A virtual private server (VPS) is a server hosted in the cloud, accessible with Internet connectivity.
In the past, you would purchase a physical server that would be delivered to your office a few days or even weeks later. Your IT technicians would then power up the machine, install an operating system. Then all the required application software will be installed, e.g., accounting and payroll software. After that, the IT company will manage the server on an ongoing basis, for example, increase the RAM or hard drive space, fix components that break down, e.g., a blown power supply due to power surges … I could go on.
In the past, you would probably also have purchased the largest, most expensive server you could afford as, firstly, you wouldn’t know your actual usage and requirements and, secondly, wouldn’t want to under-specify the server and suffer the consequences at a later stage.
With a virtual private server, it’s very different: without purchasing any hardware, you get to use and pay for the space and memory you need at the moment. You can increase or decrease the server specifications as your needs change.
The server is also completely private; you don’t share your data or sensitive information with anyone else.
So, if you’re running for example Sage 200 Evolution and need a 16CPU, 64GB server with 1TB of hard-drive… it’s yours, ready to go. IronTree installs the operating system and moves you from your physical server to a cloud server, quickly and efficiently.
If you notice that you need more RAM and hard drive space, this can be added by the click of a few mouse buttons.
Six main benefits of a virtual private server (VPS) are:
- Easy configuration and management in terms of hardware resources.
- Simple and fast recovery from a disaster (if you have the correct disaster recovery support).
- Elimination of power issues, hardware failure and the possibility of theft since your server is hosted off your premises.
- Easy access to your servers from multiple locations.
- Reliable, redundant hardware with dual power supply, fire-proofing, air-cooling, backup generators and Internet connectivity.
- A VPS is hosted in a secure environment that has multiple layers of protection against malware attacks – it’s much more secure than a local server housed in a cabinet in your office.
Using a VPS for Sage 200 Evolution would be much like running the application on your desktop. You’d click an icon that opens a remote desktop connection, log into the application and perform your business functions.
Because the connectivity software is optimised, your user experience would be fast and efficient, as long as your organisation has good Internet bandwidth.
To find out more about VPS and how your company can benefit from it, visit our page below or contact us for more information.
