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A cloud server is a virtual machine that runs in a cloud hosting environment. Cloud servers run as
software-independent units - it does not depend on any centrally-installed software. This allows a
cloud server to be booted independently and run its own operating system.
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Cloud Hosting is defined as a set of pooled computing resources and services delivered over the Internet.
These resources are allocated on-demand, making cloud hosting completely scalable. In a cloud hosting
environment, the website is hosted on multiple connected servers, this allows the resources required
for maintaining the website (including disk space, bandwidth, RAM and CPU) to be spread across these
servers and rendered on a per need basis. This architecture provides increased power, availability and
reliability to handle any load size or demand, and allows websites to grow without the typical hardware
restrictions of a single physical server.
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How does a Cloud Server compare with a Dedicated Server?
A website hosted on a dedicated server is limited to the resources available on that server. If the server
is out of RAM or CPU, you would not be able to upgrade without moving to a new server or purchasing
additional hardware. Note that either scenario requires the powering off of your server and/or
transferring your files, which could take hours. Because it is difficult to change the specifications of a
dedicated server, you would often have to buy something large enough for your needs to grow into.
On the other hand, a cloud server is a cluster of servers connected to a redundant high speed raid enabled
central storage (SAN). Not only is the central storage in a raid-enabled configuration, it has a spare storage
server on standby. Cloud servers can be deployed immediately and as your needs change, you have access to
the pooled resources and instantly scale on-demand.
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Can I transfer data between Cloud Servers without bandwidth charges?
Yes, if desired, you can setup a private network within your cloud. Communication and data transferred within the private
network is not counted towards your plan's bandwidth quota.
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I want to scale my plan. What should I do?
You can scale your resources (ie. CPU, RAM, disk) within your plan's capacity right on your DevHost Control Panel.
If you have reached the maximum capacity of your hosting plan and require additional resources, you will need to
upgrade your account.
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Can I upgrade dedicated resources without upgrading my entire plan?
At this time, resources are offered as a package on our cloud hosting plans. If you need to increase the
capacity of any of the resources in the package, you will need to upgrade your account.
If you require more resources than what's offered in our Extreme Cloud Hosting Plan, we can custom build a
cloud solution for you and the resources will be added "a la carte".
If you require dedicated resources for your cloud, we do offer Private Cloud Hosting services.
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Can I use my own template for a Cloud Server?
Yes, if you have an existing VM, you can certainly use your own template. You will need to backup the VM and convert
the backup into a custom template. Likewise, you can customize your DevHost cloud server, save it as a custom template
and use it to create additional VMs. You also have access to multiple Linux distributions and Windows images in our
Templates Library.
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How long does it take to upgrade RAM on my Cloud Server?
Scaling/upgrading RAM on your cloud server is instant, provided that additional RAM is available on your hosting plan.
If you require more RAM than what's provided on your hosting plan, you will need to upgrade your account.
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What can I do with a Cloud Server?
Your cloud server is a great platform for many applications. Basically, any application that can be installed on a
physical server (ie. shared or dedicated) can also be installed on your cloud server. This includes blogs,
Content Management Systems, eCommerce/shopping carts, forums, and even static HTML sites.
If you are not sure which cloud solution is right for you, contact us and we'll gladly assist you.
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To sign up for DevHost cloud hosting services, click the "Order Now" button on our home page or the hosting plan page.
After signing up, you can refer to our Getting Started Guide and the DevHost Knowledgebase and Documentations for more
information on setting up your cloud service.
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What can I do with a Cloud Server that I couldn't do before with a Shared Server or Dedicated Server?
While Cloud and Shared Servers both provide cost effective solutions that do not require hardware management, a shared server
does not offer the scalability, reliability, security and availability that a cloud server would provide.
Deploying a new dedicated server requires a significant amount of work and time. Hardware and equipment must be installed before
software and operating system installations begin. Once the dedicated server is set up, adding and removing resources can be
challenging, often requiring more work, time, money and downtime. On the other hand, deploying a cloud server is quick and easy.
And because you are not limited to the resources of a single physical server, adding and removing power, memory, space and other
resources can be done instantly with a simple click of a button.
Read more on Cloud vs. Dedicated Hosting.
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How do I run systems in a cloud environment?
Once your cloud hosting account has been activated and you have created your VMs, you are ready to manage your cloud and install
programs and applications. All account management functions, including the creation and provisioning of VMs, and the allotment of
resources, are performed via your DevHost Control Panel.
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Do you provide private Cloud solutions?
Yes, we do offer Private Cloud solutions. Please contact us for more information and a price quote.