Should you go serverless or use virtual servers?

In todays world, servers are the backbone of the internet. They are the machines that store and process data, and they are the machines that make the internet possible. When choosing your tech stack, you also have to think about whether you want to use a serverless architecture or a virtual server architecture. In this article, we’ll dive into the world of servers to see what the best option is for your business.

Serverless computing

What is serverless computing?

Serverless computing is a cloud-based execution model that allows you to run applications without worrying about managing servers. In traditional server-based setups, you need to provision, configure, and maintain servers to run your applications. With serverless computing, this burden is lifted as cloud providers handle the infrastructure for you. This approach is ideal for businesses that prioritize scalability and efficiency.

Benefits of Serverless Computing

Serverless computing has it’s benefits. Let’s look at a few:

• Cost-Efficiency: In serverless computing, you only pay for the resources you consume. This reduces overhead costs associated with maintaining physical or virtual servers. The cost model is often based on the actual usage of resources, making it a cost-effective choice.
• Scalability: Serverless computing allows you to easily scale your applications based on traffic. When your application experiences high user demand, it automatically provisions the necessary resources, ensuring a seamless user experience. No more worrying about peak traffic times.
• Reduced Maintenance: Traditional servers require ongoing management, updates, and patching. With serverless, these responsibilities are taken care of by the cloud provider, allowing you to focus on developing and deploying your applications.

Virtual Servers

What are virtual servers?

Virtual servers, on the other hand, involve creating virtual instances of a physical server. This approach gives you complete control over the server environment, allowing you to customize the server resources and software to meet your requirements. Virtual servers are a suitable choice for applications where customization and specific configurations are essential.

Benefits of virtual servers

Just like serverless computing, virtual servers has it’s benefits. Here are a few:

• Customization: Virtual servers offer a high degree of customization. You have full control over the server environment, enabling you to tailor it to meet your specific needs. This is particularly important if your application requires unique software configurations or dependencies.
• Full Control: With virtual servers, you manage the server environment, giving you the freedom to make changes, optimizations, and updates. This control is valuable for businesses that require a high level of flexibility.

Making the right choice

Now you know what serverless computing and virtual servers are, and you know the benefits of each. I have to say, there isn’t a right choice. It all depends on your use case.

Identify your needs

The first step is to assess your project requirements. Consider the following factors:

• Scalability: Do you anticipate rapid growth in user demand? Serverless is a great choice for projects with fluctuating workloads.
• Customization: Does your project require specific software configurations or dependencies? Virtual servers are the way to go when customization is paramount.
• Cost Considerations: What is your budget for infrastructure? Compare the potential costs of both options, including initial setup, ongoing maintenance, and scalability.

Actionable tips

To make a better decision, here are a few tips:

• Create a list of your project’s must-haves and nice-to-haves. This will help you prioritize your requirements.
• Write down a 1, 5 and 10 year goal of your product. Include anticipated total users, total visits, and active users.
• Consult with us. We are always open to help you find the right solution.

Real-world scenarios

To give you a better idea, we’ll help you visualize how these choices play out in the real-world. Let’s look at these two scenarios:

E-commerce Website

Imagine you’re running an e-commerce website. Nowadays it’s very easy to go viral on TikTok or Instagram. Your videos are going constantly viral and you experience a massive influx of customers. A serverless architecture can benefit you in the following ways:

• Cost Savings: Serverless allows you to pay only for the resources you use during busy periods. No need to maintain idle servers during quieter times. It will automatically scale up and down based on demand.
• Improved Scalability: With serverless, your website can effortlessly scale up during periods where you experience high traffic, ensuring smooth transactions for all your customers.

Data-Intensive Web Application

Now, let’s consider a data-intensive web application for a research project. This application requires specific software configurations and consistent performance. Virtual servers may be the better choice in this case:

• Customization: Virtual servers provide the flexibility needed to fine-tune the software environment to meet research project requirements.
• Control: Researchers have full control over the virtual server environment, allowing them to optimize data processing and ensure reliability.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You’ve now gained a comprehensive understanding of the serverless vs. virtual server debate. Making the right choice is crucial for your digital product’s success.

Remember, serverless computing excels in scenarios where cost-effectiveness and scalability are paramount, while virtual servers shine when customization and control are needed.

We’re here to guide you through this decision-making process. Reach out to our team to discuss your project specifics, and let’s embark on your digital journey together. Your vision, our expertise - a perfect partnership for digital success.

With the right choice, your digital product will undoubtedly stand out in a world driven by technology.