What are the different types of web hosting?
There are many different types of website hosting. Each one caters to different website owners depending on their needs. Although all of them are used to store your website, you will need to look at where they differ. This can be on the amount of storage capacity, control, technical knowledge requirement, server speed, reliability, and support. In this blog I will be going over the 6 main types of web hosting you will come across.
1. Shared hosting
Shared hosting is where your website is stored on the same server as multiple other websites.
With this you will be sharing the same server resources with the other websites, like RAM, bandwidth, and hard drive space. However because of this, shared hosting is the cheapest hosting option on the market.
2. Virtual private server (VPS) hosting
VPS hosting is the type of server that is the middle ground of shared hosting and dedicated server hosting. This type of hosting is ideal for website owners that want a little more control and less risk of being hacked. Compared to shared hosting, VPS hosting has its own server space but is on the same physical server as other websites. However, this type of hosting is not able to handle incredibly high traffic levels.
3. Dedicated server hosting
Dedicated hosting is where you don’t share a server with anyone. You have full control of the whole server. However, because of this it is one of the most expensive types of hosting. Typically these hosting servers are best for website owners that experience high volumes of website traffic or need full control of their server.
4. Cloud hosting
Unlike traditional hosting, they are not on a single server. Cloud hosting makes websites accessible using cloud resources. This means that they are a network of connected virtual and physical cloud servers hosting the website. By doing this it means that you are reducing the chance of any website downtime to server malfunctions.
5. Managed hosting
Managed hosting is when a hosting company handles the setup, administration, management, and support of a server. This means that it is the managed hosting company’s job to ensure that their client’s website stays up and running at all times.
6. Colocation
Colocation hosting is a type of service a data center offers, it leases space and provides housing for servers. The client owns the server and claims full authority over the hardware and software. However, the storage facility is responsible for maintaining a secure server environment. Colocation hosting provided a higher level of bandwidth than normal office servers at a lower price.
Which is best for you?
Although there are many different choices to choose from when it comes to web hosting, it comes down to choosing a plan that fits your needs. In summary:
- Shared Hosting: The most cost-effective option for low traffic websites.
- Managed Hosting: Ideal for non-technical users who’d rather defer the more technical tasks to experts.
- VPS Hosting: Simply put, this is the best option for websites that have outgrown shared hosting.
- Cloud Hosting: Works best for websites that are growing rapidly and need scalable resources.
- Dedicated Hosting: Expensive option for large websites where you need to be in control.
- Colocation Hosting: The most expensive option that gives you maximum control over the hardware and software.
