Virtual Servers FAQ

What is a virtual server?
A virtual server, also known as a hosted, dedicated, or virtual private server, is a server stored in MOREnet’s cloud infrastructure that runs a copy of an operating system (Linux or Windows) removing the need for a local server on-site. Virtual servers can be easily managed from your organization or you can opt to use our Managed Server add-on to leave the maintenance, patching, backups, and monitoring to us.
What applications can I run on a MOREnet virtual server?
The best applications to run on a MOREnet virtual server are applications that are run or are stored outside of your network. These applications optimize the amount of traffic you can keep off your network. Applications include, but are not limited to:
  • Websites
  • Content management systems such as Drupal, Joomla, and WordPress
  • Learning management systems such as Moodle
  • Student Information Systems such as PowerSchool
Why is a virtual server better than my local on-site server?
Virtual servers allow you ease and flexibility when adding, reconfiguring, and restoring servers saving you time and resources.
  • Since single applications are stored on separate local servers, local servers often operate below capacity having you pay for unused server space. Virtual servers optimize server utilization rates by consolidating multiple services on one virtual machine which saves you money.
  • Virtual servers allow you to quickly spin up new servers saving time and resources. The average time to spin up a new machine is 4 hours.
  • Virtual servers ease disaster recovery efforts by quickly and easily restoring full servers in the case of a failure.
  • As opposed to local servers housed on-site, virtual servers help keep external traffic off your network since the server is no longer on-site but is virtually stored in MOREnet’s cloud infrastructure, helping to reduce bandwidth spikes.
What are the costs savings of a virtual server?
A virtual server costs up to one-third less than an equivalent dedicated local server. The major savings from virtual servers come from reduced hardware costs and upgrades, the cost to power and cool servers, and the staff time saved spinning up, reconfiguring, and maintaining servers.