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What is Virtual Server web hosting?
Most web hosting companies offer what is known as "virtual hosting". In this scenario a server is configured with one copy of the web server software (Apache, Microsoft IIS, etc.), which is shared between all customers on the server. Services such as FTP and email are also shared. The server only knows to display a customer's web site in response to a request for that customer's domain name.
For small web sites this configuration is quite sufficient to meet the customer's needs. When a customer wants more control over their web site and the configuration of the web server, however, virtual hosting shows its limitations.
With EXPIO Linux Virtual Server technology, a server is divided into multiple "virtual servers," each of which retains almost all of the functionality of the host server but is able to operate autonomously. Each virtual server has its own copy of the web server software, its own FTP and email services, its own database server and so forth. The advantage is obvious: the customer can configure their services however they wish without affecting any other customer on the same host server.
Practical examples of the benefits of EXPIO Linux Virtual Server technology
- You have another domain name or subdomain and you want to host it as a separate web site under your account. For example, you might have www.yourdomain.co.nz and wish to set up support.yourdomain.co.nz as a separate site.
With an EXPIO Linux Virtual Server, after registering or creating the domain name you just need to edit the virtual hosting configuration in Apache, and restart the Apache web server service.
Under a virtual hosting scenario, you would need to ask the provider to reconfigure their web server for you and probably pay them an additional fee per month for the privelege of hosting multiple sites. Some providers might offer you a "control panel" from which you can make such changes yourself, but you will be restricted in the configurations you can create.
- You've written or downloaded an application which requires a non-standard Perl module, library or other software.
With an EXPIO Linux Virtual Server, you can compile and install most software within your virtual server. You can install new Perl modules using CPAN.
Under a virtual hosting scenario, you would have to ask the provider and hope they will install the software on their server just for you.
- You want to create FTP and/or email user accounts for members of staff, each with access to their own web site or part of a web site.
With an EXPIO Linux Virtual Server, you just gain 'root' access to your virtual server, then create a new user account and assign the user a password. This user only has access to your virtual server and only to folders and files you grant them access to.
Under a virtual hosting scenario, you usually have only one or a limited number of email and FTP user accounts, because these resources are shared with other customers.
Find out if an EXPIO Linux Virtual Server is the right option for you.
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