What is a virtual server?
Learn what a virtual server, or VPS, is, what you can use it for, and when it is a better fit than web hosting. See VPS plans in Norway.
What is a virtual server?
A virtual server is a virtual machine running on a physical server. It receives allocated CPU, memory, and storage, and works as a separate server for your operating system and applications.
A VPS is a common type of virtual server. You get root access and manage Linux, the software, and the services running on the instance yourself.
How does virtualisation work?
A virtualisation platform divides physical hardware into isolated virtual machines. Each instance receives its own allocated resources, storage, and network settings.
You therefore do not need to buy physical hardware to run a server. You can order a VPS, install Linux, and configure the environment over SSH.
VPS or web hosting?
Web hosting suits publishing a website without managing a server. A VPS is a better fit when you need root access, custom server settings, or want to run several services.
A VPS gives you more control, but also more responsibility. You must apply updates, configure the firewall and SSH, monitor logs, and plan backups yourself.
What can you use a virtual server for?
A VPS can be used for:
- web applications and APIs
- Docker and other containers
- PostgreSQL and other self-managed databases
- staging, testing, and development
- NGINX, reverse proxies, and multiple websites
- services that need root access and custom server settings
See more practical VPS use cases.
Virtual server in Norway
sharptech virtual servers run in Norway on our own network and infrastructure. Plans include NVMe storage, full root access, IPv4, and IPv6, and start at 39 NOK/month.
A Norwegian server location can suit services whose users are in Norway, systems that need to stay close to Norwegian infrastructure, or development and production services that need a Norwegian data centre.
Read more about our infrastructure.
When should you choose a VPS?
Choose a VPS when you need more control than web hosting provides, but do not want to buy and operate physical server hardware yourself. XS and Small often suit development and smaller web applications. Medium, Large, and XL provide more capacity for production, containers, and databases.
Compare the VPS plans before ordering. You will find prices, specifications, and direct ordering there.
Get started
After choosing a plan, you get a Linux server with root access. The VPS setup guide covers the first steps after ordering.