A dedicated server refers to a physical machine which is solely or completely dedicated to a client to cater to its requirements. A VPS (Virtual Private Server) imitates a dedicated server and provides a complete root access to the user. A dedicated server is sliced into multiple virtual private servers using virtualization technology. A virtual server is capable of running its own copy of operating system. It makes the best use of resources and enables a business to maximize its investment in the hardware.
Following steps needs to be followed to make a VPS out of a dedicated server:
Step 1:
Check if your physical server is capable of meeting the hardware requirements of the hypervisor. A hypervisor is an operating system, which manages virtual servers and requires explicit hardware to install.
Step 2:
Save your data or appliance configuration, running on the current physical server.
Step 3:
Install the hypervisor by inserting the disc in the reader.
Step 4:
Boot the hypervisor console and refer to the user manual for creating VM (Virtual Machine). You can customize and scale-up/down the RAM, CPU power, storage, and memory to meet your business requirement.
Step 5:
Install OS by using an image of the disk stored on a hard disc drive. Next configure and install the appliance.
Step 6:
Repeat the entire process for all the appliances required to be installed in the virtual server.
Following tips can prove to be important while replicating the above process:
- Hypervisors may be available as an open source or as a proprietary version
- Some hypervisors allow to scale-up or down memory and CPU power
- If you are converting multiple identical dedicated server to VPS server, you can transfer Virtual Machine from one server to another, without any service interruptions.
- You can easily convert a dedicated server to a virtual server by using VMware convert or XenConvert
