Tech Talk: Virtual Server… Virtually Misunderstood…

What is a virtual Server?

Richweb uses virtual servers to host applications and services for clients and for our own internal use.

A virtual server (vserver) is an isolated workspace that an application or set of applications runs inside. Instead of running directly on the machine hardware, the applications go thru a thin middle layer called the “vserver.” A host computer can run multiple vservers concurrently.

Why would I want or need one?

The primary reason is isolation of customer data and applications. This is very important from a security perspective as it allows a customize environment or workspace to be provisioned for customer1 without interfering with customer2.

In a typical shared hosting environment (i.e. without virtual servers), if customer2 requires a shared software component to be upgraded, it can affect customer1's site or data.

Another reason is for security purposes.  Under a shared server environment, if a vulnerability is present in customer2's website and customer2 has a security breach, then customer1 is immediately vulnerable to attack or data theft. Under a virtual server model, each customer site and data can be completely isolated from one another, greatly enhancing security of each client’s application.

A virtual server provides almost 100% of the benefits of a dedicated physical server, without the additional cost of rack space!  In addition because virtual servers provide a layer in between the hardware and the applications, it is much faster to provision increased hosting capacity. Moving a site to a more powerful server will not require a complicated full re-installation; rather, a relatively quick migration is all that is needed.

If your website contains data of any value then a virtual server is a must have.

Close Window