What Exactly Can Be Done With A Windows Virtual Private Server?
When people think of computing in the business world, cloud computing is often one of the first examples that springs to mind, and for very good reason too as it has proven highly beneficial for companies all over the globe. Windows VPS hosting has proven especially popular of late, and it is functionally basically considered the same as dedicated windows server hosting. People often ask what can be done with a windows VPS, whereas the better question would probably be ‘what can’t be done with a windows VPS’? Windows VPS hosting provides a number of extra benefits over conventional dedicated server hosting as it is priced much better, it’s far more flexible, it’s much more user-friendly, and to be blunt, it’s simply better. Any device that has the ability to run on a windows server will therefore be able to run on a windows VPS, and what’s more, even if your business relies upon a specially designed, custom-made app which was designed to exclusively run on Windows, then that’s no problem either. Some businesses have even been known to rely upon windows VPS hosting for virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) solutions. This allows numerous apps to run on the server, so for example, users could use their VPS for billing purposes as a multi-user, remote solutions for billing software. It could also be used for file server purposes, or to run other applications and software such as Microsoft Excel, Outlook, or Office. Some of the main uses for a windows VPS however, include the following examples
As mail server – One of the most common and effective uses for a windows VPS is to use it as a mail server to run various email services and pieces of software – SmarterMail for example. The great thing about this is that it is extremely cost-effective, it’s scalable, and it’s a flexible email server solution. There are a number of packages available that are very simple to set up, which means that managing more than one email account, even hundreds of accounts at once, will be as simple as ABC. The only real limitations you will experience will be how many resources your VPS currently offers, although these can be increased or reduced as required, with a few clicks of your mouse button.
As a web server – This is arguably the main use for a windows VPS and for good reason as well. With each and every windows server license, Microsoft’s unique web service (IIS) will come for free. These unique Microsoft web services will support a whole variety of different frameworks including HTML, ASP, .NET, CGI, PHP and much, much more on top of those. What’s more is the fact that they aren’t simply supported, but studies have found that they also perform incredibly well.
As a database server – Another highly common and extremely effective use for a windows virtual private server is to use it as a database server. Microsoft SQL server for example, will only run on Windows and is considered a fantastic solution for a whole variety of different business projects. Say for example, you are simply storing data for unique web applications, you will be able to run an express version of the SQL server, for absolutely nothing as it will be entirely free of charge. Another database package that performs extremely well on windows VPS servers is MySQL as many businesses use this with PHP to help them run WordPress sites on their unique VPS servers. Basically, if it runs on windows, it will run on your VPS and as there are several other database packages available, you will almost certainly be able to find the perfect database package for your business.
As a development server – The final example we have on our list is when a VPS is able to be used as a development server. Numerous businesses now use a windows virtual private server for hosting their development environment for numerous reasons. To begin with, web services such as IIS, which we mentioned previously, can be loaded up incredibly easily. On top of that, users can also load up one, or more than one, database services such as MySQL or SQL servers, as well as development tools such as Visual Studio. The great thing about this is that it allows each of the developers the opportunity to fully utilize the power of the cloud in order to carefully test and develop their code, as well as to easily and effectively provide solutions to each of their clients.
So there we have it, just four examples of some of the more common uses for a windows VPS. As mentioned numerous times previously, if it operates upon windows, it will operate upon a windows VPS. Windows virtual private servers are growing in popularity day by day, they’re now more affordable than ever, and they’re benefiting businesses and business owners all across the globe.