Contents
- Cloud Provider Checklist (5 Steps)
- Security & Reliability
- Performance
- Support
- Scalability & Flexibility
- Backups & DR
- SLA Essentials
- Data Center Locations & CDN
- Billing Models & Hidden Costs
- Compatibility & Integration
- Range of Services
- Entry-Level VPS Pricing
- What to Do Before You Choose
- Common Mistakes
- FAQ
- Bottom Line
Cloud Provider Checklist (5 Steps)
- Map your workload. Traffic pattern, peak/avg load, latency, data residency, compliance, RTO/RPO.
- Shortlist by regions & SLA. Regions near users; SLA ≥ 99.9% with credits.
- Price it properly. Compute + disk + egress + backups/snapshots + premium support + taxes.
- Test performance. Latency to nearest DC, IOPS/throughput, cold/warm start, scaling.
- Support trial. Open a ticket; check response time, clarity, migration help, localization.
Security & Reliability
- Tier III or higher data centers, N+1/N+2 redundancy, physical security (access control, CCTV).
- DDoS protection, optional WAF (OWASP Top 10), 2FA, encrypted backups, RBAC.
- Documented SLA with uptime targets and clear credits.
Make sure your provider includes DDoS protection—attacks can take down your site or infrastructure.
Performance (Latency, Bandwidth, Compute)
- Low latency: regions & optimized routing for real-time apps.
- Bandwidth: sustained throughput, free traffic vs paid egress, caps and policies.
- Compute: current-gen CPUs/virtualization; predictable IOPS and disk throughput under load.
Support
- Free availability and a customized approach.
- 24/7 coverage; track first response time (Serverspace avg ~15 min).
- Localized help to reduce miscommunication.
- Migration assistance with a clear cutover plan.
Scalability & Flexibility
- Adaptability: add resources without downtime.
- Traffic spikes: scale fast during peaks; don’t overpay off-peak.
- Speed to market: fast provisioning accelerates releases.
- Customization: tailor compute, storage, networking; respect data sovereignty.
Backups & Disaster Recovery
- Data safety: protect against failure, cyber incidents, human error, disasters.
- Resilience: quick restore to cut downtime and revenue loss.
- Compliance: retention and accessibility per industry rules.
- Recovery: test restores; define RTO/RPO and verify.
SLA Essentials
- Guaranteed performance: uptime, transfer rates, response/restore times.
- Availability: ≥99.9% with transparent maintenance windows.
- Compensation: credits/refunds table for missed targets.
- Clarity: SLA responsibilities incl. backups, DR, security.
Data Center Locations & CDN
- User proximity: closer regions reduce latency and improve speed.
- Legal compliance: meet data residency requirements.
- Connectivity stability: local hosting improves reliability.
A CDN speeds up content delivery. Serverspace CDN nodes are deployed in six data centers across continents. More details here.
Billing Models & Hidden Costs
- Allocation pool: monthly pool for predictable enterprise workloads.
- Pay-as-you-go: pay only for usage—ideal for startups and variable demand.
- Reservation pool: guaranteed resources billed monthly for stable baselines.
TCO tip: include egress, snapshots/backups, premium support, and taxes.
Compatibility & Integration
- Technical compatibility: OS, runtimes, DBs, data formats.
- Integration: APIs, SDKs, middleware for sync and automation.
- Operational alignment: CI/CD, observability, security controls.
- Future flexibility: adopt new tech without constant re-platforming.
What You Need to Do Before Choosing
- Analyze needs: apps/services, performance, scalability, compliance.
- Evaluate feasibility: cost, flexibility, access to new tech, focus on core.
- Choose model: learn IaaS, PaaS, SaaS and align to your roadmap.
- Estimate resources & security: compute, storage, bandwidth, controls, audits.
- Expense benchmarking: compare total monthly cost, not list price alone.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Underestimating security: weak encryption/no WAF/DDoS → data exposure.
- Ignoring hidden costs: egress/snapshots/support → overruns.
- Overlooking scalability: slow peaks and costly upgrades.
- No strategic plan: misaligned integrations and friction.
- Skipping the SLA: downtime without credits.
- Poor compatibility: rework and tooling changes.
FAQ
What is the cheapest way to start in the cloud?
Begin with an entry VPS and pay-as-you-go billing. Include bandwidth egress and backups in your model.
Which matters more—regions or SLA?
Regions drive latency and compliance; SLA protects uptime. Shortlist by region first, then compare SLAs with credits.
How do I avoid hidden costs?
Price a realistic month: compute, storage, egress, snapshots/backups, premium support, taxes.
Can I migrate without downtime?
Yes—staged cutover: sync, test, short freeze, DNS switch. Ask support for a migration playbook.
Bottom Line
Choosing a cloud provider is foundational for your digital strategy. Use the checklist, price the real month, test performance, and validate support. Compare cloud providers and begin your cloud journey with clarity and control.