Clustered Hosting

Clustered Hosting: access to the resources of all servers within a particular cluster

The Problems With Shared Hosting

One of the inherent problems associated with shared hosting accounts is that they have very finite and often strict limits. Because a server is shared between a number of websites each having their own diskspace and bandwidth limits it means that when a site reaches those limits it can be particularly difficult to upgrade to enable an increased amount of either. Some hosts leverage the amount of unused space on other websites and allow one or more websites to increase their load but this can lead to server instability and eventually to all websites on that server performing under par or completely crashing.

The Problems With VPS Hosting

Virtual private servers are often considered to be the next step because a server is effectively partitioned to create a number of virtual servers. In most cases the partitions are particularly large and they allow a website much more room for growth, however, that still doesn’t solve the potential problem that a site has when it reaches the confines of its hosting account. Virtual private servers do prevent other sites being able to use a portion of your disk space and can therefore prevent any imbalance and crashing associated with over allotting the websites on a server.

Why Choose Clustered Hosting?

Clustered hosting offers a unique and new way to counteract the problems of a growing website and impassable limits. It also helps to ensure that any one server is not overloaded by websites using too much diskspace or too much bandwidth. It also offers other benefits over a typical shared hosting account that makes it a potentially viable and highly beneficial alternative for some websites’ hosting requirements. However it may not be the best alternative for all websites.

What Is Clustered Hosting?

Clustered hosting is a highly intelligent, data driven solution to hosting. Instead of offering a portion of a single server to customers a clustered account provides access to the resources of all the servers within a particular cluster. This means that even the most data intensive and busy of websites can use a clustered account knowing that if they reach the limits of their account they won’t suffer the same ill fate associated with a shared hosting account.

Pushing The Boundaries Of A Hosting Account

Some shared hosting plans allow websites to go over their allowances. Not to mention the potential overload of the server that we’ve already discussed this can incur additional and premium costs that make an account much more pricey. With clustered accounts the usage of each website is automatically monitored and the load can be shifted from one server to another as required. As well as balancing load this means that clustered accounts are essentially designed for websites to use as much bandwidth and as much diskspace as they need. Any additional costs are also usually indicative of this fact.

Bearing The Load Of Multiple Websites

Because clustered accounts are so heavily and well automated it means that changes to customer’s accounts are made immediately. Instead of having to wait for an administrator to read your update request, and then pass it on to the appropriate server technician or administrator the request is dealt with as soon as the need arises. All servers are updated accordingly and all websites can continue as though no changes have been made.

Increased Multi Layer Security

Another advantage is the security that clustered hosting and clustered servers offer. Security levels are instigated at various levels including the server machine itself as well as though proxies and firewalls. This gives complete security against threats that might be witnessed at any level. Even denial-of-service attacks are effectively managed through this multi-layer security infrastructure. Because the attacks are shared between a large number of servers, the load does not become unbearable giving clustered hosting another string in its security bow.

The Cost Of Clustered Hosting Accounts

From a host’s point of view, clustered hosting is more complex than other more traditional forms of server allocation. However, because of the increased security and decreased risk the cost is surprisingly low and certainly much cheaper than that of a VPS or dedicated hosting. It is usually a little more costly than shared hosting but the advantages are generally more than worth it. Most companies tailor a package and price to meet your exact needs.

Clustered Hosting Conclusion

Clustered hosting is a unique hosting option that is offered by comparatively few hosts. However, for websites likely to have a changing need in terms of bandwidth and diskspace requirements it offers a hassle-free and financially viable option. Clustered hosting is also a good alternative to virtual private servers and dedicated servers in terms of cost and even in terms of the security offered.

While clustered hosting is comparatively difficult to get hold of at present the benefits that it does offer will make it increasingly popular. As its popularity grows so too will the number of hosts that offer clustered hosting accounts. Clustered servers present websites with another alternative to shared hosting and to dedicated server hosting. Whereas dedicated servers can be considered extremely cost restrictive even for the bigger and more profitable websites this isn’t the case with clustered hosting.