VDS

Among the most common and accessible virtualization options, we find hosting services and managed and unmanaged VPS services. However, there is a more advanced type of virtualization that promises a better experience and support for more complex systems. This is the Virtual Dedicated Server or VDS (Virtual Dedicated Server).

This type of IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service), like VPS, provides the user with multiple improvements in managing their systems since it offers control over a high-performance, state-of-the-art server. In this sense, this type of service is more sought after by large companies looking to maintain the quality of their services and enhance them according to their growth level, taking a step beyond VPS.

What is VDS?

A Virtual Dedicated Server (VDS) means that a complete physical server is available to the client, unlike managed and unmanaged VPS services, which do not allocate the entire physical server to a single client. Thus, VDS guarantees being the most powerful option since the server's features are not shared with any other user, unlike VPS. 

This system provides functionality and resources similar to an internal server, with the difference that by contracting this type of service, you access high-performance equipment through a provider that enables this virtualization process. The system operates on a rental package basis, just like other virtualization services such as VPS.

The VDS system offers servers on both small and large scales, depending on the needs and resources of the client. This managed server is primarily dedicated to providing the capability to develop, implement, and host web applications. 

Among the many functionalities of a VDS, we can mention attribute mapping, values and suffixes; directory integration; correlation between the directory and identity data; access control; data validation before being entered into the directory; routing processes like sending read requests to replicas and write requests to master servers; data distribution or partitioning; creation of virtual directories with multiple data sources; compliance with referential integrity; activation of external actions; directory integration with web services (XML/SOAP); enabling single sign-on architectures; load balancing operations; failover; extended operation filtering; filter processing; back-end monitoring; etc.

This server, like the VPS, being virtualized (i.e., accessible via the Internet as a virtual machine), can be used remotely. This provides great convenience to clients of this service, as they can access it regardless of their location in the world. 

Advantages of VDS

One of the main advantages of VDS is that it guarantees bandwidth, among other features that ensure stability in loading speed and operational functionality related to your website and the information it manages. The distribution of virtualized resources guarantees an uptime or network stability of 99.999%.

Additionally, just like with VPS, the user has virtual access to the special capabilities of the purchased package. This allows for manual reboots, control over installed applications, installation of new programs, and many types of system manipulations as if you were a technician in front of the physical server. Maximum control is guaranteed at both the software and hardware levels, unlike the limitations in this regard with VPS. 

Furthermore, the VDS service provides you with more advanced technology than VPS servers, meaning your server will have the best features, ensuring superior performance, particularly regarding speed. 

Moreover, it is noteworthy that VDS features error detection and correction memory, and a high-performance processor, ensuring its high functionality and reliability. This also guarantees that the reputation of the client company is maintained. 

Another advantage of this server is the high level of security it allows. VDS is characterized by enabling the use of private VLANs. This reinforces security and aligns with traffic segmentation needs. 

Disadvantages of VDS

One of the significant disadvantages of VDS is the high cost of the service compared to VPS services, both managed and unmanaged. This may discourage many companies that are still in the growth phase. Therefore, it is advisable to first assess the needs of the company before opting for a highly specialized and exclusive service like VDS.

Is VDS Right for Me?

As observed from its characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages, VDS is not recommended for all types of companies. Generally, its use is recommended for high-load websites, gaming servers, large-scale e-commerce, extensive data resources, software programming and testing, and corporate projects with strict security and confidentiality requirements in data handling. 

This is because one of VDS's specialties is handling the storage and backup of critical information, financial applications, software implementation, complex project management, and deploying services related to IP telephony and CRM, for example. 

Once we have considered these conditions and decide to opt for a VDS service, it is essential to consider two central aspects of potential providers to ensure the best experience and the most suitable service according to our needs.

First, we should consider the quality of the hardware they offer. While this service is characterized by providing the best existing hardware, it is necessary to review the type and how it can affect network reliability. In this regard, we should know their SSD characteristics and dual power supply. 

Secondly, we must consider the importance of the support provided by the supplier. In this sense, we should analyze the accessibility of the support center and the service quality of specialized agents, so they can address our inquiries and potential issues. 

Based on these general considerations, it is possible to decide to acquire a VDS service that fits our business model and size. In this way, we can take advantage of the potential that virtualization offers for the growth of our operations, the development of our company, and, above all, its reputation as it aligns with current trends.