How physical servers are different from virtual servers?

Most of the hosting network services have two types of offers for dedicated servers of which the first one enables users to order a physical one. As soon as it arrives, it is setup on the racks and its operating system is installed. Now, it is fully available to be accessed remotely. In the second case, the virtual servers come into view wherein the physical layer is abstracted. This type dedicated server enables users to get their very own servers which they can start using immediately. Both these types of dedicated servers have their own advantages which have been highlighted below.

Physical Servers
Users can get physical servers by following some simple steps that include hiring a hardware provider who will install the hardware for the users. The free rack unit will later be located by the technicians who will install the server and connect the cables and power supply. Later, the desired operating system is installed after consulting the user.

Once the operating system and basic diagnostics are ready, the credentials are delivered to the user. This will enable the users to access their server remotely as well as to start installing the softwares that are needed by the user. The hosting provider is responsible only for offering reboots and hardware changes while the overall control of the server lies with the user. Apart from that, they also provide fast connectivity of the network due to which the server runs non-stop without any kind of problems.

Virtual Servers
The virtual dedicated servers or Infrastructure as a service is a way for the users to get their very own machines. In order to get such virtual dedicated servers, the users need to register their account with the hosting service provider and confirm their email and identity. Once the users have registered, the service provider’s control panel will be accessible to them. On the control panel, the users have to click on ‘New VM’ after which they need to select the operating system and wait for some time.

This process will enable the users to get a new virtual machine by accessing it through SSH or VNC. Since the IP address for the system is assigned automatically, the users will be able to start installing the softwares on it. The servers run at all times unless the users turn them off manually so the users will be able to clone, erase, turn back on or even leave the server paused. The users not only have the facility to pay for the usage of the server by hour or capacity but are also able to increase or decrease power and cost between minutes. The usage of this facility is fully based on the user or the application being used. So, the users can choose whether they want this facility to be automated. Click here to know more about virtual private server hosting.

The right tool
There have been lots of advantages of the cloud computing platform but that doesn’t mean that a complete switch-over to the cloud servers should take place. Since, there are times when a physical server needs to be used, it is essential to get a really powerful server that will not cause any kinds of overheads. Many examples of such situations are available wherein a big database server is used for extensive data operations. Similarly, the game servers also handle thousands of users at the same time with ease.

Since, a physical server enables users to know the exact location of the server due to which the server is completely free from any overhead as well as the underlying softwares. The cost-effectiveness of the cloud servers serves as a great advantage for medium or large companies that need to scale. This will ensure that the users are able to easily manage their own private dedicated servers as remote systems. Due to this, the users will be able to check problem by sitting at a virtual console. Most of the changes to the servers can be done by the user which otherwise would be solved only with the help of a technician.

Wrapping it up:
Recently, people have started following a trend wherein they are switching to cloud servers which maybe private or public. Some others also prefer to use virtual servers directly. It is recommended to use virtual servers as they tend to give users more control over the resources. The main difference between both these servers is that physical servers need users to pay even when they aren’t accessing the web server. Conversely, the users need to pay for only those resources that they want to access using the virtual servers.

How To Connect Your Network to the Cloud

1.Welcome to the Cloud!

Cloud computing is a storage utility which is quick, engaging and enlightening. Building a network will be potentially unique to the requirements of a. your company and b. the connection to the user as and when needed.

You may have seen commercial applications such as iCloud and Drop Box providing simple, deployable solutions that work on your desktop, tablet and smartphone.An office based system is not too different to these applications; however the enterprise will want to often integrate its own IP Address Management (IPAM.) to maintain a tight level of control on its own server.

2. What can I expect?

A lot of business applications are now moving to the cloud, it’s a shift from traditional software as the internet has become more acceptable and advanced over the last 10 years.  Cloud computing will simplify the technology and eventuallyoverlap the network, because of its interconnectivity with phones and tablets, and any other further potential computing devices that may come around.

Cloud-based apps are also very quick and easy to set up. Getting them up and running in weeks and costing less than a network or a CRM tool for research, project files, progress charts etc. The cloud app will let you create projects, reports and manage data in a dynamic format, with charts, graphs and plenty of other formats that other CRMs charge much more money to use.

3. Public cloud access networking

Public cloud access networking, such as Oracle CloudWorld, Cloud Pro and vCloud by VM Ware are all examples of internet cloud access.  These cloud providers are able to support virtual private networks (VPNs) for large customers as well. It’s important to note that not all computing providers will support encrypted tunnels, so there will always be a security issue while your information is sent over the open internet. There are drawbacks to encryption as well, because this often delays data trafficking, slowing your transfer speed.

The more recent innovations in cloud computing are making our business applications more mobile and sleeker to collaborate with. As consumers we expect to be able to deal with information in real time, and business applications in the cloud are heading towards that direction now as well.

4. Will cloud computing continue to grow?

The future of cloud computing seems to be positive, with lots of growth, if not a little enterprising and prosperous as well. A new report from Visiongain entitled ‘'World Cloud Computing Market 2013 - 2018' cites the prospect of cloud computing for the years ahead, painting a starry picture for the industry.

Market revenue for Cloud computing services will grow to $35.6 billion by the end of 2013. This worldwide phenomenon in growth is evidence of the success cloud computing has in industry. It is undeniable that cloud computing is changing the business landscape, and is seen by many as the solution to the problems seen in slow deployment of applications, with limited resources and unpredictable system configurations that can occur in existing IT infrastructure.

5. What we do at my company

Working at The Genuine Gemstones Company a company which has brands selling jewellery live on television, we like to be innovative with ideas and embrace new technology. Our brands Gems TV and Rocks TV are televised in the UK and USA respectively to a TV audience who are shopping savvy and fashion-conscious.

Using cloud technology enhances our reach within the company. With many departments reliant on data, it is useful to keep some low key projects on the cloud and store away data in CRM based charts, processing private data used in the operations for day to day usages.

One example is so we can see what our customers like ordering, such as diamond earrings, silver pendants or a bright blue gemstone sapphire ring for example.  Once we can collate this data on the cloud, we can log in on any digital device connected to the internet, analyse the data and create charts instantaneously, making our own all in one CRM for order frequency and filter out variables effectively.

Our team are always working to keep up to speed with the latest technology, as it is in the nature of the business to excel and achieve and grow year on year.

This post is written by my dear friend Edward Meeks, digital marketing executive at The Genuine Gemstones Company