Virtual Private Server hosting (VPS hosting) is a type of web hosting service that uses virtualisation technology to host multiple websites on a single physical server. The virtualisation tool, hypervisor, creates multiple virtual machines to host multiple websites. This technology helps create small, virtual dedicated server environments for efficiency and flexibility.
VPS hosting is known for its cost-effectiveness, reliability and versatility. However, with advancements in technology, providers are shifting towards containerisation. In this blog, we follow this technological revolution and how it affects VPS hosting services.
Understanding Containerisation in VPS hosting
You can look at a container as a single unit. Just like a single virtual machine, this container is a single portable unit that will hold the resources and dependencies of a website or web application. In the case of a virtual private server, every VM holds its own operating system. However, you need only one operating system for all the containers under containerisation.
VPS hosting with containerisation virtualises the hardware instead of virtualising the physical server. This fastens the procedures, maximizes the potential and reduces unnecessary overheads while still isolating the applications and websites. This is also because containers are lightweight as compared to VMs.
Introduction of Dockers
Docker is a leading platform as a service (PaaS) tool for containerisation. It has proven to be instrumental in popularising the technology by providing developers with tools to build, ship and run applications in containers seamlessly.
With Docker, VPS hosting environments can host multiple containers that host a website or application without creating any blunders or conflicts. The effective isolation ensures optimal performance and efficient deployment of resources.
Benefits of Containerisation in Virtual Server Hosting
Efficient Resource Utilisation
Containers are lightweight, thanks to the shared OS kernel. This results in reduced overhead and efficient resource utilisation. Containers in your virtual server environment also enable servers to handle more applications without compromising performance.
Better Scalability
Scaling applications and websites is straightforward when you harness the power of containerisation in VPS hosting. Your VPS provider can help you replicate and spin containers to handle increased traffic, resource-intensive tasks and workloads.
Integration Capabilities
Containers can easily integrate with DevOps tools and Kubernetes complements Docker seamlessly. Both these factors enable efficient orchestration, load-balancing and automated scaling.
Fault Isolation
Containerisation ensures that if one container fails, it does not affect the others. If there are multiple containers operating on the VPS hosting environment, you can trust the load balancing feature for continued functioning. This fault isolation enhances the stability and reliability of your virtual server environment.
Cons of Containerisation in Virtual Server Hosting
Security Concerns
While there are multiple security benefits in containerisation thanks to the isolation, you must ensure that your containers are effectively isolated. Since every container shares the host operating system, you might face numerous vulnerabilities.
Complex Management
While the development, deployment, and management of Docker and containers are easier with Docker, setting up and managing the containers can be a little more complex than you expect. If you operate without an IT team, you might need consistent support.
Continuous Monitoring Needed
To ensure optimal performance and security, continuous monitoring of containerised virtual server environments is essential.
Ending Thoughts
Your affordable, expensive or even free VPS provider will introduce you to containerisation in VPS hosting. This technology has revolutionised the hosting service and offers a better and more developed form.
If you maximise the benefits and address the challenges, you can leverage containerisation to optimise your VPS hosting environment and drive innovation.
