Selling virtual machines.
WHAT A VPS IS
A virtual machine sold to a customer, with root access.
WHAT THE CUSTOMER GETS
Their own operating system Dedicated allocated resources Freedom to install anything
WHAT THEY DO NOT GET
Control of the host Guaranteed performance, unless explicitly provided
WHAT TO DECIDE AS A PROVIDER
Whether resources are dedicated or shared Overcommitment ratios Storage type and performance Network capacity and limits
WHAT TO BE CLEAR ABOUT IN MARKETING
What is guaranteed and what is burstable.
WHY
Unclear claims produce disputes and refunds.
WHAT NOISY NEIGHBOURS ARE
Machines consuming disproportionate shared resources.
WHAT MITIGATES IT
Limits on processor, storage operations and network Monitoring for abuse
WHAT TO PROVIDE CUSTOMERS
Console access, working when networking is broken Rescue mode Snapshots and backups Clear resource visibility
WHY CONSOLE ACCESS MATTERS MOST
Without it, a firewall mistake requires support intervention for every customer who makes one.
WHAT TO AUTOMATE
Provisioning, suspension, and termination.
WHAT TO PLAN
What happens to data on termination, and for how long it is retained.
