Understanding hosting types
Main hosting types
- VPS/VDS hosting: a virtual server with allocated resources, a cost-effective choice for most projects.
- Dedicated hosting: a whole physical server for one client, suited to high-load projects.
- Cloud hosting: resources distributed across several servers for scalability and fault tolerance.
VPS/VDS hosting
A VPS (Virtual Private Server) or VDS (Virtual Dedicated Server) gets its own share of resources on a physical server. Each virtual server works independently, with its own CPU, RAM, storage and operating system. INTROSERV VPS plans start at €4/month and use NVMe storage.
The terms VPS and VDS are usually used as synonyms. VDS sometimes implies stronger isolation through full virtualization such as KVM.
Key features
- Allocated resources: from 1 to 16 vCore, from 1 to 128 GB RAM, from 20 to 640 GB NVMe storage.
- Root access: full administrative control over the server.
- Scalability: move to a larger plan as your project grows.
- OS choice: Linux (Ubuntu, Debian, AlmaLinux, Rocky Linux) or Windows Server.
- Custom software: install any compatible applications, such as WordPress or your own API.
- IP addresses: 2 IP addresses are included with each VPS.
Advantages
- Cost-effective performance: stable resources at a lower price than a dedicated server.
- Control and isolation: your server runs in its own isolated environment.
- Flexibility: easy to scale and reconfigure.
Disadvantages
- Technical knowledge required: you need server administration skills.
- Limited resources: capacity is bounded by the physical host.
- Self-maintenance: you are responsible for updates and security.
INTROSERV VPS plans
- Four plan lines: Gradual (from €4/month), Vital (from €7/month), Conventional (from €13/month) and Exceptional (from €23/month).
- Instant delivery: the VPS is ready right after payment.
- Locations in 9 countries: the UK, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, the USA, Canada, Australia and Singapore.
- Free migration: INTROSERV can move your data from another server at no cost.
Example: a small online store with about 10,000 visitors a month can start on a Vital plan (2 vCore) and move to a larger plan as traffic grows.
Dedicated hosting
Dedicated hosting gives one client a whole physical server, with all of its resources and no sharing. INTROSERV dedicated servers are located in 17 data centers in 10 countries: France, Germany, Poland, the Netherlands, the UK, Canada, the USA, India, Singapore and Australia. Prices start at €33/month.
Key features
- Full server resources: 100% of CPU, RAM, storage and bandwidth.
- Hardware choice: AMD EPYC or Intel Xeon processors, NVMe or SSD drives, GPU configurations.
- Root access: complete administrative control.
- Custom configuration: install any software or operating system.
- Network control: up to 256 IP addresses and private networking between servers.
- IP-KVM access: remote console access even if the OS does not boot.
Advantages
- Maximum performance: no competition for resources, suited to high-traffic projects.
- Control and security: full customization with complete isolation.
- Room to grow: hardware can be upgraded as requirements increase.
Disadvantages
- Higher cost and complexity: a higher price and advanced technical skills.
- Full responsibility: you manage all software maintenance on the server.
- Longer setup: deployment usually takes longer than for a VPS. Instant configurations are usually ready in 3 to 6 hours, depending on the plan line; custom configurations usually take up to 24 hours.
INTROSERV dedicated servers
- No setup fees on most servers.
- DDoS protection: available on dedicated servers; its availability and options are shown in the order configurator.
- High-speed network: guaranteed bandwidth from 3 to 25 Gbit/s, up to 40 Gbit/s on selected servers.
- Over 10,000 configurations: choose a ready plan or build your own in the configurator.
Example: a streaming platform with a large audience can use dedicated servers in several locations to keep performance stable under peak load.
Cloud hosting
Cloud hosting distributes resources across a cluster of interconnected servers instead of relying on a single machine. If one server fails, others keep the service running.
Key features
- Server cluster: resources are spread across several servers for redundancy.
- Scaling: resources can grow with the load.
- Usage-based billing: many providers charge for the resources actually consumed.
- API management: programmatic control for developers.
Advantages
- High availability: the failure of one server does not stop the service.
- Fast scaling: suitable for projects with unpredictable traffic.
Disadvantages
- Less predictable costs: usage-based billing and data transfer fees can grow unexpectedly.
- Complexity: may be excessive for a simple website.
Example: a seasonal online store with traffic peaks during sales can scale resources up for the peak and down afterwards.
INTROSERV does not offer cloud hosting as a separate product. For cloud services, INTROSERV provides CloudBox cloud storage and a Backup service.
Comparison of hosting types
| Hosting type | Price at INTROSERV | Scalability | Technical skills | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VPS/VDS | from €4/month | Moderate | Medium to high | Small businesses, developers |
| Dedicated | from €33/month | High | High | High-traffic projects, large companies |
| Cloud | not offered as a separate product | Very high | Medium to high | Projects with variable traffic |
Why choose INTROSERV
INTROSERV has been a hosting provider since 2013, offering:
- Flexible configurations: over 10,000 server options.
- 24/7 support: round-the-clock technical assistance.
- DDoS protection for dedicated servers, with availability and options shown in the order configurator.
- Discounts for long-term payment: the rate depends on the plan and is shown in the configurator.
- Refunds: unused paid periods are refunded under the Refund Policy.
- Data centers in 10 countries across Europe, North America, Asia and Australia.
Get started
Whether you are launching a blog, growing an online store or building a complex application, visit introserv.com to compare plans, use the server configurator or contact the team for a recommendation.