Virtual Private Server, or VPS web hosting (sometimes called VDS for Virtual Dedicated Server) takes one server and partitions it into multiple virtual servers. With the exception of having no direct hardware access, each virtual server operates as a separate dedicated machine — root access, able to be rebooted on its own, and run its own operating system. When mainframe computers were the rule, virtual servers were regularly used, but the practice took a backseat as smaller personal computers became cheaper and more powerful. Now, with more sophisticated virtualization technology, VPS servers have become increasingly popular for web hosting purposes.

When shopping for a web host, consider that VPS web hosting allows for the best of both worlds; less expensive than dedicated servers but with much of the security and independence of a dedicated server with the cost of a shared server.

Additionally, virtual private servers can be created for the same entity — either to provide separate servers for divisions of a business that have radically different business web hosting needs, or to provide a secure (or purposely unsecure) and isolated ‘sandbox’ or ‘honeypot’ for extensive security testing and experimentation without endangering other vital areas.

Top Ranked and Reviewed VPN Web Hosting:

  • InMotion — popular and flexible web hosting service. Many people are using or have used them, so it’s not hard to find reviews (both positive and negative).
  • VPSNext — obviously specializing in VPN web hosting, comes up often among review lists
  • EasyCGI — web hosting professionals with many users, and many positive as well as negative reviews.
  • HostICan — another web hosting service that seems very popular among “Top 10″ lists. Claims 100% uptime.
  • LunarPages — tends to be more affordable than many other “Top 10″ web hosting services, plenty of positive and negative comments.
  • MidPhase VPS — another popular choice, less well-known than many of the “Top 10″ VPS web hosting service
  • LiquidWeb — can be expensive, but still a quite popular web hosting option. Many reviews online, for better and worse.
  • StartLogic — one of the more affordable choices, well-known with many casual and business web hosting plans
  • Jumpline.com — tends to be highly thought-of and not as common on web hosting Top 10′s. Good thing or bad thing?
  • Fluid Hosting — highly regarded but (according to reviewers) the VPS web hosting on the expensive side & tech support can be an issue
  • Obtrix — lesser-known personal and business web hosting company but highly regarded among their customers.
  • Accurate Hub — again, lesser-known web hosting whose customers are small in number but seemingly very happy.