What Is a Virtual Server?
Infrastructure
07.10.2021
10 min read
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Let’s talk about virtual servers. About powerful PC’s with "hardware" shared between many users who want to create their own site or application.
We will get deeper into how these servers work, what they are capable of, how they are different from regular servers, and how to choose the best one.
The idea behind a virtual server is the same as the one behind an ordinary physical server. It is a place somewhere in the data centers around the world where webmasters and developers store files of their websites and applications.
In general, servers are a 24/7 working PC with all the data necessary data to maintain a website or another project that needs to be accessible by users around the world.
The main distinctive feature of virtual servers lies in their implementation. It uses so-called virtualization technology that makes possible the emulation of many computers on one physical machine. That way we have one powerful PC but a lot of space to create virtual ones within it, so hosting providers (who maintain servers in datacenters) don’t have to buy more hardware to extend the service to other users.
How do virtual servers work?
As we mentioned earlier — in the core of virtual servers sits technology called "virtualization". There are various types which differ in technical specifications but mainly perform the same tasks.
This virtual server is a complex program (hypervisor) imitating a full-fledged OS with BIOS and other low-level stuff. Practically, it gives users fully functional "hardware" that they can use as their own computer. But the "hardware" is not actually hardware in a real sense. It is merely equipment virtualized into a PC and shared between many webmasters and developers using the same hosting provider.
What are virtual servers used for?
Like any server, virtual servers are used to store data from different projects such as:
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Informational platforms and online stores (most of them have to have a database that also needs a server).
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Databases with private information to be used inside a company making it possible to share some data and keep it hidden from the outside.
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Platforms created to test software within the team or in person (when the local machine is not powerful enough).
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Setups that are made to work with complex systems like Odoo.
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Gaming servers (like ones used to host Minecraft personal playable worlds) and mail servers (to obtain full control on sent and received email).
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Systems to implement CCTV (to store a lot of GB’s of recorded videos).
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And of course personal cloud storages. You can use a virtual server as a remote hard disk to store images, videos, audio files, etc.
And yes, even virtualized hardware can deal with everything listed above. Even if a server is being used to the maximum.
What are the benefits of virtual servers?
Talking about the advantages of virtual servers…
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One of the main benefits of virtual servers is that such servers are not as pricey as real physical servers. Logically, virtual PCs cost less than tangible ones. And this is quite an important characteristic of the server because they usually cost a lot of money over the long term. Especially when the site or application is gaining popularity.
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Virtualization brings independence from the physical world. Users have something like an image of a computer that can be seamlessly transported to another hardware platform. It means that even if the hardware part fails it will take a matter of minutes to relaunch your "PC" using another physical server.
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The hosting provider will take care of your virtual server, doing routine stuff like monitoring system conditions and preventing any failures. There’s no need to hire a separate audition team.
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It is a computer with everything you need such as a Firewall, real IP-address, etc.
Disadvantages of virtual server
There are some shortcomings too…
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The performance of a virtual server would be worse than the performance of the same hardware configuration but for factual implementation. In fact, users of VS will get only part of the PC’s equipment; other webmasters and developers will get the rest.
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Even though you have access to many segments of the actual OS, you don’t have an opportunity to interact with the actual hard disc or CPU of the PC. That’s why some functions might be unsupported or inaccessible.
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Usually, hosts revoke some administrator’s permissions from users of a virtual server. So you’ll lose the opportunity to edit any of the system files or any low-level components.
VPS and VDS
We have two abbreviations: VPS and VDS. The first one stands for Virtual Private Server and the second one for Virtual Dedicated Server. Both are the same technologies in general. Both terms mean one of the ways to rent and use a server. But some users see a slight difference in these. So, dedicated server vs the virtual server, which is better?
You might stumble upon the opinion that VPS is a server that works with OpenVZ-technology and VDS with KVM.
OpenVZ — is a software virtualization layer which is installed on Linux Kernel and functions as a copy of that Linux system. You have a lot of virtual PCs but all of them are actually based on one kernel. That brings shortfalls such as an inability to install an OS other than Linux, no way to change the filesystem (ext4 only), software components like PPTP and OpenVPN are restricted, no privacy (the PC administrator has access to your data). But virtual private servers with OpenVZ are ordinarily cheaper.
KVM — is software virtualization implemented by a specific application called hypervisor. This app creates an isolated copy of the system that transforms into your own fully functional PC. This approach brings many privileges: you choose what OS to install, what filesystem to use, you can even control BIOS, and interact with low-level components like sockets and the kernel. But the most important part is security. Only the renter has access to the KVM server. A virtual dedicated server with this technology would be more expensive.
Windows-based virtual servers
You can rent a virtual server with preinstalled Windows Server OS. It will certainly be a KVM-one with almost uncompromising access to any component or chosen virtual PC.
We would recommend this type of VDS for those who for some reason want to or already work with Microsoft’s software:
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You are acquainted with applications like Outlook and Office so you want to continue using them while developing an online working environment for your team or maybe yourself.
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You work with a team that strongly relies on Microsoft’s ecosystem and are used to working with Windows-connected applications only.
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You want to set up a remote working space with a graphical interface.
Also, a virtual server for Windows is a great place to cooperatively develop products with Microsoft’s proprietary technologies like .NET or using specialized applications like Microsoft Visual Studio.
To create a virtual server with Windows you should either rent an "empty" VPS and manually install Windows there as you would do with a regular PC or choose a plan with Windows preinstalled on your host’s website.
Linux-based virtual servers
This one could be using two different technologies: OpenVZ and KVM. You choose.
We would recommend a virtual server with Linux for those who don’t really need any Microsoft software and at the same time want to have a functional and performing platform:
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Those who want to gain more control over the used system.
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Who want to save on renting an expensive and overperforming server using a lightweight Linux-based system with no interface and other "resource hogs".
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Who would like to use VDS to develop or host projects made using web technologies such as Node.js, JavaScript, etc.
Furthermore, Linux is a safer place to store different kinds of data.
To create a Linux virtual server you usually just need to buy a VPS and that’s it. Ubuntu (Linux distributive) is the number one OS pre-installed on servers. So there’s a 99% chance you won’t spend time installing or reinstalling OSes.
Virtual machine vs virtual server
Both are great tools to develop and test software products but in different ways.
A virtual machine is a virtual PC inside your PC. So it is installed locally via a hypervisor that is included with your motherboard and OS. Basically, it is similar to VDS but you’re the host. It uses your machine’s resources and you decide how many resources the server should take.
Why might you want to use a virtual machine instead of a virtual server? For example:
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You have an outstandingly performant computer and a VM would just be a more reliable platform to develop and test your applications.
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You want to save money on renting a VDS.
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Have poor internet connection and in any case, the VM does its job faster.
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Going to work with some confidential data that shouldn’t be stored somewhere on the web.
If that’s not you, a VDS might be a more reliable platform to work with.
Physical servers vs virtual servers
This is fairly straightforward. A physical server is a regular PC that stays somewhere in a data center and never in theory turns off.
Is there a big difference between virtual and actual ones? Not really. Generally, you can use VDS to do all the stuff you can do on a dedicated server. There would be almost no drawbacks. Because, as we pointed out earlier, KVM-technology makes it possible for users of VDS to access even things like BIOS.
The only reason you might want to go with a dedicated server is performance. It will be fast enough to deploy some complex and resource-intensive projects like gaming worlds where it is absolutely necessary to keep things going fast (in terms of CPU and RAM capability and internet connection capability too).
Are there free virtual servers?
Yes, but we wouldn’t recommend using them. Moreover, we would recommend avoiding them.
It seems a great opportunity to host your project on a free server. Nothing to give and a lot to get. But that’s not really true.
Free virtual server hosts will negatively affect your app or website because its hardware and software are usually quite slow. There’s no incentive for such servers to provide adequate speed of loading and operating.
Free servers give you only third-level domains. So you’d have to forget about good SEO scores.
A host would severely limit the amount of free space for your files. Of course, you would never have any control over the server.
The free server is free for you but not for the provider, so don’t be fooled by the "price". The provider will definitely try to make money out of you. For example, he might put an ad on your site or in your app without your consent. Or secretly will sell your confidential data to advertisers.
By using a free server you should be prepared to lose all of your content at any moment without any warning. So, as you can see, the price is high.
How to choose a virtual server?
In choosing a virtual server you must consider 5 key criteria:
Linux or Windows
We discussed it above, so reread that part and decide what OS do you want (or need) to use on your VDS.
Hardware
Modern technologies give hosting providers the ability to serve developers and webmasters with a certain performance level. You may without any hesitation choose VDS based on this information. For small apps and sites, you don’t need a superpowerful PC but you should definitely consider an option with SSD storage.
Geolocation
The closer the server to a user of an app or site the faster it works for him. Try to choose one that will be fast enough for everyone.
Control Panel
Besides the command line, you will sometimes use the Control Panel to interact with the server. So it should be user-friendly and functional enough to fulfil your needs.
Best virtual servers
You can find thousands of hosts around the web, but there are some big names you must consider as the best solution. For example Digital Ocean. One of the most modern and reliable providers that are quite popular and relatively inexpensive. Additionally, you might consider the IBM platform and rent VDS there.
If you don’t really need to control your server but want to host an app or website in a few clicks with the power and quality of Microsoft’s and Amazon’s ecosystems, you might want to consider Hostman as your provider.
It makes managing any web project or application a breeze, so you can concentrate on the creative part of your work while delegating all routine tasks to the Hostman’s professional administrators.
You can try with free7 days trial. Create your virtual server here.
Infrastructure
07.10.2021
10 min read
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Infrastructure
Best Midjourney Alternatives in 2025
Midjourney is one of the most popular AI networks for image generation. The service has established itself as a leader in the field of generative AI. However, the existence of a paid subscription and access limitations (for example, the requirement to use Discord or lack of support in certain regions) increasingly prompts users to consider alternatives. We have compiled the best services that can replace Midjourney, from simple tools to professional solutions.
Why Are Users Looking for a Midjourney Alternative?
Midjourney is a powerful tool, but it has its drawbacks:
Paid Access: Since March 2023, Midjourney has fully switched to a paid model, with a minimum subscription of $10 per month, which may be expensive for beginner users.
Usage Limitations: A Discord account is required, and for users in some countries, access is restricted due to regional limitations.
Complex Interface: Beginners may find it difficult to navigate working through the Discord bot.
Fortunately, there are many apps like Midjourney that offer similar functionality and more user-friendly interfaces.
We will review seven of the best Midjourney alternatives. For all the AI networks considered, we will generate an image using the following prompt: “Generate an image of the Swiss Alps.”
Free Alternatives
First, let’s look at Midjourney alternatives that can be used for free.
Playground AI
Playground AI is an AI network that works on modern generative models, including Stable Diffusion XL, and allows generating images from text prompts or editing existing images.
A unique feature of Playground AI is the ability not only to generate an image from scratch but also to refine it within the same interface. Users can correct individual details, replace elements (for example, hands), perform upscaling to increase detail, or draw additional parts of the image on a special working field (canvas) with a seamless continuation of the image.
Using the free plan, users can generate up to 5 images every 3 hours.
Advantages:
Work with a library of ready-made images and prompts, and the ability to copy and refine other users’ creations.
Built-in canvas tool for extending and editing images while maintaining stylistic consistency.
Support for multiple models.
Image generated by Playground AI using the prompt “Generate an image of the Swiss Alps”
Bing Image Creator
Bing Image Creator is an image generation tool from Microsoft, based on the latest version of OpenAI’s DALL·E model.
The service works using a diffusion architecture: the AI network analyzes the text prompt and synthesizes a unique image considering specified styles, details, emotions, backgrounds, and objects. Users can describe the desired image in any language, and the AI interprets the prompt to generate multiple options for selection.
Advantages:
Completely free.
Multiple image generation models to choose from.
Integration with Microsoft ecosystem: Microsoft Copilot, Bing, Bing Chat, Microsoft Edge.
Built-in content filtering and internal security algorithms to prevent illegal or inappropriate image generation.
Image generated by Bing Image Creator using the prompt “Generate an image of the Swiss Alps”
Paid Alternatives
Among the paid Midjourney alternatives, the following stand out.
Leonardo AI
Leonardo AI functions as a cloud platform for AI-based image generation. Its main function is creating high-quality visual materials from text descriptions.
Leonardo AI uses modern image generation algorithms similar to diffusion models, with additional innovative tools to improve quality and flexibility. Users can select from multiple artistic styles and genres, and also use the Image2Image feature to upload a reference image for more precise control. Users can adjust the “weight” of the generated image to balance between strict adherence to the reference and creative interpretation of the text.
Advantages:
Free access with a limit (up to 150 tokens per day).
Ability to train custom AI models.
Wide choice of styles and customization tools.
Support for generating textures and 3D objects.
Convenient prompt handling: a built-in prompt generator helps beginners formulate queries, while experienced users can optimize prompts for better results.
Image generated by Leonardo AI using the prompt “Generate an image of the Swiss Alps”
Stable Diffusion
Stable Diffusion is a modern text-to-image generation model that uses diffusion model technology.
Developed by Stability AI in collaboration with researchers from LMU Munich and other organizations, the model was released in 2022 and quickly gained popularity due to its openness and high efficiency.
Stable Diffusion can be accessed through many services, including DreamStudio, Stable Diffusion Online, Tensor.Art, and InvokeAI.
Advantages:
Multiple interfaces available.
Flexible settings (Negative Prompt, aspect ratio, generation steps, fine-tuning, service integration, inpainting for parts of an image, outpainting for backgrounds).
Numerous custom models (anime, realism, fantasy).
Possibility of local deployment on powerful PCs.
Open-source code. Unlike many proprietary models (DALL-E, Midjourney), Stable Diffusion can be run, trained, and modified locally.
Image generated by Stable Diffusion using the prompt “Generate an image of the Swiss Alps”
NightCafe
NightCafe is an online platform for generating images from text prompts and images. It uses multiple advanced algorithms and generation models, such as VQGAN+CLIP, DALL·E 2, Stable Diffusion, Neural Style Transfer, and Clip-Guided Diffusion. Users input a text prompt or upload an image, and the AI transforms it into a unique artistic work. Various styles, effects, resolution and detail settings, as well as editing and upscaling options, are available.
Advantages:
Numerous options for customizing generated images, suitable for digital art, NFTs, and other purposes.
Built-in functionality for modifying existing images via text prompts, scaling without quality loss, and object removal.
Free access with limited generations.
Support for multiple styles and algorithms.
User-friendly interface.
Image generated by NightCafe using the prompt “Generate an image of the Swiss Alps”
Artbreeder
Artbreeder operates using generative adversarial networks (GANs). The main principle is creating new images by “crossing” or blending two or more images (“parents”), with fine control over parameters (“genes”) that determine various image traits. Users can interactively control the resulting image with sliders, adjusting characteristics like age, facial expression, body type, hair color, level of detail, and other visual elements.
Advantages:
Interactive blending allows combining different images to create unique compositions, such as portraits, landscapes, or anime styles.
Detailed manual adjustments of each image parameter (brightness, contrast, facial features, accessories, etc.) allow for highly refined results.
Image generated by Artbreeder using the prompt “Generate an image of the Swiss Alps”
Ideogram
Ideogram is a generative AI model specialized in creating images containing text. It uses advanced deep learning and diffusion algorithms.
Unlike many other AI visualization tools, Ideogram can generate clear, readable text within images, making it especially useful for designing logos, posters, advertisements, and other tasks where combining graphics and text is important.
Advantages:
Free generations with selectable styles.
Support for integrating readable and harmonious text into images—convenient for designers, marketing teams, and social media specialists.
Built-in social platform with user profiles, sharing capabilities, and community interaction.
Image generated by Ideogram using the prompt “Generate an image of the Swiss Alps”
Conclusion
The choice of a Midjourney alternative depends on your goals and preferences: if you need the highest-quality image generation, consider Ideogram or Stable Diffusion 3. For free solutions, Leonardo AI and Playground AI are suitable, and if speed and simplicity are priorities, Bing Image Creator from Microsoft is a good option.
Each service has its own advantages, whether it is accessibility, detail quality, or flexibility of settings. It’s worth trying several options to find the best tool for your needs.
11 September 2025 · 7 min to read
Infrastructure
Google AI Studio: Full Guide to Google’s AI Tools
Google AI Studio is a web platform from Google for working with neural networks. At the core of the service is the family of advanced multimodal generative models, Gemini, which can handle text, images, video, and other types of data simultaneously. The platform allows you to prototype applications, answer questions, generate code, and create images and video content. Everything runs directly in the browser—no installation is required.
The main feature of Google AI Studio is versatility. Everything you need is in one place and works in the browser: you visit the site, write a query, and within seconds get results. The service allows users to efficiently leverage the power of Google Gemini for rapid idea testing, working with code or text.
Additionally, Google AI Studio can be used not only for answering questions but also as a starting point for future projects. The platform provides all the necessary tools, and Google does not claim ownership of the generated content.
You have access not only to a standard chat with generative AI but also to specialized models for generating media content, music, and applications. Let’s go through each in detail.
Chat
This is the primary workspace in Google AI Studio, where you work with prompts and configure the logic and behavior of your model.
Chat Options
At the top, there are tools for working with the chat itself.
System Instruction
The main configuration block, which defines the “personality,” role, goal, and limitations for the model. It is processed first and serves as a permanent context for the entire dialogue. The system instruction is the foundation of your chatbot.
The field accepts text input. For maximum effectiveness, follow these principles:
define the role (clearly state what the model is),
define the task (explain exactly what the model should do),
set the output format,
establish constraints (prevent the model from going beyond its role).
Example instruction: "You are a Senior developer who helps other developers understand project code. You provide advice and explain the logic of the code. I am a Junior who will ask for your help. Respond in a way I can understand, point out mistakes and gaps in the code with comments. Do not fully rewrite the code I send you—give advice instead."
Show conversation with/without markdown formatting
Displays text with or without markdown formatting.
Get SDK
Provides quick access to API code by copying chat settings into code. All model parameters from the site are automatically included.
Share prompt
Used to send a link to your dialogue with the AI. You must save the prompt before sharing.
Save prompt
Saves the prompt to your Google Drive.
Compare mode
A special interface that allows you to run the same prompt on different language models (or different versions of the same model) simultaneously and instantly see their responses side by side. It’s like parallel execution with a visual comparison.
Clear chat
Deletes all messages in the chat.
Model Parameters
In this window, you select the neural network and configure its behavior.
Model
Select the base language model. AI Studio provides the following options:
Gemini 2.5 Pro: a “thinking” model capable of reasoning about complex coding, math, and STEM problems, analyzing large datasets, codebases, and documents using long context.
Gemini 2.5 Flash: the best model in terms of price-to-performance, suitable for large-scale processing, low-latency tasks, high-volume reasoning, and agentic scenarios.
Gemini 2.5 Flash-Lite: optimized for cost-efficiency and high throughput.
Other available models include Gemini 2.0, Gemma 3, and LearnLM 2.0. More details about Gemini Pro, Flash, Flash-Lite, and others can be found in the official guide.
Temperature: Controls the degree of randomness and creativity in the model’s responses. Higher values produce more diverse and unexpected answers, usually less precise. Lower values make responses more conservative and predictable.
Media resolution: Refers to the level of detail in input media (images and video) that the model processes. Higher resolution allows Gemini to “see” and analyze more details, but requires more tokens for analysis.
Thinking mode: Switches the model into a reasoning mode. The AI decomposes tasks and formulates instructions rather than outputting a result immediately.
Set thinking budget: Limits the maximum number of tokens for the reasoning mode.
Structured output: Allows developers and users to receive AI responses in predefined formats like JSON. You can specify the desired output format manually or via a visual editor.
Grounding with Google Search: Enables Gemini to access Google Search in real-time for the most relevant and up-to-date information. Responses are based on search results rather than internal knowledge, reducing “hallucinations.”
URL Context: Enhances grounding by allowing users to direct Gemini to specific URLs for context, rather than relying on general search.
Stop sequences: Allows up to 5 sequences where the model will immediately stop generating text.
Stream
The Stream mode is an interactive interface for continuous dialogue with Gemini models. Supports microphone, webcam, and screen sharing. The AI can “see” and “hear” what you provide.
Turn coverage: Configures whether the AI continuously considers all input or only during speech, simulating natural conversation including interruptions and interjections.
Affective dialog: Enables AI to recognize emotions in your speech and respond accordingly.
Proactive audio: When enabled, AI filters out background noise and irrelevant conversations, responding only when appropriate.
Generate Media
This section on the left panel provides interfaces for generating media: speech, images, music, and video.
Gemini Speech Generator
Converts text into audio with flexible settings. Use for video voice-overs, audio guides, podcasts, or virtual character dialogues. Tools include Raw Structure (scenario definition), Script Builder, Style Instructions, Add Dialog, Mode (monologue/dialogue), Model Settings, and Voice Settings.
Main tools on the control panel:
Raw Structure: Defines the scenario—how the request to the model for speech generation will be constructed.
Script Builder: Instruction for dialogue with the ability to write lines and pronunciation style for each speaker.
Style Instructions: Set the emotional tone and speech pace (for example: friendly, formal, energetic).
Add Dialog: Add new lines and speakers.
Mode: Choice between monologue and dialogue (up to 2 participants).
Model Settings: Adjust model parameters, for example, temperature, which affects the creativity and unpredictability of speech.
Voice Settings: Select a voice, adjust speed, pauses, pitch, and other parameters for each speaker.
Image Generation
A tool for generating images from a text description (prompt).
Three models are available:
Imagen 4
Imagen 4 Ultra
Imagen 3
Imagen 4 and Imagen 4 Ultra can generate only one image at a time, while Imagen 3 can generate up to four images at once.
To generate, enter a prompt for the image and specify the aspect ratio.
Music Generation
A tool for interactive real-time music creation based on the Lyria RealTime model.
The main feature is that you define the sound you want to hear and adjust its proportion. The more you turn up the regulator, the more intense the sound will be in the final track. You can specify the musical instrument, genre, and mood. The music updates in real time.
Video Generation
A tool for video generation based on Veo 2 and Veo 3 models (API only). Video length up to 8 seconds, 720p quality, 24 frames per second. Supports two resolutions—16:9 and 9:16.
Video generation from an image: Upload a file and write a prompt. The resulting video will start from your image.
Negative prompt support: Allows specifying what should not appear in the frame. This helps fine-tune the neural network’s output.
App Generation
Google AI Studio instantly transforms high-level concepts into working prototypes. To do this, go to the Build section. Describe the desired application in the prompt field and click Run.
AI Studio will analyze this request and suggest a basic architecture, including necessary API calls, data structures, and interaction logic. This saves the developer from routine setup work on the initial project and allows focusing on unique functionality.
The app generation feature relies on an extensive template library.
Conclusion
Google AI Studio has proven itself as a versatile platform for generative AI. It combines Gemini chat, multimodal text, image, audio, video generation, and app prototyping tools in one interface. The platform is invaluable for both developers and general users. Even the free tier of Google AI Studio covers most tasks—from content generation to MVP prototyping. Recent additions include Thinking Mode, Proactive Audio, and Gemini 2.5 Flash, signaling impressive future prospects.
10 September 2025 · 8 min to read
Infrastructure
Cloud vs Dedicated Server for E-commerce
If your online store is growing, sooner or later a key infrastructure question arises: cloud or dedicated server? Which one can be launched faster, which will survive peak loads without “crashes,” and how much will it cost with backups and administration?
In this article, we will examine the key differences between the cloud and a dedicated server, ways of calculating the total cost of ownership (TCO), and typical bottlenecks in e-commerce: the database, cache, and static files.
Cloud and Dedicated Server: Main Differences
Let’s draw a simple analogy.
The cloud is like a room in a hotel: you can move in quickly, request another room if necessary, cleaning and maintenance are included.
A dedicated server is like owning a house: it is completely yours, no one shares resources, but you need to take care of it yourself.
How the Cloud Works
You create a cloud server with the necessary configuration and can quickly change its parameters: increase memory, disk space, or add another server for web applications. Usually, this is accompanied by a flexible payment system—for example, in Hostman it is hourly.
The advantages are quick launch, scalability, convenient backups and snapshots. The disadvantages are that with excessive resources it is easy to overpay, and with round-the-clock high load, the cost may be higher than that of a dedicated server.
How a Dedicated Server Works
This is renting a physical server in a data center. The resources are entirely yours: CPU, memory, disks—without any “neighbors.”
The advantages are stable performance and a favorable price with constant heavy traffic. The disadvantages are slower scaling (waiting for an upgrade or migration), service downtime during failures may last longer, and administration of the server and organization of backups are entirely the responsibility of the client.
What’s More Important for a Small Store
You can launch an online store in the cloud today, in mere hours. When renting a dedicated server, allow time for its preparation: engineers need to assemble and test the configuration, especially if you ordered a custom one. Usually this takes a couple of days.
In the cloud, resources can be increased in a few clicks. On a dedicated server, the scaling process takes longer: you need to coordinate changes with engineers, wait for components, and install them in the data center. In some cases, it may require migration to a new server.
Cloud offers many ready-made tools and automation. A dedicated server, as a rule, will require more manual configuration and regular involvement of an engineer.
Money: if you have 20–300 orders per day and traffic “jumps,” the cloud is usually more profitable and quite suitable for solving such tasks. If orders are consistently high, 24/7, without sharp spikes, a dedicated server will be more reliable.
In short: if you are just starting out, choose the cloud. When the load becomes consistently high, you can consider a dedicated server.
Key Criteria When Choosing Infrastructure for an Online Store
Let’s look at the key criteria to pay attention to when choosing between a cloud and a dedicated server.
Speed of launch
It is important for a business to launch in hours, not days. A cloud server and database are ready in just minutes. A dedicated server takes longer to prepare: on average, about an hour, and when ordering a custom configuration, it may take several days.
Expenses
Expenses in a small project can be calculated as the sum of these items:
Infrastructure: server, disks, traffic, IP, domains, CDN.
Reliability: backups and storing copies separately.
Administration: updates, monitoring, on-call duty.
Downtime: how much one hour of downtime costs (lost revenue + reputation).
Peak loads
Sometimes stores run sales, order promotions from bloggers, or it is simply the business season.
In the cloud, you can scale horizontally, setting up another VM, and vertically, by adding more vCPU and RAM.
To speed up images and static files loading, you can connect a CDN—this is equally available in the cloud and on a dedicated server.
With a dedicated server, you either have to pay for all the reserve capacity year-round, or request installation of additional modules—which, again, can take some time (hours or days, depending on component availability).
Reliability and recovery
There are two main parameters to consider when planning recovery time.
RTO: how much time the project can take to recover after downtime (goal: up to an hour).
RPO: how much data you are ready to lose during recovery (goal: up to 15 minutes, meaning that after the system is restored, you may lose only the data created in the last 15 minutes before the failure).
Check: are backups scheduled, are copies stored outside the production server, will the system be able to recover automatically if production goes down.
Security
At a minimum, configure the site to work through an SSL certificate, set up multi-factor authentication in the control panel for administrators, and create a private network between the web server and the database.
Performance
Usually the bottlenecks of e-commerce are the database, cache, and images. To avoid problems when scaling, put images and videos in object storage, keep the database as a separate service, preferably with data replication. Monitor the response times of the cart and checkout pages—this is where sales most often fail if pages respond slowly.
Growth and flexibility
We recommend starting with a simple and reliable scheme: one cloud server + one separate database (DBaaS) + object storage for media. If you plan a sale, add another cloud server and a load balancer to distribute user traffic. Afterwards, return to the original scheme. Flexibility in this case may be more important than the “perfect” architecture at the start.
Team competencies
If there is no system administrator or developer in the team who can perform sysadmin functions, choose simple solutions: ready CMS images, managed DBs, automatic backups, built-in monitoring. The less manual work, the fewer risks.
Building Reliable Infrastructure
For a small store, a simple logic works: start with minimal but healthy architecture, and quickly increase capacity during sales. And just as quickly return to normal mode.
Start with a clean cloud server on Ubuntu LTS, connect access via SSH keys, and disable password login. At the firewall level, leave only ports 80/443, the others are better disabled.
An alternative option is to use control panels (cPanel, FastPanel, etc.), where the stack is deployed “out of the box” and administration is available through a convenient graphical interface.
Place the database separately and connect it to the application through a private network. This way it will not be accessible from the internet, and delays will be reduced. Create a separate DB user with minimal rights for the site, enable daily backups and store them outside the production environment. For sessions and cache use Redis: it will reduce load on the database and speed up product cards, search, and order processing.
Transfer media files to object storage: CMS can easily be configured so that new uploads go to S3. On top of this, connect a CDN for images, JS, and CSS—this will provide a stable response speed for users from any region and relieve a significant load from web servers. Do not forget about Cache-Control and ETag headers: they will allow users’ browsers to keep static files longer in local cache, which speeds up site loading and reduces server load.
Backups are part of the daily routine. For the database, make a daily full backup and several incremental points during the day, store copies for at least 30 days, and place them in another project or storage. Protect files and media with versioning in S3 and weekly server snapshots. Once a quarter perform a recovery “from scratch” on a clean machine to check your RTO and RPO.
Monitoring allows you to reduce risks and prevent losses before failures occur. Monitor the response time for the cart and checkout, CPU load, and free disk space. Threshold values should be tied to your traffic: if response time goes down and CPU stays high, get ready to scale.
A sales campaign should be prepared as carefully as a separate release. A day or two before launch make a snapshot and bring up a second machine, enable the load balancer, and check that sessions are in Redis so carts are not lost. Prepare the CDN in advance: open the most visited pages, product cards, and search results. Increase database resources in advance and check indexes on fields used for filtering and sorting. After the campaign ends, disable additional servers.
Approach security issues without excessive measures, but consistently and systematically. In the store’s admin panel, enable multi-factor authentication and roles, on servers, prohibit SSH passwords, limit by IP, and use fail2ban against password brute force.
To avoid overpaying, calculate infrastructure by roles: server, DB, S3 storage, CDN, snapshots and admin hours. Launch additional capacity only during peak days, and under normal load, plan infrastructure based on basic needs. Evaluate the cost of downtime: if it is higher than the cost of an additional server for a week, reserving resources for a promotion will be economically justified.
Migration from a dedicated server to cloud hosting is safe if done in two phases. Prepare a copy of the infrastructure, place media files in S3 storage, and run the site on a test domain with regular DB synchronization. On migration day, freeze changes, make the final dump, lower TTL, and switch DNS. After switching, monitor metrics and logs, and keep the previous production environment in “read-only” mode for a day for emergency access.
If you need size guidelines, think in terms of load.
Up to one hundred orders per day is usually enough with a server of 2 vCPU and 4–8 GB of memory, a separate DB of 1–2 vCPU and 2–4 GB, SSD of 60–120 GB, and a combination of S3+CDN with Redis.
With a load of 100–500 orders per day it is reasonable to use two cloud servers and a load balancer, a database with 2–4 vCPU and 8–16 GB, and if necessary, add a read replica.
With stable peak loads, the infrastructure is scaled to 2–3 cloud servers with 4–8 vCPU and 16 GB, a database with 4–8 vCPU and 32 GB, replication, and mandatory CDN.
These are starting points; further decisions are dictated by metrics.
Conclusion
There is no single correct answer in this subject. The choice between cloud and dedicated server depends on traffic, frequency of peaks, team competencies, and how much one hour of downtime costs you. It is important not to guess, but to rely on numbers and understand how quickly you can increase capacity and recover after a failure.
If the store is small or growing, it is reasonable to start with the cloud: one server for the application, a separate DB, and object storage for media. Such a scheme can be launched in an evening, handles sales without long downtime, and does not force you to pay for “reserve” all year. The main thing is to immediately enable backups, configure a private network between the server and the DB, and have a scaling plan ready for sales days.
When traffic becomes steady and high 24/7, and requirements for performance and integrations tighten, it makes sense to consider a dedicated server or hybrid. Often a combination works where the frontend application and static files remain in the cloud for flexibility, while the heavy DB or specific services move to “hardware.” The decision should be made not by preference, but by TCO, RTO/RPO, and load metrics.
09 September 2025 · 10 min to read
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