can be dynamically distributed between virtual machines. One server can flexibly share resources among users depending on the load.
   • VDS uses full virtualization (such as KVM, Hyper-V, or VMware), where strictly defined resources are allocated to each user that cannot be redistributed.
2. Resources
   • VPSs may have shared access to server resources, so when one server experiences peak loads, performance problems may arise for all users.
   • VDS provides guaranteed resources that are strictly assigned to the user.
3. Performance
   • Since resources are shared, VPS can be influenced by neighboring users on the same server.
   • VDS guarantees high efficiency due to the complete isolation of resources.

Which is better to choose: VPS or VDS?

VPS or VDS – it all depends on your preferences and needs. VPS suits medium-level projects, small websites, blogs, or online stores. Conversely, VDS is better suited for more demanding projects, such as large corporate systems, high-load web applications, databases, games, or projects requiring high security and fully dedicated hardware resources.

FAQ

How many websites can I host on a VPS?

The number of websites you can host on a VPS is not limited. The main factor here is your server’s resources. If you have a powerful VPS, you can host dozens or hundreds of sites.

What virtualization technologies are used for VPS and VDS?

Various virtualization technologies are used for VPS and VDS:

• Type 1 hypervisors: These are installed directly on the server’s “bare metal.” Examples include VMware ESXi, Microsoft Hyper-V, and KVM (Kernel-based Virtual Machine).
• Type 2 hypervisors: These are installed as regular applications on the host server’s operating system. Examples include VirtualBox, VMware Workstation.

What operating systems are most commonly installed on VPS and VDS?

The most common operating systems for VPS/VDS are Linux (Ubuntu, CentOS, and Debian are the most popular Linux distributions) and Windows Server, which is used for specific tasks requiring certain software, such as .NET applications or SQL Server.

What alternatives to VPS and VDS exist in cloud technologies?

Alternatives to VPS and VDS in cloud technologies include:

• IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service) is the lowest level of abstraction in the cloud, providing access to virtual servers, network resources, and storage. IaaS offers maximum flexibility but requires more profound technical knowledge from the user.
• PaaS (Platform as a Service), this level of abstraction, provides a platform for developing and deploying applications without the need to manage infrastructure. PaaS is ideal for developers who focus on code, not servers.
• SaaS (Software as a Service) is ready-made software offered on a subscription basis. SaaS doesn’t require installation or configuration, making it accessible to many users.