The age of the internet has given us the most innovative, game-changing technology- Cloud Computing. Starting as an experimental project, it took a few decades to introduce the technology publicly. The effect was tremendous as it didn’t take too long for the cloud to become a part of people’s lives. It has become an indispensable necessity to the modern man with various applications like- cloud storage, cloud hosting, SaaS(Software as a Service) and many more.
We will be covering a more specific topic here, “What is Cloud Hosting?” You will also see differences between web hosting and cloud service as well as its advantages. There is more relevant info that you will find in this guide, so make sure you go through it.
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What is Cloud Hosting? How does it Work?
A hosting server is the first thing you need to cross off your checklist to launch a website on the internet. The platform to host a website is not limited to a single server for cloud hosting. Multiple servers form an independent hosting environment by interconnecting these servers and combining their resources on a speed-oriented network. In plain English, a provider uses cloud technology to merge many servers to create one big server with massive resources.
A cloud hosting provider connects many servers on one fast and stable network to transfer data instantaneously. The provider then configures the servers on the network to act as a single server machine via virtualization. The result is, a cloud server with superfast data connectivity and near-unlimited resources is born.
What is the Difference Between Web hosting and Cloud hosting?
Here we will discuss the question: What is the difference between web hosting and cloud hosting?
In a much broader term, cloud hosting is one of the many web hosting services available with many providers. Although the end concept is the same: to launch a website online, cloud hosting exhibits distinct differences from all of them.
Let’s see how shared and VPS hosting services differ from cloud hosting.
Shared Hosting X Cloud Hosting
Most people always call “shared hosting” as “web hosting”. Shared hosting is a service that shares a single server and its resources with multiple users. The provider hosts websites of many users indiscriminately on a server as long as it can handle the load.
– Infrastructure
There is no fixed structure to define a shared hosting service. Apparently, many providers convert their VPS or cloud hosting servers to a shared server by selling hosting to many users.
- Shared Hosting: One server hosts websites of multiple users at once. Meaning, these users share one server among them.
- Cloud Hosting: Connecting many servers together forms one virtual cloud server. It is exclusive to a single user.
– Resource
A shared hosting server is under the administration of the provider. The administrator allocates limits for users to manage the resource distribution.
- Shared Hosting: The service plans state the resources users will get for their hosting. Essentially, the provider caps the resource consumption for each hosting user.
- Cloud Hosting: Provider grants access to a cloud VPS with uncapped resource usage. The users can freely scale resources up and down as per the requirement.
– Pricing
The provider designs shared hosting service packages that users buy at a fixed price. Users can switch to better plans, gaining access to better resources and addon services.
- Shared Hosting: Fixed pricing. Shared hosting services plans follow a subscription-based model. It is also the cheapest hosting service.
- Cloud Hosting: Flexible pricing. The service allows users to pay for resource usage, making it more like a pay-per-use model.
To Summarize
A shared hosting service is the cheapest. But, its performance pales when compared to cloud hosting. It is economical for hosting a simple website getting manageable web traffic. On the other hand, it is advisable to go for a cloud server if a user has a heavy website that exhibits frequent traffic spikes.
VPS Hosting X Cloud Hosting
VPS(Virtual Private Server) is an applied technology of cloud computing. A VPS provider splits a single server machine into multiple virtual servers with virtualization. These servers divide the resources of the main server machine among them and act as independent server machines.
– Infrastructure
The structure of a VPS is the exact opposite of a cloud server. Even if both are applications of cloud technology, both use virtualization to achieve server autonomy. The difference lies in concept:
- VPS Hosting: The provider divides one server to create multiple VPS servers.
- Cloud Hosting: Many servers are connected to form one virtual server.
– Resource
Both hosting services offer dedicated resources to the consumer that are considerable. Due to the isolation of the hosting environment with virtualization, the resource allocation is smooth but, the difference lies in its nature.
- VPS Hosting: The resources are fixed as per the VPS configuration and scalable only by upgrading the service plan.
- Cloud Hosting: Users can freely scale resources up and down as per the requirement.
– Pricing
The rates of a standard VPS are lesser compared to cloud hosting. The VPS service plans have fixed pricing that changes if you go for a better package but, it’s not the same for the cloud service, which changes the whole game.
- VPS Hosting: Fixed pricing. Bigger service plans grant more resources but are also costlier.
- Cloud Hosting: Flexible pricing. Users pay for the resources they use. With efficient resource scaling, users can get better hosting performance at reasonable pricing.
To Summarize
VPS is certainly cheaper than cloud hosting. But, users can get a better performance-price ratio with proper resource scaling of the cloud.
Does MilesWeb Offer Cloud Hosting?
Being a leading web hosting provider, MilesWeb has a wide range of hosting services to offer. Cloud hosting for WordPress is one of the premium hosting services that we provide.
MilesWeb offers unmanaged cloud hosting, where users get a KVM-powered cloud server. It is a fully customizable self-managed cloud hosting platform perfect for developers.
Here’s a short summary of the service plans:
MilesWeb also offers a fully managed cloud hosting service. Our tech team will actively monitor the hosting and handle resource scaling, server configurations, updates, etc. It will allow users to experience hassle-free hosting while optimizing website performance.
What is the Advantage of Cloud Hosting?
Hosting services have evolved over time, improving the performance, availability, security and costs along the way. Considering these variables, cloud hosting is the one that has set itself apart from all other web hosting services.
– Performance
Websites exhibit higher page-loading speeds on cloud hosting. The hosting also handles traffic spikes and heavy data uploads containing media files without much issue. It is not that hard to imagine how once you know cloud hosting spans across a super-fast CDN(content delivery network), connecting many servers. The mechanism allows for wider bandwidths and better data redundancy.
Apart from that, could hosting enables users to scale data resources to handle sudden traffic spikes. It greatly improves the overall website performance, allowing it to cater to sudden surges in web traffic. With cloud hosting, websites can offer a smooth browsing experience to visitors while keeping optimum performance.
– Availability
Traditional web hosting service hosts websites on a single server machine, whereas the cloud uses multiple servers to host. They are not disaster-proof and are prone to other problems like server crashes. That’s not the case with cloud computing.
The backup power generation in the cloud server ensures continued data propagation even in utility failures. The connectivity between servers allows smooth data transfers and maximum redundancy. It is why the hosting functions without a hitch even if one of the servers shuts down.
Thus, cloud hosting assures maximum uptimes and all-time availability for websites.
– Security
A cloud server is free from prevalent server issues like hardware crashes, hacking or server overload. The reason is the virtualization of the cloud server. Apparently, the hosting platform itself is a completely isolated virtual space. The infrastructure itself is too complex for any hacker to crack. Also, the chances of a cloud server failing are almost non-existential.
– Pricing
Cloud hosting services follow a pay-per-use model. The users have to pay for the resources they utilize for the hosting. This flexible pricing grants cloud the best value-price ratio among all the hosting services. After all, users of other hosting services that follow a subscription-based model have to pay a fixed amount for the service. The price doesn’t change even if the resource utilization is lesser.
How to Choose a Cloud Hosting Service?
Cloud is a choice hosting platform for many heavy website/app owners. It is also one of the most premium products any hosting provider has to offer.
Given its top-tier performance and availability, it should come as no surprise when cloud providers ask for big loads of money. It should be natural for users to do their research before paying for a cloud service.
Here are a few pointers that might help you make an informed decision:
– Virtualization
The virtualization technology helps in creating an independent virtual machine. As the cloud basically utilizes a large virtual server, the technology will play a major role in the hosting performance.
Here is the list of the best virtualization software we recommend:
- vSphere
- Hyper-V
- KVM(Kernel-based Virtual Machine)
- VMware Workstation
- Azure Virtual Machines
- ESXi
- Oracle VM
- Citrix Hypervisor
- vSphere Hypervisor
It is advisable to consult your developer for the virtualization software as they know what will be best for your sites/apps.
– System Requirements
Although cloud hosting offers sufficient resources to host heavy websites, you need to be prepared for the unexpected.
- Map out the basic system requirements for hosting your website
- Analyze the web traffic patterns
- Consult your developer about possible upgrades
- Don’t forget to ask about add-on software applications.
With the data you gather, you can define the maximum resource utilization for your hosting. Use it to select a suitable service package with the proper hardware.
– Security
The most redeeming feature of the cloud is its data security. That said, you must not overlook the additional security measures you need to place for your website when selecting cloud service. Here are a few things you can check with your cloud hosting provider:
- Technology Partners: Most providers supplement cloud hosting services by implementing third-party technology. Confirm if they pass your standards.
- Virtual Infrastructure: Check with your developer if the virtualization software of the cloud provider will be secure for your web application/website.
- Additional Security: Inquire about the add-on security applications by the provider. It may include free SSL certification, SLA(Service Level Agreement), Firewall, malware protection, etc. The more security features you get with your service plan the better.
Security should be the top priority for hosting. Make sure you ask precise questions when you inquire about the service features. It is advisable to get a clear idea about the industry, regulatory requirements, and any other concerns beforehand.
– Support
Technical support is something of a necessity for any service. But with a prime cloud hosting service, it is suggested to opt for dedicated support, available at all times.
Go for the cloud hosting provider that offers 24/7 support, preferably via live chat or call. Another variable you should consider is the nature of the support platform. Try to get a provider that does not deploy a bot or automated answering system. It is more convenient if your provider can offer 100% human support for the hosting service.
Cloud is one of the most extravagant hosting services that need expert assistance.
– Costs
Double-check the billing model of the cloud hosting provider. Although it is common for providers to follow a flexible pricing model, the base for pricing varies. For instance, Amazon charges users by per hour usage. You will have to compare the costs of different providers by simulating per month billing for your project.
Another thing to consider is the value or performance you get for the cost of the cloud hosting service. Consider the add-on services, features and hardware you get for the service plan. The idea is to get the most performance or value for the least price.
What is Cloud Hosting?- A Rundown
Cloud service is the next step in the hosting industry. It utilizes cloud servers formed by interconnecting many servers on a high-speed network. Due to the unique advantages of cloud hosting, it has been gaining popularity among online businesses and eCommerce platforms.
I have also answered the common question: What is the difference between web hosting and cloud hosting?
A few differences between web hosting and cloud hosting are- server architecture, pricing model and resource volume. All of which are in favor of the cloud.
We have also listed a few advantages of cloud hosting: Better security, performance, server availability and value-for-price ratio.
You will also find short tips to choose a cloud service in this guide. All you have to do is follow them to get the cheapest cloud hosting service for the best performance and features.
