Cloud-based Solutions

Before delving into private clouds and Virtual Private Servers (VPS) and how these two differ from each other, it is important to understand what cloud services are. A Cloud-based solution (cloud) is the on-demand delivery of computing resources, which are accessible via the Internet and/or through the shared cloud computing infrastructure of another provider. It provides access to many resources, which can be, but are not limited to the following- storage space, networks, software and applications, other on-demand services etc.

There are many benefits of cloud-based solutions. These are, increased scalability and functionality along with a reduction in cost with regard to computer infrastructure, maintenance as well as keeping and training an in-house IT staff. Cloud-based solutions help companies to focus on their core business development.

To digress, when it comes to cloud technology, cloud hosting makes use of it. Cloud hosting is a type of web hosting service. Web hosting service is provided by web hosts and in it server space, services and technologies are made available to website owners for making their websites accessible over the Internet. The best website hosting services are often referred to as the “Best Linux Hosting” or as the “Top Cloud Hosting”.

Private Cloud

A private cloud can be understood as a cloud computing service which is used by a single enterprise. A private cloud is dedicated to fulfilling the needs and goals of one organization. Hence, in it there is no requirement to share resources with other users. It offers the same benefits that a public cloud offers, such as scalability, but it provides it through a proprietary architecture along with additional customization and control. Moreover, private clouds ensure more privacy and security to ensure that no third parties are able to access any sensitive data. It is an enterprise’s IT staff that is responsible for managing the private cloud. There are two models of cloud services that can be delivered in a private cloud. These are Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) and Platform as a Service (PaaS). IaaS lets an enterprise use infrastructure resources as a service. PaaS delivers a framework to developers that can be used to create customized applications.

Virtual Private Servers (VPS)

A VPS is a virtual machine that is sold as a hosting service and runs its own copy of an operating system. It is equivalent to a dedicated physical server with regard to its functionality. Since it is software-defined, it can be created and configured easily, as well as its price is much lesser than that of an equivalent physical server. A VPS can be understood as a dedicated server on a shared platform. Since the physical hardware is shared in it, the quality of performance might be lower and it will depend on the workload of the other executing virtual machines.

How does a private cloud differ from a VPS?

Despite having a few similarities, a private cloud differs from a VPS in many ways. These will be discussed now. A virtual private server resides in a parent server. It uses virtualization technology for providing dedicated resources to any other virtual server. A private cloud server is physically separated from other servers. It differs from VPS as it does not deploy any virtualization technology.

A virtual private server refers to a single physical server that is divided between users, whose number is limited. Distributed resources are used by a private cloud across multiple physical servers. The location of the hardware also differs for these two. A VPS is usually hosted at an off-site, web hosting service provider’s facility. A private cloud is situated either on-site or in a data center. Another major difference is that a VPS is not scalable and in it storage depends on the physical limitations of the server. Once that is exceeded, one has to either opt for more space by buying it or look for other options. Private cloud servers are easily scalable, which is one of its main benefits.

With regard to security, a private cloud offers more security than a VPS. In terms of management and customizability, the provider has some control when it comes to a VPS, whereas in a private cloud server it is the administrator that is responsible for all sorts of management and customizability. As far as cost in involved, a private cloud costs a lot more than a VPS. This is because a VPS is hosted on the infrastructure of the service provider and that too on a shared server. For a private cloud server, usually an entire infrastructure needs to be set up, if it is not being rented.