In the belief that simpler is better, small and midsize companies are increasingly turning to Linux virtual server hosting.  A dedicated Linux virtual server hosting package can indeed streamline business processes. It can enable multiple applications and operating systems to run independently on a single server — and in so doing, it affords organizations the freedom to actively prioritize business needs by moving workloads from one virtual workspace to another, all the while maximizing server resources.

But first things first. In order for businesses to determine if Linux virtual server hosting is the appropriate solution for their specific needs, it’s necessary to understand how a Linux virtual server works. Linux implements highly available server solutions via clustering. Cluster computing consists of:

• Compute clustering– uses multiple machines to provide greater compute power for computationally intensive tasks.

• High-availability clustering – uses multiple machines to add an extra level of reliability for a service or group of services

• Load-balance clustering – uses specialized routing techniques to dispatch traffic to a pool of servers

Linux virtual server is a set of integrated software components for balancing the IP load across a set of physical servers. It runs on a pair of equally configured computers — an active Linux virtual server router and a backup Linux virtual server router. The active router serves to balance the load across the physical servers and to check the integrity of the services on each real server. The backup router monitors the active router and takes over in the event the active router fails.

Businesses that use Linux virtual server hosting can realize a number of tangible benefits. For example, virtual servers running on Linux systems offer virtual control of all data and information stored in the server. Additionally, a Linux virtual server acts as a single server or virtual dedicated server and is capable of maintaining the integrity of data and applications. Because Linux-based servers work on their own operating system, the server can be customized and configured to meet specific business requirements.

Linux virtual server hosting also offers less risk of viruses and malware associated with other popular virtual server options. And because Linux is an open source operating system, there’s an abundance of free customizable, open source software applications.

Another major advantage of Linux virtual servers: they provide root access, making them the ideal solution for affordable web hosting. Using Linux virtual server as an advanced load balancing solution makes it possible to build highly scalable and highly available network services (scalable web, cache, mail, ftp, media, and VoIP services, etc.).

Owners/managers of SMBs considering Linux virtual server hosting should insist on comprehensive services from their cloud service provider. That can be a formidable list:, regular patching, maintenance, SSL certificates, network security architectures, application firewalls, shared and dedicated load balancers, and central web and database services.

SMBs are getting on board with Linux virtual server hosting in part because of lower set-up and maintenance costs, and the ability to modify the OS according to their needs. Because of its flexibility, scalability, high availability and open-source nature, Linux virtual server hosting is becoming an increasingly attraction option for SMBs.