One of the recent developments within the world of web hosting that have become increasingly popular with businesses that have an online presence is the virtual private cloud. VPCs are being used more by businesses of all sizes and many who have found them perfect for their web hosting needs. If you have never heard of VPCs before, or might be wondering what they are and how they might provide a web hosting solution for your business, then read on and will explain all.
What Is Virtual Private Cloud (VPC)?
Whenever you see the term ‘cloud’ used concerning online activities it refers to an environment online where files, applications, and software are stored, and which can be accessed from any device which is connected to the internet. In effect, a cloud could be considered a giant online warehouse that is extremely secure but at the same time allows easy access for those who have the authorisation to do so.
A virtual private cloud is hosted within a public cloud, but the resources allocated to the users are not shared with others. An analogy would be a business renting a floor within an office tower whereby they control and have exclusive use of that floor, but not the whole building.
What Can VPC Be Used For?
One of the primary uses of a virtual private cloud is to host files, and that can include hosting a website when VPC is offered by a web hosting company. However, if a business has sufficient technical resources it can configure a VPC to host its website without the need for a hosting company.
Businesses can also use a VPC to store files and applications for use by their employees who can access them, regardless of where they are located, from any device, and at any time of the day.
How Does VPC Function?
We go back to the example of renting a floor within an office block being akin to VPC within a public cloud. For the VPC service to provide secure access to an individual business it creates subnets within the public cloud. Subnets are sets of IP addresses that are created for the private use of the client. This means that unless it wishes otherwise, none of the IP address that the business owns is accessible to the public.
Is Virtual Private Cloud The Same As Private Cloud?
They do sound very similar but are not the same. A private cloud exists when the client, whether it be a business, or an individual has sole use of a cloud server. In other words, it is a service that has been created exclusively for a single business or client, akin to them renting an entire office building. A VPC, as we have already alluded to, would not be the business renting the entire office building, but only a portion of it, or in this case, a portion of the cloud server.
What Advantages Does VPC Provide?
Improved Performance: Cloud hosted websites have been proven to perform faster and be more reliable than standard hosting servers.
Enhanced Security: The resources allocated for security on private cloud servers are comprehensive and robust.
Increased Connectivity: Connecting a VPC to an in-house infrastructure or another private cloud is a simple process.
Reduced In-House IT Costs: By its very nature, VPC reduces the need for much in-house IT infrastructure, reducing these costs to the business.
Infinite Scalability: Should your business grow exponentially or quickly, VPC allows for increased resources as and when needed.