For companies and individuals who need the privacy and security of dedicated server space while still retaining some of the cost advantages of shared server solutions, virtual private servers (VPS) are a solid choice for data storage and application management. In many cases, application developers find it much more efficient to work within VPS hosting environments due to some of the unique characteristics of these computing systems.
Starting from scratch
A developer VPS is fully customizable, allowing programmers, web designers and developers to install only those applications necessary for the proper performance of the software under development. This allows the computing environment to be completely configured around the project, making it easier to see the effects of various changes to the code. This bare-bones approach ensures that any conflicts or problems can be more quickly identified and corrected during the initial stages of the project, since these errors will not be confused with software conflicts or features of other programs.
Cloud computing capability
VPS hosting sites offer anytime, anywhere access to the testing environment for developers, making it easier to work as a team to complete vital application development tasks. More than just a passing fad in the computing industry, cloud computing provides exceptional accessibility and makes it simpler than ever for diverse and geographically separated teams of individuals to work together seamlessly within one developer VPS environment. This functionality can also help to spur productivity and creativity by allowing developers to access their ongoing projects whenever inspiration strikes and to test their ideas in a secure, virtually risk-free environment.
Protection for vital corporate infrastructure
Because the testing and development VPS is kept intentionally separate from other parts of the company’s IT infrastructure, any errors, crashes or other negative effects of the development process are segregated from the other ongoing operations of the corporate unit. This can eliminate any conflicts and ensure that these corporate IT assets are protected throughout the application development process.
Greater flexibility in development tool choices
Because developer VPS environments can be fully customized and need not use the same web server technologies as the company’s main server, it is possible to test and develop applications in a variety of different environments and operating systems. Depending on the type of application and the intended operating environment, developers can choose from a wide range of options including Linux or Windows environments along with an array of development platforms, each of which have their own special advantages and challenges. Multiple VPS testing environments are also possible for applications that are intended to work on a number of different platforms.
Website development
Another advantage specifically for developing websites on a Linux is or Windows VPS the ability to see changes before they go live. Companies can even set aside multiple VPS environments for each of their websites to ensure that not only is the website backed up on a regular basis, but that any changes can be observed for a period of time before being applied to the live website. This can reduce or eliminate costly downtime and ensure that enhancements work as they are intended when they reach the end user.
Quality assurance
After the initial testing phase is completed, the development team can submit their project, website or application to quality assurance testers within the company simply by creating logins for this purpose. Because the testing environment is also the development platform, any errors or faults in the software can be corrected on the fly without extensive copying or physical transfer of the data. This makes the entire process faster, more efficient and less costly, allowing companies to go from the initial planning phase to delivery to the customer much more quickly than before and can allow for more extensive testing while still meeting established deadlines for clients.
