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VPS vs Dedicated Server: Which is Best?

Have you been researching the benefits of VPS vs dedicated server for your business? Dedicated server, private cloud, what is VPS, what are managed services… so many terms and questions…

You might be wondering, “It’s all still “dedicated” hosting, right?”; or “How do I know which of these makes sense for me?” Read on to find out.

Hiring a cloud provider or adding a dedicated server on premises can create an abundant amount of opportunities for your business processes and employees. Both options come with their own sets pros and cons.

So which is right for your business?

If you already know you need a Cloud Provider, you can purchase our services right now or learn more about Arcane as a managed cloud service provider.

If you are still on the fence, answer the questions below that compare Managed Private Cloud vs On Prem Dedicated Servers. After you fill out the questionnaire, click “Calculate” to find out which option is best for your business.

VPS vs Dedicated Server Questionnaire:

With cloud being today’s standard, most folks hoping for the benefits of a dedicated server will look towards private cloud servers, also known as “VPS” (virtual private server).  In both cases you’ll have sole secure access to the operating system but the costs and benefits may differ.

Learn more about Arcane’s managed cloud services.

How fast do you need the server?

Tomorrow

Tomorrow

Yes, it can be done. You can get a Cloud Server and Cloud Support Provider started tomorrow. With cloud virtualization, your business can have a cloud-based system within a matter of minutes!
This Month

This Month

Looking for something a little more custom? Within a couple days, a Cloud Support Provider can have your server configured to your business’s needs with the flexibility to scale over time.
This Quarter

This Quarter

This is the sweet spot. 3 months is a good amount of time for a business to set up their own dedicated server, whether on-prem or at a remote colo, and more than enough time for a cloud setup. That will give you a suitable time to vet your Cloud Support provider!
This Year

This Year

Planning ahead? With this much notice your options are plenty. Take the time to decide your best path whether dedicated and/or cloud servers and your server support provider, whether remote or in-house!

Does your business have compliance requirements?

No

No

Then you have all the options. Without any kind of compliance requirements, your business can pick a dedicated server, a Cloud Service Provider, or both!
Yes

Yes

Here is where things can go either way. If you need to meet a very specific kind of requirements, then it may be best to come up with your own solution. However, if there are some Cloud Support Providers that specialize in compliance requirements and may have already worked with them before.

What are your most important configuration, management, and support needs?

Scalability

Scalability

Looking to grow your business? Bringing on a Cloud Support Provider early in business development is a great way to ensure that any products are built for your business can be scaled to meet your demands.
Security

Security

In addition to the upfront costs of a dedicated server, hiring IT personnel to manage and keep your server safe need to be added to the TCO of a server. Cloud Support Providers leverage managing hundreds of servers to keep the cost of personnel down. They also are up to date with security standards so your business will not fall behind.
Cutting Edge

Cutting Edge

If staying up to date with the most cutting edge technology is a must for your business, then bringing on a Cloud Support Partner is the best way to do it. With the ability to leverage costs across hundreds of servers, Cloud Support Providers are able to keep upgrade costs low.

Are you running high input/output workloads, such as massive databases?

Yes

Yes

Over a longer period of time, a dedicated server will have greater cost savings for businesses with a high input/output workloads. However, if your demand is not constant using Cloud Support will allow you to scale your server’s power based on your needs at the moment.
No

No

Since your business isn’t running at a high workload, buying a dedicated server is not worth the investment. Using a Cloud Support Provider will allow you to access a powerful cloud server without the upfront costs. If your business finds itself in need of high input/output workloads or additional storage needs, your cloud server can scale within minutes.

How consistent is demand?

Constant

Constant

With a constant need for a powerful system that has high Input/Output workloads, dedicated servers are most likely your best bet. A dedicated server can provide cost savings over a long period of time.
Seasonal

Seasonal

If you only need powerful and high input/output systems for specific times during the year, then a Cloud Support Provider is the way to go. Being able to scale up and down to fit the demands of your business is an inexpensive way to make sure your technology is always at the ready.

Do you anticipate specific upgrades?

Yes

Yes

Here is another option that can go either way. For some specific upgrades, it may be cheaper work with a specialized Cloud Support Provider so to help offset the costs of hardware. However, if no one is specialized in your specific needs you may need to build your own server.
No

No

Not having to worry about specific upgrades is perfect for bringing on a Cloud Support Provider. By working with a cloud partner, you can have access to the most up to date servers without having to pay for the hardware yourself.

Does your organization need CapEx vs. OpEx pricing?

CapEx

CapEx

A dedicated server is the best with this pricing model. With a large upfront cost and smaller monthly payments for maintenance and staff, the cost for a dedicated server fits right into the CapEx model.
OpEx

OpEx

A Cloud-based server is going to give your business the best cost benefits with this pricing model. A cloud server allows organizations to spread the cost out over time, which is perfect for an OpEx model.

Do you currently spend more than $2,400 annually in IT personal and maintenance?

Yes

Yes

More infrastructure can increase your maintenance costs. The more variables, the more maintenance (higher recurring costs). Managed services offer flat rate solutions on 24/7 coverage, which makes for a more predictive budget at a price point well below full-time employees.
No

No

Less infrastructure can decrease your maintenance costs. The more variables, the more maintenance (higher recurring costs). If you're only maintaining 1 in-house server with no critical up-time, hiring a contractor on an ad-hoc basis could be more cost-effective.

Do you expect over $2,000 in yearly hardware expenses?

Yes

Yes

Larger infrastructure usually increases your infrastructure costs. The more variables, the more hardware and the more frequent your hardware needs updated. This means higher up-front costs and lower resale values.
No

No

Not much to talk about here. Your costs are really quite low.
Calculate
Managed Cloud Support Provider

Based on your answers above, partnering with a Managed Cloud Support Provider is a great option for your business. Arcane Strategies is a leading provider of all cloud support needs. From website hosting and custom web applications to database and system admin management, we do it all. You can see more of our work on our Case Studies Page. Contact Us below to see how we can help your business move to the Cloud.

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Dedicated Server

Based on your answers above, purchasing a dedicated server is a valuable option for your business. Even though there will be larger upfront and maybe a higher TCO, a dedicated server will give you the complete control and ownership you’ve indicated your business needs. Setting up a dedicated server might take a bit longer than you are willing to wait though. If that is the case, Arcane Strategies can help fill the gap. Contact Us today to see how we can help get your business’s dedicated server needs up and running.

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