You’re in need of a virtual private server (VPS), but how do you wade through VPS providers to find the right one for your company? That’s easy. You figure out what you need and then search for the company that meets those requirements.
We’ve listed six of the most important areas to consider and break down why they’re important for you.
Customer Reviews and Testimonials
It is so easy to find reviews and testimonials these days. Do your research and look for the dependability and reliability that your company, clients, and customers deserve. Look for good and bad reviews. Sometimes a bad review can show you how the company deals with problems. Do they ignore outages and issues? When they respond to negative reviews, is it hostile and condescending or helpful and informative?
Server Hardware
It’s important to know what kind of hardware you’ll be using. Our company, for instance, always uses solid-state NVMe drives (NVMe SSDs). This means it has faster read/write speeds. More uptime, faster delivery, and more stability are some of the other reasons why an NVMe SSD VPS plan is preferable over a traditional hard drive options.
We also have data centers on the east and west US coasts. Simply renting a server physically located near your target demographic instantly improves network performance.
Another thing to consider is whether they offer a dedicated server (a physical box for your use) and/or cloud servers. A single server provides great performance with rock solid reliability. Cloud servers provide built-in redundancy, and your package choices will determine the resource allocation of your server. The best VPS providers will give you both options to choose from.
Age of the Company
A new company (one with less than three years’ experience) is a risky choice when it comes to your server. You want a company with a proven track record for service, support, and function.
Software Used in Virtualization
You may have a preference for particular software. The VPS provider should use reliable and stable software in their virtual servers. That includes:
- Web hosting control panel (cPanel, CyberPanel, etc.)
- Root SSH access setup for advanced users
- Snapshot capabilities for disaster recovery
Support Options
You want solid technical support options with reliable turnaround times. Is it easy to find tech support through the website? If not, is there a contact form or instructions available?
Do they work the way you like to communicate? Some people only like email, others prefer chat windows on a website, and others prefer talking over the phone. Whatever you prefer, take that into consideration when you look for your VPS provider.
If you don’t have the skill or time to manage a server, find out what support plans the providers offer. Delegation is a key part of success. It’s also important for you to check their security options and backup guarantees.
The Fine Print
You should always look at the fine print when it comes to deals, sales, and contracts. Some VPS providers require year-long contracts. Others have hidden fees when it comes to upgrading or downgrading your choices. If you have a low price offer, make sure you figure out how long it will last, what will cause it to go away (usually an upgrade or downgrade), and how long must you sign up for to receive it.
Be wary of anything that says “unlimited,” as that is a physical impossibility. Seemingly unlimited, on the other hand, means that you may not even notice a problem with your server.
When it’s time to wade through VPS providers, take the time to do your research. Don’t get suckered by a too-good-to-be-true deal. You want great customer service, tech support, backups, and reliable service at a price that you can afford. You only have to lose a server and its backup one time to understand how necessary these things really are.