In short:
- Shared hosting splits one server between several websites and suits simple projects.
- A VPS reserves resources on a virtual server, with more control but more management.
- A dedicated server gives a single customer an entire machine.
- The cloud lets capacity be adjusted to the load.
The main types of web hosting
Web hosting is the service that stores a website’s files and makes it available on the internet. Several options exist, which differ in the level of reserved resources and how much management is left to the customer.
| Option | Principle | For which project | Technical management |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared | Several websites on the same server | Brochure site, blog | Handled by the host |
| VPS | Virtual server with reserved resources | Steady-traffic website, applications | Often the customer’s job |
| Dedicated | A whole machine for one customer | Demanding projects | The customer’s job, unless managed |
| Cloud | Adjustable capacity on a distributed infrastructure | Variable traffic, applications | Depends on the service |
Criteria for choosing
- Expected traffic and how it will grow.
- Available skills to administer a server.
- Data location, which matters for some activities.
- Backups offered and how often they run.
- Support and its opening hours.
Security and operations
A website’s security depends partly on the host and partly on its administrator: cybersecurity best practices remain essential. A server can also be used to automate repetitive tasks through scheduled scripts, and online collaboration tools themselves run on cloud infrastructure.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between shared hosting, VPS and cloud?
With shared hosting, several websites share the resources of the same server. A VPS is a virtual server with reserved resources. Cloud hosting spreads the website over an infrastructure whose capacity can be adjusted as needed. A dedicated server, finally, reserves an entire machine for a single customer.
Which hosting should you choose for a brochure website?
For a brochure website or a blog with moderate traffic, shared hosting is often enough. It is simple to manage and the host takes care of server maintenance.
Do you need technical skills to manage a VPS?
Yes, in general. Unless the offer is managed, system administration, updates and VPS security are the customer’s responsibility.