Virtual Web Hosting - Quick Comparison Page
Virtual Server
A "virtual server" is a website which is hosted on a physical Primus server along with many other websites. All sites on the server share the resources of the physical server. A virtual server is suitable for low to medium volume sites.
Advantages
- Low cost
- Server managed by Primus
- UNIX and Windows hosting plans available
- A variety of development tools supported
- 24/7 support
Disadvantages
- Performance not guaranteed
- Server is single point of failure
- No root access
Load Balanced Virtual Server
A "load balanced virtual server" is a website which is mirrored between two of Primus’ hosting servers. A load balancing device directs traffic to the best performing server. A load balanced virtual server is suitable for low to medium volume sites.
Advantages
- Reasonable cost
- Servers managed by Primus
- UNIX and Windows hosting plans available
- Better reliability in case of a server failure
Disadvantages
- Performance not guaranteed
- No root access
Dedicated Server
A "dedicated server" is a machine owned by Primus but which is dedicated to a single customer. 100% of the server resources are dedicated to the customer's website. A dedicated server is suitable for medium to high volume sites.
Advantages
- No hardware purchase required (as opposed to colocation)
- 2 hour hardware replacement guarantee
- Optional server management services available
- Install any software you want
- Operating system installed by Primus
- Linux, Windows and custom OS installs available
- You get root access
Disadvantages
- Restrictions on hardware (supplied by Primus)
Dedicated Server (Multiple Machines)
- Flexibility in how Primus can provision dedicated servers on your behalf
- The optional PrivateLAN service allows you to setup an internal LAN for sharing files between servers. Suitable for sharing a single tape backup device or if you want a database server or to share files between servers.
- Contact Primus for a quote on custom configurations.
Load Balanced Dedicated Servers
"Load balanced dedicated servers" are two (or more) servers which share mirrored web content. A load balancing device directs traffic to the best performing server. Load balanced dedicated servers are suitable for medium to high to very high volume sites.
Colocation
Primus’ "server colocation" service allows you to place your own equipment in Primus’ Class "A" Internet Data Centre. Primus offers a wide range of colocation packages with varying levels of security and throughput. Server colocation is suitable for medium to high to very high volume sites.
Advantages
- You supply the hardware - any brand, any type, any size
- You have complete control of all of your equipment - including software and hardware
- You can deploy as much hardware as you need to handle your site's needs
- You can deploy any OS you want
- Monthly fees based on throughput used and space and power
- Primus can provide optional server management services for colocated servers
Do it yourself
Want to build your own infrastructure and host your website at your own facility? You can do it, but the cost to provision the high-availability systems and high-capacity network which Primus provides would be prohibitive.
Redundant air conditioning, UPS systems, diesel generator, security systems and most importantly, the redundant backbone connections will cost you tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars to install and then tens of thousands of dollars per month. It makes more sense to host with Primus.
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