SHARED HOSTING

This is the most common form of Web hosting where hundreds and in some cases thousands of websites and applications hosted on the same server share resources like CPU time, Disk space, Memory etc.Its the most basic type of web hosting and an entry point for many hosted websites.In this case one computer or server or machine is shared by many users.Its affordable and easily accessed and managed within an interface called control panel eg Cpanel. All technical and administration end is handled by server admin and so its safe to say shared hosting are operated on managed servers.

Another form of shared hosting is Reseller hosting where the hosting company offers clients a solution they can resell to others.

Disadvantage of Shared Hosting

1)Performance maybe affected by other hosted accounts

2)Activities (malicious or fraudulent) of others sharing the same machine may lead to account suspension of authentic users.

3)Little to no control over the server – no root access to machine

4)Very basic and almost poor security.

5)Limited ability to handle high traffic levels or spikes in site visitors

SCORE

Cost +
Performance +++
Security +
Skill Required +
Server Control +



VPS HOSTING

VPS – Virtual Private Server is a single machine which is divided to many virtual computers each acting as though they where independent servers.This is an effective means of web hosting for users seeking to have some level of control over their hosting needs but cannot afford a Dedicated server.This means that each virtual server has root access and SSH that can be used to install software and applications required for managing hosted websites.

VPS are better for security in comparison to Shared hosting.They are either Managed or Unmanaged Servers and in the case of Unmanaged Server it means the client/customer is responsibility for configuring patches updates, installation and management of his own virtual account.

Disadvantage of VPS

1.Steep learning curve

2.Expensive

3.Site performance can still be affected by other sites on the server to a certain degree.

SCORE

Cost ++++
Performance ++++
Security +++
Skill Required ++++
Server Control +++



DEDICATED SERVER

Dedicated server hosting is like leasing or buying an entire house for yourself.You live alone and have full control determining the design,what comes in and goes out.This is the best form of web hosting if money is no object.The customer enjoys full control and can hire a server admin in the case of Unmanaged server who takes care of all technical requirements.Its secure, fast, reliable and flexible for all hosting needs and are for those who require power, performance and full control for their projects.

Most hosting companies runs dedicated server which is configured to deliver shared, VPS and reseller hosting to thousands of customers.

Disadvantage of Dedicated Server

They are very expensive.

SCORE

Cost ++++++
Performance ++++++
Security ++++++
Skill Required +++++
Server Control +++++



CLOUD HOSTING

Cloud web hosting offers the greatest ability to handle high volume of traffic and spikes at pay-as-you-go billing.The way it works is very interesting.A cloud or cluster or group of computers in different locations and/or countries work together to deliver high quality hosting services to hundreds of website.

The high point of Cloud hosting is the fact that its resources are extremely scale-able.This ensures that websites with less needs on the same Cloud lets up resources for others that require them.Another interesting advantage a website hosted on a cloud has is that failure of a single server on the cloud CANNOT lead to a down-time as all servers work together to compliment one another.

Cloud hosting service delivers website requests from servers nearest to the user making them.This ensures speed and high performance.Most Clouds are billed on pay-as-you-go basis meaning you end up picking little to no bill at the end of a cycle for websites with low activity.This is a good thing compared to VPS and shared hosting with monthly/yearly flat fee billing.Examples of cloud hosting includes Amazon AWS, Google Cloud Platform(GCP), Microsoft Azure etc.

Disadvantage of Cloud Hosting

1)Expensive for big projects

2)Often comes without root access

3)No control on hosting location

4)Low privacy.

SCORE

Cost ++++
Performance +++++
Security +++++
Skill Required +++++
Server Control +++

READ MORE: http://www.infonig.com/shared-vs-vps-vs-dedicated-vs-cloud-web-hosting/