What is a VDS (Virtual Dedicated Server)

Having already read What is a VPS you will have picked up on the fact that Web24 loosely classifies numerous virtualization technologies into two categories. Operating System Level Virtualization (VPS) and Hypervisor Based Virtualisation (VDS). Each have their own purpose, and understanding the differences will help you to make a better decision on  what choice of server suits your needs best. If you're anxious to get your server online, just jump to the VPS / VDS Comparison Page where we will give you some easy to follow recommendations on how to choose the best solution....

A VDS uses  true virtualization where each guest virtual machine or VDS is presented with its own set of virtualized hardware, as opposed to OS Level Virtualization where a VDS is using the underlying OS, kernel, hardware, drivers etc. A VDS runs in its own fully virtualized environment and has no dependency on underlying software.

So what does all this mean?

Full virtualization technologies provide a hypervisor, or virtual machine monitor (VMM) that runs on bare metal hardware. It is the hypervisors job to present a virtual operating platform (CPU's, RAM, Disks etc) to the VDS and to provide resource allocations and scheduling between guests.  The use of a hypervisor ensures that the resources assigned to your VDS can only be used by your VDS, thereby guaranteeing you consistent performance in a fully virtualized environment.

Hypervisor VM

When to use a VDS

• If you absolutely need guaranteed performance and are willing to pay a little extra, then a hypervisor based solution will suite you best.
• If you want or need a true Virtual Dedicated Server.
• We highly recommend Microsoft Hyper-V VDS for all Windows servers.
• If you have requirements for specific kernels or modules
• If you want to be in full control of all updates and patches
   

When not to use a VDS

• If you are budget conscience and running standard applications that don't need special kernels or modules then a VPS will be more cost effective.
• If you want to have your Linux kernel updated and patched automatically by Web24
• If you want to have your Windows server updated and patched automatically by Web24
• If you are running your own dedicated server and wish to get the best performance out of each server then Operating System Level Virtualization may be a better choice.