VPS vs RESELLER

[globalgoods]

What's better to buy? VPS or Reseller?

[ldcdc]

Oh, so this is what you meant when you asked almost the same question here: http://www.sitepoint.com/forums/showthread.php?t=458311

You didn't visit back that thread though, despite getting quite a bit of attention from fellow members.

[jack21]

In regards to VPS, please have a look at the following link -

[ADMIN NOTE: Portions of this post were removed and/or edited. Please see forum guinelines (http://hosthideout.com/guidelines.php). Participants may not post links to any pages at their own website in messages, including informational pages, commercial or otherwise.]

What is a Virtual Private server?
A virtual private server(VPS) solution uses a software platform that permits a hosting vendor to multiplex a single dedicated server into multiple “virtual” machines. In essence, a VPS solution is a private and protected Web services infrastructure that operates as an independent server.

A virtual private server allows multiple customers to share the expense of hardware and network connections without sacrificing privacy, performance or preference. For this reason, VPS is considered one of the most sophisticated modes of automation available for provisioning small to mid-sized enterprise Web hosting.

The use of such technology allows hosting providers to save money by simulating the features of a dedicated server multiple times upon a single physical hosting environment, while concurrently allowing them to deliver high-quality Web services to their end users. VPS solutions allow Web hosting resellers to provide a full range of services usually only afforded by dedicated hosting technology. Resellers can therefore offer their clientele full administrative or “root” access to their Web services.

The virtual private server was first implemented by hosting giant NTT/Verio to bridge the gap between shared hosting environments and customized dedicated servers. By using a virtual private server, Web hosting resellers and Web designers can provide small businesses the performance, security, and control of dedicated hosting services at a fraction of the cost.

A virtual private server eliminates the restrictions of virtual hosting by providing all of the administrative features of a dedicated server. Each VPS user therefore receives their own set of services that they can customize to their specific needs. Virtual hosting is limited in comparison because its users do not have root access and software configurations cannot be customized, despite the fact that physical resources are also multiplexed. A virtual private server on the other hand, contains its own unique file system and CGI-BIN, disk space, system resources, bandwidth and memory allotments, which allow for a high level of customization.

Due to the fact that a cheap vps hosting solution truly simulates a dedicated server, some technical understanding of server administration is required. Any true VPS solution will provide users with: “root” or full administrative access; guarantee a specific allocation of server resources, including CPU, memory and bandwidth; and allow the user to manage multiple servers and file areas through a sophisticated control panel.

A virtual private server will ensure “performance isolation” so that heavy traffic or CPU loads will not affect other VPS solutions on the same infrastructure. Others major features that characterize VPS solutions include: “fault tolerance,” which ensures that errors, which affect one specific private server, do not affect others; and “enhanced security,” which ensures that e-business applications can be deployed with greater privacy.

The most popular feature that VPS customers use, however, is the virtual private server’s capacity for “functional isolation.” Because a VPS has its own contained services, it is possible for users to install and customize their own open-source and commercial software packages.

Many virtual private server on the Unix platform have become so advanced that they even permit users to install Linux RPM packages. This allows users to take source code for new software and package it into source and binary form, such that binaries can be easily installed and tracked, and source can be easily rebuilt. The use of RPM packages also allows VPS users to maintain a database of all packages and their files that can be used for verifying packages and querying for information about files and/or packages.

Small businesses that run their own e-commerce Web sites also appreciate the functional isolation of their private server, because it allows them to obtain their own secure certificates and shopping cart software for their e-business operations. Many sophisticated VPS solutions will even offer third-party plug-ins or modules, allowing users to take advantage of control panel functionality in order to install everything from the simplest CGI scripts to the most advanced shopping carts.

Due to these advantages, virtual private servers are very popular and are a relatively inexpensive choice for small to mid-sized enterprises seeking to maintain their own Web presence. VPS solutions are the natural choice for SMEs and individuals wishing to upgrade a shared or virtual hosting package. The following are descriptions of popular VPS packages now available through an assortment of major Web host vendors -

Ensim - Ensim’s award-winning product line includes control panels, virtual private servers, server management, as well as Microsoft Exchange hosting software. H-Sphere - Hsphere is scalable multi-server, centralized hosting automation software with fully brandable resellers support, comprehensive recurrent billing, trouble ticket system as well as complete account provisioning automated signup. It supports Win2000, Linux & FreeBSD. It provides fully features, easy-to-use end user web based control panel, and powerful admin user interface. SW-soft - SW-soft develops the Virtuozzo technology and the HSPcomplete hosting automation solution. SWsoft’s products deliver powerful, comprehensive solutions that power data center management and provide excellent return on investment. Sphera - Sphera is a leading developer of Web hosting automation and management software for Internet data centers, ISPs and hosting providers. Sphera’s HostingDirector enables cost-cutting and revenue increases by automating Web hosting management, facilitating sales of value added applications, services and more.These above hosting software firms develop popular and dependable VPS packages. Consider using a hosting firm that elects to use one of the above virtual private server systems.
In regards to Reseller Hosting, the owner has rights to distribute webspace and bandwidth access and thereafter resell them to the clients.

Hope this helps. :D

[VetroxJoe]

Well, the above post summed it up. But, the difference is basically, Virtual Environment. You are "inside your own server" you are not using someone elses. You have your own dedicated resources, and you use them to your hearts content, it's generally the same idea, but a step up in the food chain.

[lowesthost]

yes good analogy one step up in the food chain but I would have to say a step & 1/2 as you have total control of the VPS server because a large VPS can be more powerful than a entry level dedicated server if you can burst resouces (as long as the node is not overloaded) my 2 cents

[PWS]

Depends on what you and your customers need/expect...that simple :cool:

[albert r]

What's better to buy? VPS or Reseller?

Reseller Hosting is better, you don't have to pay too many license fee and you don't have to monitor your script. But if you don't mind to pay the license fee, then should be ok to take VPS.

[RadixHosting]

Reseller Hosting is better, you don't have to pay too many license fee and you don't have to monitor your script. But if you don't mind to pay the license fee, then should be ok to take VPS.

But then again, when you buy a reseller account, the security and stability of the server is in someone elses hands...

I prefer to do things myself.

[manadospace]

well for better start for first time i think reseller is the best.:banana:

[RadixHosting]

well for better start for first time i think reseller is the best.:banana:

I think you shouldn't start a hosting company unless you're 100% capable of running your own server and if you want to invest money in your own server.

You're starting a business, not playing around. Too much people play around... :uhh:

A reseller account is good if you own multiple sites of if you're a web designer who wants to host sites for customers. Not if you're planning on starting a serious business.

[alemcherry]

Reseller account for a hosting co, sounds rediculous. If you are running a small web design co. and want to have some customer stickiness, a reseller account may work well for you. The basic differnce is, you get more control on your VPS, at the cost of efforts spent on managing the server. You must make the decision based on what exactly you want to do with the server.

[smokyhosts]

Guess it all comes down to what your budget and requirements are.

If your budget is low, you can always start off from a reseller and then grow towards needing a VPS and finally to a dedicated server. Makes sense as there is no point in spending much towards a VPS when your needs/income/budge is low.

[RadixHosting]

Guess it all comes down to what your budget and requirements are.

If your budget is low, you can always start off from a reseller and then grow towards needing a VPS and finally to a dedicated server. Makes sense as there is no point in spending much towards a VPS when your needs/income/budge is low.

You don't start a serious hosting company with no budget for a decent server, period.

Just my 2 cents.

[HostHit]

You don't start a serious hosting company with no budget for a decent server, period.

Just my 2 cents.

maybe the guy doesnt want to start a "serious" hosting company....:p:

[RadixHosting]

maybe the guy doesnt want to start a "serious" hosting company....:p:

Unfortunately, it seems like a lot of people start a hosting company without any budget at all. We all know how it ends... Eventually, people will realize the low quality of their hosting account and move to more decent companies.

[iHubNet]

If you know server stuff and time to maintain system, it's always good to go with VPS since it will not affect anything your clients by other reseller/vps, not like reseller plans... but if you don't know server stuff and don't have enough time to take care maintainance, it's good go with reseller package because techs at provider will take care those things..what you need to do is.. take care your client and sell package..lol.. gook luck.:)

[RadixHosting]

If you know server stuff and time to maintain system, it's always good to go with VPS since it will not affect anything your clients by other reseller/vps, not like reseller plans... but if you don't know server stuff and don't have enough time to take care maintainance, it's good go with reseller package because techs at provider will take care those things..what you need to do is.. take care your client and sell package..lol.. gook luck.:)

If you do not have any technical knowledge, you shouldn't be running a hosting company. Period.

[Greatlake]

If you do not have any technical knowledge, you shouldn't be running a hosting company. Period.
Agree 100%

[nimonogi]

If you do not have any technical knowledge, you shouldn't be running a hosting company. Period.

Agree. However most VPS providers nowadays gives full support with their VPS as well.

[RadixHosting]

Agree. However most VPS providers nowadays gives full support with their VPS as well.

And you're going to bother them for every small question you have? Or every small question you get from your customers?

Support or not, you still need the technical knowledge to run one yourself.

[RavenServers]

If you do not have any technical knowledge, you shouldn't be running a hosting company. Period.

I couldn't agree with this more and sadly it's the consumers who are affected and rarely the careless host :(

[krystof]

A reseller account is good if you own multiple sites or if you're a web designer who wants to host sites for customers. Not if you're planning on starting a serious business.In spirit, I think this is a very good summary of the differences between VPS and standard 'reseller' accounts. However I would like to clarify...

This seems to imply that a VPS is for a 'serious' webhosting business...? I think maybe this implication was not intended. Not that I know anything but, if you are 'serious' then shouldn't you have a real dedicated server, starting at about $99/month...? Shouldn't you then be renting out the VPS... not renting in the VPS if you know what I mean...?

A VPS can rightly be considered as 'one step up' from a reseller account. However, a $25 VPS with no end-user support is not necessarily as good as a $50 non-VPS account with full end-user support. Another major problem is email storage. Emails are a primary reference. Nobody likes it when their emails disappear. With a cheap webhost, VPS or non-VPS, the sudden failure of their business or some system failure and the subsequent loss of your customer's emails is always a distinct possibility.

Also I am no expert but, based on reading forum posts, a VPS does not improve performance. Basically, one computer is imitating many computers. This actually gets in the way of the computer simply being able to run those sites. Also, if you get VPS, make sure the VPS is 'managed' if, like me, you are not ready for the same complications as with a true dedicated server.

I.e. If you are a web designer, then your customers probably are not bargain-hunters. The customers that you probably want and probably are able to get are the ones who expect for you to be super reliable, not super cheap. How can you do this without a super headache? What you want is a very reliable upstream host who offers to do the customer support. Then it is they (not you) who have to answer calls at 3am, "What the heck is wrong with my website....?" Or who must answer emails within 12 hours, or etc. You then simply can tell the customer that you are there to give additional advice. Then as a small business, you can charge more and you can make more from a few loyal customers than if you try to compete for many headache-causing bargain hunters. You can do this equally well with or without VPS.

Reasons for VPS:
--security. In one typical incident, a Vbulletin was on a cheap shared host, and a hacker got an account on the same server and then hacked 'sideways' into the Vbulletin. This is why a cheap managed VPS (starting at about $25/month) is definately a step up from a cheap non-VPS reseller account (starting at $12/month). However, a cheap host with cheap support staff who might go out of business is also a security issue. Therefore, a step up from a cheap VPS is a non-VPS account on a semi-dedicated server with a highly reputable host such as OLM.net (starting at $50/month).
--transparency. "You" show up as the host in IP lookups. Nice but usually not essential. In my opinion, if you are not a 'serious' host with a true dedicated server, it is just as well to be upfront, making it clear that you are not the primary host but that you are there to give added help.
--custom scripts. With VPS, you can arrange for scripts to be automatically installed for your sub-clients. This is nice but I think, usually more headache than it is worth for someone who is not a 'serious' webhost. Fantastico has just about any script that a 'non-serious' host might need. You can invent custom advice for your favorite Fantastico scripts without having to install and update.
--cheap 'beginner sites' or 'personal home pages' with minimal service. This is what I will try to do with my VPS. Email will be turned off, except for forwarding at an extra cost. (If a customer wants a full service ecommerce account, I will upgrade him to a non-VPS OLM.net account on a semi-dedicated server with customer support and totally reliable email.)

[RadixHosting]

I agree with krystof.

I would like to add though, that I only mentioned "using resellers to start a web hosting company". I never said VPS would be the best way to start with. :)

[&scott]

I personally believe a VPS is better. Most companies have a limited number of VPS's they put to a server. Also, you share root access. It may be a little more expensive, but that's the way I'd go.

[CHOST]

i think should start with resellers then work ur way up

[yours]

VPS
====
A virtual private server (VPS, also referred to as Virtual Dedicated Server or VDS) is a method of partitioning a physical server computer into multiple servers that each has the appearance and capabilities of running on its own dedicated machine. Each virtual server can run its own full-fledged operating system, and each server can be independently rebooted.

Reseller Hosting / Accounts

Reseller hosting is a form of web hosting wherein the account owner has the ability to use his/her allotted hard drive space and bandwidth to host websites on behalf of third parties. The reseller purchases the host's services wholesale and then sells them to his customers for a profit. The certain portion of hard drive and bandwidth is allocated to reseller account. In order to achieve this the reseller may rent a dedicated server from a hosting company or resell shared hosting services. If the latter is the case the reseller is simply given the permission to sell a certain amount of disk space and bandwidth to his own customers without renting a server from a web hosting company he signed for a reseller account with.

if you wan to start with low amount you can start from reseller , if you have good amount then VPS is best.

[krystof]

Correction:

my suggestion that a 'non-VPS from a highly reputable host' might be superior to a VPS . . . is probably obsolete . . . Ultra-reliable hosts who charge a bit more, such as OLM.net, seem to be switching all their reseller accounts to VPS.

Therefore:

VPS is now 'virtually' always better than non-VPS. Soon it seems that non-VPS reseller accounts will only be available from the cheapest, funkiest primary hosting companies. (Which are often run by good people and often have their uses, of course.)

[biggest_hosting]

What's better to buy? VPS or Reseller?

It all depends on what your requirements are. If you are looking to host an instense site that might cause high cpu loads then vps would be a better choice for you.

[shakir]

i prefer VPS because you can get good control. If windows hosting you will get remote access, so u can do everything.. fully free... as a reseller u have to follow some control panel. there is many limitation

[SinxHost]

If you can expend sufficient money, its better a VPS,but if you are short in money,you could start with a reseller and if the host is going well,you should upgrade to vps.:)

[waters of march]

Reselling is a good way to start and train before getting a VPS plan, I agree that if you plan to start a webhosting company, you should have enough expertise, but everybody has to start somewhere and often it's good to start on a reseller plan of a webhosting company that can support both you and your clients. At least, your clients will feel safer and more stable.
Another aspect is the revenue you can get reselling from a reseller account and from VPS, don't forget about the cost of billing software you will have to install.
So, I advocate the idea of following the line of the lest resistance anв going with resellerzoom.com, resellerpanel.com or a2hosting.com.

[HostersDream]

I prefer reseller.

[AMU]

Hi waters... ! What do you mean by the line of the least resistance and going with the companies you mentioned?
Even if you get support from your host, still there's work to do if you take a reseller path, you can't just sit and do nothing.
How much do you earn if you go to resell from www.resellerpanel.com or www.a2hosting.com?

[PCSmart]

I'd say go for a Fully managed VPS. It's going to cost you alot more than a Reseller but you will also be learning a lot at the same time. As its fully managed you have nothing to worry about if something goes wrong :)

Its always best to ask a provider beforehand what their Fully managed service includes.

[miniplaya]

Depending on what you need, reseller is good for a starting company, cheap but it means you relying on another host. VPS you have a lot more options, and pretty much its all up to you. More money potentual

[HostQuack]

If you don't know how to manage a vps then go with a reseller. Once you experience it then you can move on to a vps.

[Rageki-John]

I would get a resellers to start off since you have a host to rely on and you get more resources on a reseller than a vps. I would only migrate to a vps once I require some features such as shell or root.

[terryharman]

you can make reseller accounts on a VPS :D

[desirez28]

But VPS is expensive right?

[LION LOAD]

VPS are usually more expensive but you have alot more freedoms. Some start very low but usually for similar HDD and bandwidth you will spend more then you will on a reseller

[WNAlex]

VPS It really depends on how many customers you are expecting to have

[dbkooper]

A VPS is like having a small mini server as compared to a reseller hosting plan which is just allocated space. With a VPS you will have more control over your server...however that means you need to manage it as well

[fcolor]

The most important question is not that VPS or Reseller is better (actually there is not question like this). It is more important what do you need. a VPS would give you an opportunity to work in custom web hosting environment. Reseller is a commercial service, not a hosting platform.

[Lesli]

Reseller accounts and VPS accounts are tools...just like dedicated servers. What should matter is your resources, your needs, and your ability to find a solid provider no matter what tools you plan to use. You're shopping on behalf of your future clients, not just yourself - so remember to take their needs into account and go for a platform that's possibly a bit more reliable than the one you might buy for your own personal site.

[EasycPanelHost]

VPS servers are much more stable then Reseller packages, the dis-advantage of going with a VPS plan you have to manage the server yourself most of the time.

If you do not know how to manage a server then your best bet is to go with a reseller account.

[Beachcomber]

VPS servers are much more stable then Reseller packages, the dis-advantage of going with a VPS plan you have to manage the server yourself most of the time.

If you do not know how to manage a server then your best bet is to go with a reseller account.


I am not sure I agree with that...Reseller servers can be very stable if you pick the right company and the manage the server (and clients they let ON thet servers) properly.

And when push comes to shove, I would rather be on a overpacked reseller than overutilized VPS server ...

[dabihsss]

VPS may be expensive than reseller accounts, start with a reseller, move to vps after

[vpsville]

Start with a VPS, but pay monthly and choose a host that will allow instant upgrades or downgrades.

If you don't want to invest the price of two Pizza's into your business, then maybe you should look into another industry :)

[mwaraitch]

With lowering cost of vps, I think reseller hosting is loosing scope as well as value.

[mwaraitch]

VPS may be expensive than reseller accounts, start with a reseller, move to vps after
May not be totally true, as vps costs have lowered considerable these days.

[mwaraitch]

I think you shouldn't start a hosting company unless you're 100% capable of running your own server and if you want to invest money in your own server.

You're starting a business, not playing around. Too much people play around... :uhh:

A reseller account is good if you own multiple sites of if you're a web designer who wants to host sites for customers. Not if you're planning on starting a serious business.

Managed vps resolves the server management part considerably. It becomes further simpler with relatively stable linux servers. So may be it works well if you have server management hired for you.

[vpsville]

A reseller account is a good place to start, mainly because its much cheaper than a VPS. But when you start to get paying clients it makes sense to get your own server with your own IP's and a direct support line to the DC.

[hostingref]

It is depend on your business, as per my experience VPS is better

[AndrewJ]

Managed VPS plans start at around $35 per month, so they are not much more expensive than most reseller accounts. You should look at a minimum of 512mb of Ram if you are running cpanel.


Andrew

[Jafhost]

A VPS is good if you wish to skip a step towards your own dedicated server. If you have a smaller budget, just go with a reseller.

[SergeyS]

VPS is good when you need to do lots of configurations. Like building soft from sources to your needs, optimization etc. Managing VPS on your own may be a tough task if you are not experienced. Reseller plans on the other hand provide you with ready to go and configured environment for your reseller business. Such thing s as mail sending limits and software installation limits may apply to reseller account as opposite to VPS. VPS in my opinion is good if you are taking it serious, it is a good testing ground with root access for a possible future step up to dedicated.

[VGT Hosting]

Reseller is better and less expansive

[NetLine-Rob]

A reseller is fine for most accounts. I would only upgrade to a VPS if I needed the resources. For example, if I ran a high traffic site, a high spec VPS would be much better suited than a reseller account hosted on a server with a lot of other accounts. Also, as others have said, a VPS gives you a lot more freedom, and is a must for a lot of developers :)

[Qch-justin]

reseller if your unexpiernced
vps if you have some linux experience

simple

[namepimp]

Really depends on your usage. But I go for dedicated servers.

[lweeks]

It depends on how many seperate accounts you'd like. Reseller VPS hosting will allow you to have multiple accounts on separate VPS', usually at a good price. This will allow you to have separate SSL licenses, dedicated IP's, etc.

[tom234]

i think you better buy vps, because you can install what you like.

[jeff-ay]

if you think to get ez business then go for reseller.
if you think to have more control and resources, then go for vps.