Benefits of using Cloud Servers compared to Physical Servers

Benefits of using Cloud Servers compared to Physical Servers. In this article, I would like to present the advantages and disadvantages of using servers in the cloud as well as present the advantages and disadvantages of physical servers and compare them together. 

Let’s start with Benefits of using Cloud Servers compared to Physical Servers? by introducing what is a Cloud Server.

What is a Cloud Server?

A cloud server is a large physical or virtual database that allows you to store applications and process information. It can ne called a large virtual database or a cloud server. You use cloud to perform cloud store and access a large amount of data, applications, and other resources.

With Cloud servers they are used as an IaaS service. They process and store information. We also gain remote access to virtual servers and virtualization functions. The main cloud server can be divided into multiple virtual servers.

Additionally with Cloud hosting it keeps our data. Instead of a physical location, they are stored virtually and we can access them from anywhere.

How does Cloud Server work?

Virtualization is the basis of cloud servers. We install the software that manages the so-called hypervisors in order to connect and virtualize. It is important to combine their resource set and put them together to create virtual servers. They can be automated depending on the needs of a given organization.

One of the service models is (IaaS). With the use of IaaS you do not  need to have your  own equipment and you do not have to manage it at all.

In some situations, cloud servers are set up as dedicated servers by the cloud provider.

If we provide virtual servers, we call them Iaas as one of the three options for delivering information into the cloud. The other two platforms are PaaS and SaaS services.

Benefits and Features of a Cloud Server

1.Data redundancy and backups are also easier to achieve as data backups can be automatically spread across multiple physical computers without human intervention.

2.Resource expansion can also be achieved quickly with just one click. The advantages of controlling data through the application layer running on multiple servers, rather than through a dedicated server leads to expansion and provisions in your business.

3. Direct control from the management interface. Other benefits of cloud severs are scalability of the processor cores, allocated RAM (memory) and disk space. That can be easily increased / decreased as needed (pay as you use options). These preferences can be managed automatically when certain events such as motion or spikes in load occur.

4.Thanks to virtualization software that allows you to easily connect and take advantage of the additional services offered by the vendor. It it with ease that you can add additional storage, load balancer and database with a few clicks. Your server may also be automatically configured to use these options depending on your needs.

Cloud Server Pros

  • Easy to  add storage.
  • Great in backing up and recovering data from anywhere.
  • No capital or equipment is required on site. This is often appropriate for organizations that are growing rapidly.
  • Data loss can be minimized by regularly backing up your data to the cloud. You can set it to for example 15-minute intervals.
  • Increased Security.
  • Cost Efficiency.
  • Independence of Location.
  • Backup and Disaster Recovery.
  • Environmentally Friendly solution.
  • Increased Server Uptime
  • Scalability of Resources.

Cloud Server Cons

  • Vulnerable to Attacks.
  • Limited Control.
  • Issues with Bandwidth.
  • May not get all the features.
  • No Redundancy.
  • If there are problems with the Internet on your side or with the cloud provider, you won’t be able to access any of your information.
  • Your organization may have limitations on the data that can be stored in the cloud due to availability and storage costs.
  • Full data recovery may take a long time and affect your system.
  • The cost of data recovery can outweigh the benefits for businesses that rely less on availability and instant recover.

Next in this article blog Benefits of using Cloud Servers compared to Physical Servers is to introduce what is a physical server. 

What is a Physical Server?

Physical servers, also known as dedicated servers, are computers on which data is stored and read. These machines are equipped with a specialized operating system capable of sharing resources according to customer requirements. They are located in a server room or other location (data center) maintained by external suppliers. Most physical servers are owned, managed and regularly maintained by dedicated IT teams in companies. Some common examples of physical servers are file servers, print servers, application servers and mail servers.

It includes powerful server hardware including menu and system sizes, large custom servers. Because the server has a server that cannot be shared between different users, as the entire server can only have one company.

Pros of Physical Server

  • Main advantage is that IT teams have access to dedicated server resources throughout the year. This can be beneficial for organizations with high demand or mission critical operations.
  • The physical server works anywhere, on site or in a location centre.
  • They can be fully adjusted and positioned according to the requirements and needs of the organization.
  • It can lead to Cost savings and time saving
  • Easier testing with physical Servers.
  • Quick recovery.

Cons of Physical Server

  • They can be relatively expensive to buy, maintain and replace, in the event of hardware failure.
  • Internal IT staff is responsible for the installation, configuration and ongoing maintenance of the server.
  • IT assistance may be required in case of configuration or repair issues.
  • Scaling memory to meet requirements without changing hardware can be difficult once the server reaches its maximum load.
  • These servers, like all other physical devices, require physical space or the same location.
  • Redundancy is required.
  • Performance degradation.
  • Licensing limitations.

Benefits of using Cloud Servers compared to Physical Servers

Cloud servers vs Physical servers

Physical or dedicated servers do not use virtualization technology. All computing and memory resources are based on the physical hardware and server infrastructure. You can treat them like a laptop or a desktop computer. They are intended for individual use and are typically configured to meet a specific business purpose. As the owner, you usually have privileged access to the entire system. You can access, install and configure any software.

A dedicated or physical server is also a finite resource that includes computing power and persistent storage, and is highly dependent on server hardware specifications. This contrasts with the scalability of cloud servers. Another difference is the location – dedicated servers are usually located in one data center, while cloud servers can be located in multiple data centers.

Interestingly physical servers are often used by large companies and organizations. Best suited for organizations with exceptionally high level of data security or for organizations with consistently high server capacity requirements. On the other hand, SMBs benefits more from the flexibility of the cloud servers.

Ease of use comparison

Cloud Servers Ease of use

Big benefit of Cloud servers is flexibility, they are well priced, quickly deployed and easy to migrate. However, they are highly dependent on the state of the internet and can be more expensive in terms of enhanced functionality, business continuity and specialized training.

Physical Servers Ease of use

On the other hand the physical server is secure, independent, easy to use, and provides good performance. However, the costs are higher when buying, maintaining, upgrading and expanding physical infrastructure.

Security of Cloud vs Physical Servers

Cloud server security

Environments of public cloud have become a significant attack surface for hackers who use poorly secured cloud access gateways to access and disrupt workloads and data, whether it is a cloud or not. 

The security of a Cloud server also protects:

  • Physical networks — routers, electrical power, cabling, climate controls, etc.
  • Computer virtualization frameworks — virtual machine software, host machines and guest machines.
  • Operating systems (OS).
  • Data servers — core network computing hardware and software.
  • Applications — traditional software services (email or productivity suites, etc.)
  • End user hardware — computers, mobile devices, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, etc.

Physical server security

The main reason for using a dedicated server is security, attacking a dedicated server can be a more difficult challenge for a hacker. It is very difficult to breach that server’s security.

Dedicated or physical hosting offers higher security compared to cloud server. From physical security implemented in a data center to advanced security software installed on servers.

Performance

Cloud server performance

Performance is high due to powerful cloud servers but it can be disturbed when there are too many tenants or requests processed.

Virtual cloud servers can deliver high performance whenever hosting services require it. They run on powerful bare metal servers.

Physical server performance

In contrary the physical server offers stable performance thanks to dedicated hardware.

in addition dedicated or physical servers are the most powerful hosting solution you can get as their hardware is completely available to your hosting services.

Deployment time

Cloud server deployment time

With deployment time the cloud server is ready for operation within seconds of setting up the device.

The risk of deployment can be due to risk of sharing hosting space with unknown users.

Physical server deloyment time

Important to note physical serveris is known for longer deployment times.

But a single lease agreement ensures a high level of security and confidentiality.

Server Management

Cloud server Management

The vendors maintain the equipment while your team manages the devices via the dashboard,

The issue with Managed cloud servers is that the server can operate without the full control from the client over the server. Managing a cloud server is much more difficult than managing a dedicated server. Where there is cloud server that has hundreds of virtual servers in one cloud server, it can get messy.

Physical server Management

You can manage dedicated or physical servers independently or rely on vendor managed services.

In a dedicated or physical server, the owner has full control over the server and can manage it according to his needs. Although we need complete knowledge of the server itself to maintain and manage a dedicated server, here we have full control over the server.

Main Selling Point with Cloud vs Physical Servers

Cloud server Main Selling Point

Customers can optimize IT performance without the cost of purchasing or managing dedicated infrastructure.

It is the most cost effective service. Here, you only pay for the space and resources you use. The provider himself takes care of all the knowledge about servicing the servers. In addition there is no special functions are required to manage the server.

Physical server Main Selling Point

A fully customized server has been created with resources specific to your use case.

In a dedicated or physical server, we have to pay for a specific range. Here, we need high-level knowledge and resources to manage our servers, which is expensive and small businesses cannot afford a dedicated server. If you use a dedicated server for this, you need a team to manage and maintain the server.

Tool integration

Cloud server Tool integration

Vendors offer a wide variety of ready to use tools that can be added to the server.

There is more tools offered with the cloud at a lower cost.

Physical server Tool integration

You have the freedom to add any tools you like, but risk free integration requires a skilled IT team.

On a dedicated or physical server, if you want to integrate the server with some extra tools, you can pay more for a cloud host.

Cost effectiveness

Cloud Server Cost effectiveness

Flexible billing ensures that you only pay for resources that you actively use.

Physical Server Cost effectiveness

You pay for the hardware no matter how many resources you use.

Great effort! We have finished reading about Benefits of using Cloud Servers compared to Physical Servers. Let’s conclude.

Benefits of using Cloud Servers compared to Physical Servers Conclusion

Cloud servers and dedicated or physical servers have their own functions. If your business is small or medium sized why don’t you go with cloud server to host your website or web application. The cloud offers high scalability, flexibility and security. Unlike dedicated cloud servers, you don’t have to pay extra. Even large companies are choosing to do their online business with cloud computing due to its unique features.

Well you must consider your business when making your choice and choose what works best for you. In some cases, a combination of the two (hybrid cloud) may work well. Businesses  should think about security, processing options, availability, performance, data storage and transmission requirements. Then decide which one offers more options for their infrastructure. 

Please take a look at our cloud content here

Avatar for Kamil Wisniowski
Kamil Wisniowski

I love technology. I have been working with Cloud and Security technology for 5 years. I love writing about new IT tools.

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