Knowledge is power. But when selecting a VPS hosting solution, it’s easy to let expertise lead you down the rabbit hole, and into an endless loop of weighing up different tech and specs—all in the name of the educated choice.

We know that a solid VPS isn’t purely about killer specs. So let’s take a moment to gain some altitude with Rebel's 6 quick pointers on what really matters in a VPS hosting solution.

Management: Self- or Fully-Managed VPS?

When choosing your VPS, the first question is always the same: a self- or fully-managed VPS hosting solution? The answer really depends on the individual need.

In a nutshell, most developers opt for self-managed VPS hosting. It offers greater flexibility and leaves more freedom to update and secure—minimizing sudden, unscheduled conflicts. Developers don't usually have a need for a fully-managed VPS offering, because the additional cost for less control rarely makes sense. Though relegating the heavy lifting to the host can be useful if a less tech-savvy team member will be managing your hosting in the future.

Specs: Look Beyond the Numbers

Size matters—but it’s what you do with it that really counts. Robust specs form the basis of any strong hosting solution, yet with today’s shifts in architecture, there’s a bigger picture at play. For a VPS hosting solution, the collective optimization offered by high-spec tech working together is where gold-standard performance is truly born.

RAM

Running multiple websites and projects? You’ll need the right amount of RAM to keep that party going. An effective VPS requires at least 4 GB of RAM, with even more RAM recommended for media-intensive projects.

And you can lead your RAM to data (run with us on this one), but you can’t make it drink (here all week, folks!) without an effective CPU to put all of that power to good use.

CPU

Opting for a multi-core server with 14nm architecture should be top-of-mind for a VPS. Intel’s E5 and E7 Xeon servers—with their Broadwell or Haswell architectures—optimize the allocation of resources by drawing upon multiple cores: providing seamless performance—even during peak times.

Storage

Storage space will almost always be larger and cheaper when offered as traditional hard disk space. But for optimization, a solid-state storage is a must-have for VPS hosting.

Why? Well, think back to the first time you used an SSD drive: a flurry of instantaneous boots, slick performance, and rapid transfers. The speed which SSD’s are famed for is not their only advantage when it comes to VPS, as their resilience in the face of power failures makes them an ideal fit for web hosting.

Gearing up with RAM and CPU power is smart, but without fast storage to service those requests, the other tech becomes underutilized. By selecting a trifecta of next-Gen CPU architecture, generous RAM, and slick SSD storage, you’ll ensure your VPS operates with true efficiency.

Access: Go Root or Go Home

Root access is a non-negotiable for a Linux-based VPS—this much you know. You need the ability to implement scripts, SSH or full command controls, and automation without restriction at any time, and on your own terms.

And for enhanced server admin, maintenance, and operational work? You’ll need a control panel solution. The latest version of Plesk Onyx is a good bet, with its control over functional operations and the easy addition of domains, sites, databases—and so on.

Support: 24/7 and Nothing Less

Your customers want your site to be operational every waking (and sleeping) moment. Accordingly, you expect your server to offer dedicated IT support, on-demand. Knowing you have a real person for one-on-one advice is important during mission-critical emergencies.

Giants like GoDaddy and BlueHost certainly offer this round-the-clock support, but Rebel takes it to the next level. In addition to our rapid 24/7 support, Rebel’s dedicated VPS hosting manager brings a white-glove approach to implementation—ensuring that you’re getting exactly what you need at each and every step of your VPS journey. Our mantra?

Business Need: Think Scale. Think Location.

Your business or organization is always evolving. So it makes sense that your VPS solution should too. Any VPS host worth their salt will offer that scalability. After all, IT waits for no-one, and your clients (and company) will expect immediate solutions.

It’s easy to cave to the “one (giant) size fits all” mentality when picking your hosting solution, but staying budget-conscious is important. Approach the choice with your current and immediate future needs in mind. Rebel’s Large (and most popular) VPS package offers 8 GB of RAM and 120 of GB storage—enough to accommodate a staggering 60,000 pages at 2 MB each.

Another business-need you may not have considered is the protection of customer data. Where a US-based web host is required to operate a near open-door policy for governmental access of sensitive data, Canadian hosts are highly regulated in their protection of that data. So offering clients (and your company) an extra layer of security and privacy becomes easy with a Canadian VPS web host.

Choose Well: Reliable and Trustworthy Hosting

Moving to a new host is like moving in with a stranger—it’s new, it’s exciting, and you live in hope that they won’t simply throw all your stuff out one day.

That’s why we offer seamless (and free) migration and a lifelong promise that we’ll never throw all your stuff out.

We’re ready for you to move in, shack up, and get your Plesk on. Waste no more time deliberating with VPS hosting from Rebel.