Cloud computing has introduced different kinds of storage systems that are being used by companies today. The introduction of cloud storage has been the main invention that has revolutionized the aspect of data and information storage. There are different kinds of servers used in cloud computing. They include physical, dedicated virtual, and shared virtual servers. Depending on the type of storage needed by an organization and the amount of data being stored, the three servers have their own benefits and disadvantages in terms of security level and other storage aspects. The main use of a server is to avoid any lags and offer an organization the capability to handle and process huge workloads and data.
Physical servers, also referred to as the bare-metal server is a one-storage computer system, implying that one user has their personal designated server. The components and resources of this type of server are not shared among different users. A physical server is comprised of a memory system, network connectivity, a processor, a hard drive, and an operating system. These components are mainly applied during the functionalities of software and programs in the server. A physical server is enormous in physical size owing to the amount of processing equipment that it handles. Depending on the needs of the organization, the server may be located on-site or offsite.
A dedicated virtual server, similar to physical servers, is a single-tenant storage system. However, unlike a physical server, it offers virtual rather than physical storage. This means that the storage system is located in the cloud. The main advantages of this system are that it offers limitless storage space and offers maximum security for the user. A dedicated virtual server has its own operating system and hosting system. The level of sharing in dedicated virtual servers depends on the cloud storage provider. The hosting in a dedicated virtual server is much cheaper compared to physical serves. When multiple users are subscribed to this type of server, they only have access to the operating system only and not the server itself. This ensures that the activities of each user are independent.
A shared server is similar to a dedicated virtual server. The main difference comes in the aspect of user numbers and level of privacy. This kind of server functions in a multi-tenant setting. This implies that multiple users have access to both the server and the operating system. The architecture of this type of server is more complicated compared to the physical server. A hypervisor is installed on the physical elements of this server. It is then used to generate and manage VMs, each of which has its own virtual storage and computing resources. A shared virtual server gives the users the capability to run more than one OSes and software on the architecture of the shared physical components. This makes it cheaper than the physical server does. The main challenge of a shared virtual server is security. The aspect of the server operating in a multi-tenant environment creates a security challenge for many organizations and individuals. The users can be able to access the data of other users while in transmission or in storage. These types of servers are used in organizations that require the sharing of information for them to function effectively.
Virtual servers, both shared and dedicated, have a crucial advantage over the physical server in case of a natural disaster. Natural disasters like floods or fires can destroy a physical server. A virtual server, on the other hand, is immune to physical threats or disasters. The only threat to a virtual server is hacking. Virtual servers, therefore, offer a more advanced system recovery option for users. Many companies today have adopted the use of virtual servers. However, Google is one major company that depends on physical servers for its operation. It is believed that the company has physical data centers in different locations in the world. Facebook, on the other hand, uses a dedicated virtual server. Most of the information posted by users is private and, therefore, requires a server that guarantees privacy. Amazon, on the other hand, uses a shared virtual server. Form the server, every user is able to access information about any product they need. Therefore, the type of server that a company uses is dependent on the kind of information they are storing and the preferences of their clients. The average cost of a physical server is $10, 215. A dedicated virtual server, on the other hand, costs the user 14,802. A shard virtual server costs the user $8,769. To ensure that an organization uses the right kind of server, the management should evaluate the operating environment of the company. Most online operating stores require a virtual server. A physical store, on the other hand, needs a physical server that can be easily accessed within the premises.