Using VPS offers many benefits to individuals and companies. However, they do not all operate the same with some being better than others. The following are 5 factors to consider when choosing a company for VPS hosting.
1. Price
Price may be the most obvious factor but one of the most important when choosing the right VPS hosting company. Do not just go with the cheapest provider. Also look at your requirements and the quality of the plan. It is much better to choose a well-reviewed and quality company compared to lesser known one that is cheaper. This will allow you to hire a host that has a proven track record of good customer service and will be able to assist you when needed.
A good VPS host should also offer flexible payment terms such as on a monthly, quarterly, or yearly basis. All payment expectations should for things such as maintenance and upgrades should be declared up front before you sign up for the plan. That way, there are no surprises later on.
2. Reputation
Before signing up with any VPS hosting company, it is important to look at the company’s reputation as well as their customer care policy. This can be done by visiting their website and checking if they value customer satisfaction and are concerned with maintaining a good reputation. You should also ensure that the content on their website is both easy to understand and clear to avoid any misconceptions and result in you not getting the service you require.
It is common knowledge that most of the reputable VPS hosting companies out there will not force you to sign up for additional services that you will not require. Therefore, do not let any company pressure you into upgrades you do not even need.
3. Client list
When choosing a VPS hosting company, it is always wise to check and scrutinize their client list. A VPS host worth consideration should always have a client list available on their website for prospective clients to look at. When you are completely satisfied that the company has been around for many years and has a large enough client base, then you can trust they will be able to provide the service you need.
Some fraudulent hosting providers have, however, designed their sites to cover their shortcomings, making them appear to be a valid option. If you feel that the client list on their website is fake, you should visit third-party sites and read customer reviews about them. Participating in online discussions and forums is also a good way to learn more about the company.
4. Management style
A large majority of VPS hosting providers give you a choice of whether to sign up for self-managed or fully-managed hosting solutions. Knowing the management style that suits you best should be a top priority. A self-managed hosting solution makes you entirely responsible for securing and managing the servers. This option is much cheaper than a fully managed solution where the hosting provider is responsible for troubleshooting server issues.
When you have a capable IT team to help you, it would be cost-effective to opt for a self-managed solution. That way, you have people to help you if things go wrong. If you lack the skills and expertise, however, it would be better to go with a fully-managed solution.
5. Free trial & control panel
One big indicator that a hosting provider is confident in the quality of their service is if they offer a free trial. Always choose a company that is will to give users a free trial because this is the easiest way to judge whether the provider is right for you.
During the period of your free trial, you need to review the control panel interface. Always choose an intuitive control panel over a complex and heavy one. The control panel should also be able to give you full access to tools and features that can improve your website’s performance.
