VPS Windows is a virtual hosting solution for business, organizations and individuals. VPS stands for Virtual Private Server. It offers more power, security and customization than shared hosting yet is less expensive than a dedicated server. A Windows VPS usually runs either Windows Server 2003 or Windows Server 2008 operating systems. They naturally run well with ASP, .NET and other Microsoft-based applications. This includes Windows consumer applications like Word, Excel and Access database. VPS Windows is more costly than Linux hosting due to Microsoft software license fees. The corresponding benefit is that Windows is considered more secure by many IT managers due to its closed system. VPS setups are growing in popularity because they offer an appealing blend of low cost and customization. Clients can choose which operating system they want loaded on their server. They can then add applications, designate disk space, schedule backup systems, allocate RAM memory and establish email accounts as they see fit.
The VPS vendor will provide managed services like 24-hour support staff, reliable uptime, daily backups, immediate replacement of faulty physical disks, and rapid application downloads. VPS Windows is easy to manage through a GUI interface such as cPanel or a Virtuozzo Power Panel. If an organization relies on ASP or .Net, Windows VPS is the natural choice. This also applies if the database applications use Microsoft SQL Server or Microsoft Access. VPS Windows is configured on either a Hyper-V or Virtuozzo base. Hyper-V only handles Windows Server 2008 while Virtuozzo is often aligned with Window Server 2003. Another popular Windows program, Microsoft Exchange Server, is a calendar and communications software package well-suited for a Windows-based server setup.
The license fees discourage some firms from taking the Windows path, opting instead for less expensive Linux hosting. Windows VPS can also take up more RAM and disk space, depending on individual resource requirements. Some of these demands can be alleviated by using Windows 2008 Secure Core, a slimmer version of the operating system.
One of the advantages of Windows VPS is that it essentially acts like a dedicated server without the expense. Growing businesses that need to move to a dedicated server will find the transition easier than the jump to VPS from shared hosting. Windows is used on some of the biggest server installations in the world and can handle most any data demand. It is easily scalable and most businesses will find that VPS Windows is a sound investment in the future.