VPS, private cloud, IaaS, PaaS: choose your scope.

Terms describe different dimensions

A VPS generally means a virtual server. A private cloud describes a cloud environment reserved for one organisation. IaaS and PaaS primarily describe service layers: infrastructure resources or an execution platform. A private environment can therefore provide IaaS or PaaS.

Start with responsibilities

With IaaS, clients generally administer operating systems and applications unless additional management is included. With PaaS, the provider operates more of the platform. Clarify the actual division for updates, access, backups and incidents.

Assess constraints

List technical dependencies, isolation needs, location requirements and load variations. A legacy application requiring a specific operating system differs from a reproducible stateless service.

• Compare total cost: resources, operations, backups and transfers.
• Check restore and exit mechanisms.
• Distinguish available capacity, guaranteed resources and availability objectives.

Plan for evolution

The initial choice should support growth without disproportionate complexity. Document capacity limits and upgrade triggers. Reversibility includes data, configuration, dependencies and the ability to rebuild elsewhere.