Virtual hosting (also known as cloud computing) is changing the way that businesses gather and utilise their resources

You’re not a tech geek. You don’t find enjoyment in hearing about the latest IT revelations. You don’t read T3 Mag on a Sunday afternoon. But you are a business owner, and you do want to make the most of your IT resources. Virtual hosting isn’t as mind-boggling as it may seem, and it’s crucial that all businesses fully understand just what it can do.

Virtual hosting can provide your business with resources on demand, via the internet. Platforms and applications can be allocated as and when they are required, saving both time and money. This entire process is known as virtualisation. Virtualised servers are cost effective and can guarantee 100% uptime.

What is 100% Uptime?

Disasters such as floods, fires, breakages and malicious vandalism are responsible for the unplanned downtime of servers. But the most common interruption with any in-house server is planned downtime – this includes everything from upgrades, maintenance and repairs. Whether it’s bimonthly, every week, every day or every hour, scheduled downtime is an inevitable. Virtual hosting can eliminate this problem indefinitely.

Virtual hosting means that your computer platforms and applications are fully hosted, managed by another party. The biggest advantage is that your business will not have the financial burden of maintenance and upkeep. Because of the way that servers are pooled together and shared on a “virtual cloud”, you can be guaranteed 100% uptime.

Virtual Hosting: PaaS, SaaS & CaaS

Essentially Platform-as-a-Service, Software-as-a-Service and Computing-as-a-Service are the same thing. With PaaS, SaaS and CaaS, you are able to get something on demand. Computing over the internet frees an organisation or business from licensing fees and having to on a dedicated IT department.

So what exactly is available through Computing as a Service? Virtual hosting can mean a whole host of different things. No two businesses are the same – so each one will need a unique package tailored to them. Do you need the email, a CRM, and basic Windows applications for a growing number of employees? Perhaps you’re an online retailer who just can’t afford to have the planned downtime that comes with an in-house server?

SwitchLink, the Virtual Hosting Specialists

If you are looking for Linux virtual servers or Windows virtual servers, get in touch with SwitchLink today. They can provide you a number of services to make you business run smoothly and efficiently.