Virtual private server hosting can be an affordable option for many startup and smaller companies that are looking to expand their businesses globally. It offers the reliability of dedicated hosting, but costs approximately the same as shared hosting. Through the use of a web hosting virtual dedicated server, businesses are able to manage their websites in a manner similar to that of dedicated hosting.

What are virtual dedicated servers and how do they work?

Virtual dedicated are in a sense, shared servers. Each server hosts several different websites which are independent from one another. The administrative properties are essentially controlled by each individual operator, making it appear that each website virtually has their own server. Each website owner is guaranteed their own memory, disk, CPU and network space, which results in increased reliability and efficiency. The traffic, the amount of data sent to and from the site, of one site shouldn't impact any other on the virtual private server.

A possible drawback to using vps, virtual private servers is that each website shares one IP address. This can be a problem if another website caters to certain markets, such as the adult entertainment segment. Some search engines may block your site because it is associated with an IP address that is used by a company that provides explicit material.

There are plenty of cheap virtual dedicated server options available, leaving web site owners pillaging through piles of sites looking for the one that best suites their needs. Below are a few of the top virtual private server hosting companies currently offering service:

• StartLogic

  StartLogic was awarded a first place ranking by hosting-review.com http://www.hosting-review.com/top-10-lists/top-10-vps-hosts.shtml , a leading internet hosting review site. With plans starting as low as $29.99 per month with a 12 month subscription, and a one time start up fee of $30, StartLogic provides an excellent virtual private server web hosting choice for the budget minded consumer. The basic plan includes 20 GB of storage, 1,000 GB of transfer, 10 website domains with FrontPage extensions and website statistics. The plan also includes Virtuozzo, which provides on demand vps backup, manage system services and processes, monitor resource usages, plus all packages include their excellent 24/7 technical support.

• Midphase

  Midphase offers two virtual dedicated server hosting plans which run $49.95 per month for the silver plan and $69.95 per month for the gold plan which both come with a 99.99% uptime guarantee. Included with both plans are Midphase's 24/7 technical support and vps monitoring, the ability to host unlimited domain names, an AMD Dual Operton 260 + Dual Core Technology and 10 GB of DDR 400 RAM. The silver plan includes 15,000 MB of disk space, 300 GB of bandwidth, and 256 MB guaranteed memory limit. 25,000 MB of disk space, 500 GB of bandwidth and 384 MB guaranteed memory limit are included in the gold package.

• WestHost

  With a range of plans suitable for the entry level hobbyist to a mid size corporation, WestHost is one of the most versatile virtual private server hosting companies in business. Their plans range from $3.99 per month for their personal basic plan and run up to $24.95 for their business pro plan. The basic plan includes minimal resources, but is quite suitable for personal uses, including 250 MB of disk space, 10 GB of bandwidth and 24/7 real support. The higher end plans include a host of options including 10,000 MB of disk space, 150 GB bandwidth, unlimited websites and a host of site management, developmental, media, database, site promotion, e-commerce, email, domain management, statistical and security tools.

• IPower

  IPower virtual dedicated server hosting is available at a number of price points, each including 24/7 customer service, 1 IP address, RedHat Fedora Core 4 OS as a choice of virtual private server software and MySQL4.1.14. The basic plan begins at $49.00 per month and includes 20 GB of disk space, 1 TB of data transfer, 128 MB memory, unlimited email accounts and feature an array of site management tools. The advanced package, which retails for $89.00 per month includes all of the site management tools of the basic plan, plus, 60 GB of storage space and 2,000 GB transfer.

• Apollo Hosting

  Apollo Hosting offers four different pricing plans for their virtual private hosting service. The lite plan, suitable for small to medium sized businesses, offers 5 GB of storage, 200 GB of bandwidth, 20 subdomains and a 30 day money back guarantee. The premium plan is geared toward the busier website with large amounts of traffic. It includes 30 GB of storage, 500 GB of bandwidth and a vast assortment of website hosting tools including, unlimited websites and subdomains, root access, Tomcat application server 4.1.24 and 25 MySQL databases. Additional features are offered on all packages for an additional fee.

• WebSiteSource

  WebSiteSource offers a variety of plans that are sure to meet the needs of any small to medium sized business. Their entry level plan, $49.95 per month, plus an additional $25 start up fee, is perfect for the small business looking for a dedicated server type experience. It includes 10 GB of disc space, 300 GB bandwidth, fail over firewall system, weekly full daily incremental backups, unlimited domains, unlimited email and a range of email functions and tools, 1 IP, root access, and a free merchant account. The business professional package, $149.95 plus $25 start up fee, includes everything listed in the basic plan plus 30 GB of storage and 600 GB of bandwidth. WebSiteSource also has premium options available at an additional fee.

There are a vast number of hosting companies that offer web hosting virtual dedicated servers. Many of these companies offer similar plans and packages but can vary drastically in terms of service reliability and support. It is imperative that a thorough search be conducted to examine and identify the best virtual private server hosting company for the unique needs of small to medium sized businesses.

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