Skip to main content

When to Require a Private Server

Most small sites are fine on pooled hosting, but certain use cases require a dedicated VPS (your own server). These aren't recommendations — they're requirements to ensure performance, stability, and fair resource allocation.

Mandatory Requirements

The scenarios below require a private VPS. Pooled hosting is not available for these use cases.

E-Commerce & High-Traffic Sites​

Private VPS Required

E-commerce and high-traffic sites cannot run on pooled hosting.

  • E-commerce platforms with checkout flows, inventory syncs, and customer logins cannot run on pooled hosting.
  • Large application stacks with multiple dependencies consume CPU and memory at levels incompatible with shared resources.
  • High-traffic sites or media-heavy applications will impact other clients on pooled infrastructure.

Multiple Apps for One Client​

Private VPS Required

2+ applications require a dedicated VPS.

  • Running more than just a website? You need a dedicated VPS.
  • Example: Main app + Listmonk, or Website + Nextcloud.
  • Multiple apps cannot share pooled resources — they compete for CPU/RAM and will impact other clients.

Compliance & Data Isolation​

Strongly Recommended

Private VPS strongly recommended for compliance and data isolation.

  • Law firms, healthcare, finance, or anyone handling sensitive data.
  • Private VPS ensures no noisy neighbors and stricter control of data environment.
  • Easier to document for GDPR or internal compliance.

Heavy Storage or Bandwidth​

Private VPS Required

VPS storage or bandwidth exceeding pooled limits requires dedicated infrastructure.

  • If VPS storage needs exceed pooled limits (5 GB) or require dedicated disk I/O (file hosting, media repositories, large databases).
  • If bandwidth regularly exceeds normal "site" traffic patterns (video streaming, audio, large downloads).

Resource Abuse / Growth​

Mandatory Migration

Clients exceeding pooled resource limits will be migrated to a private VPS.

  • If a pooled client uses disproportionate CPU/RAM (impacting other clients), they will be migrated to a private VPS.
  • This protects the pooled infrastructure and ensures fair use for all clients.
  • No migration fee applies — you simply start paying the private VPS monthly rate.

Summary​

Pooled hosting is suitable for:

  • Brochure sites & single basic apps
  • Low-traffic projects
  • Simple content websites

Private VPS required for:

  • E-commerce platforms
  • Multiple applications (2+)
  • High-traffic or media-heavy sites
  • Heavy VPS storage or bandwidth usage

Private VPS strongly recommended for:

  • Compliance-driven industries
  • Sensitive data handling
Last updated on