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Two ways to own the workload

# Virtual server or a whole machine?

Choose the allocation model that matches your resource use, operational needs and budget. Each has a useful place.

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## IN THIS DOCUMENT

[A VPS keeps the first step compact](https://koalavps.com/bare-metal-vs-vps/#section-1)[Dedicated hardware gives a broader boundary](https://koalavps.com/bare-metal-vs-vps/#section-2)[Compare complete operations](https://koalavps.com/bare-metal-vs-vps/#section-3)[Use measurements to move](https://koalavps.com/bare-metal-vs-vps/#section-4)[Knowledge base](https://koalavps.com/resources/)

## A VPS keeps the first step compact

A virtual machine is usually easy to provision and size for a modest application. The underlying host is shared, and the resource policy determines how that sharing behaves. Ask about CPU allocation, storage contention and resize limitations.

## Dedicated hardware gives a broader boundary

A physical server can suit sustained compute, large memory footprints or your own virtualisation layer. You need to plan the storage layout, hardware failure response and migration path. A larger machine can also create a larger single point of failure.

## Compare complete operations

Consider backup cost, IP needs, licences, monitoring and the time required to maintain the system. A managed database or application platform may be more appropriate when your team cannot own those responsibilities.

## Use measurements to move

Start with a representative benchmark and observe production demand. Move to dedicated hardware when sustained constraints or system requirements justify it, rather than treating it as an automatic next level.

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## Continue reading.

[Products ### Small footprint. Serious freedom. A virtual server for the things you want to own: your code, your services, your data. Choose a server configuration, pick an opera…](https://koalavps.com/vps/)[Products ### Bare metal, with room to grow. For workloads that benefit from a complete physical server: larger databases, virtualisation, sustained compute and storage you ca…](https://koalavps.com/dedicated/)[Guides ### Buy for the workload you have. Choose an initial configuration from evidence, then leave a measured path to grow. A realistic estimate is more useful than the la…](https://koalavps.com/choose-vps/)

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