WordPress Hosting – In-House or Cloud? Which Is Right for You?
If you’ve ever needed a quality website, you’ve probably turned to the tried and true platform of WordPress. Popularized back in 2004, this content management system has evolved from a simple blogging tool to a robust CMS capable of powering nearly all types of websites.
One of the significant reasons behind WordPress’s success is due to its flexibility when it comes to hosting. While traditional websites may choose a shared hosting plan, which allocates a certain amount of server space and charges accordingly, with WordPress you have two hosting options to choose from: in-house and the cloud.
In-House
The in-house option, also known as direct server access, gives you complete control over the server that hosts your WordPress installation. With this approach you have the ability to deploy the most modern of tech and to tailor the hosting experience to fit your needs. This is a popular choice among business owners who appreciate the security that comes with having your own server.
On the downside, you’re on the hook for hardware and software maintenance as well as having to deal with unexpected outages. Also, all the hosting plans from the major providers are totally committed so there’s no turning back once you’ve started.
Cloud
With the advent of the cloud, all of that changed. Now, you can launch a WordPress site with minimal efforts and get up and running in no time flat. In exchange for your minimal efforts, you’re given the benefits of highly efficient infrastructure and an on-demand pool of resources to grow with as your needs change.
The best part about hosting on the cloud is that you only pay for what you use. So, in the event of an outage or a hardware malfunction, you don’t have to worry about spending extra money to have the issue addressed.
As with any new technology, there are a few things you should consider before diving in. First, make sure that you’re actually obtaining the best deal possible by comparing prices and reviews. Also, research the providers’ support policies, including phone support (how accessible are they? Are they available 24/7?).
Once you’ve determined that you’re getting the best possible price and service in the virtual world, you can rest assured that you’re making the right choice for your needs. Plus, when you host on the cloud, you can scale up or down the resources according to your needs, which makes it ideal for a quality website.
You might also want to consider the security of your data whenever you choose to go digital. With the right tools and a little bit of know-how, generating website content is easier than ever. However, protecting your business and personal information is a must, which is why many businesses and organizations prefer to go the cloud route. This saves them from having to input their sensitive information (e.g., credit card details) multiple times when dealing with online vendors or when checking out on a mobile device.