Best & Affordable Cluster Server Providers in UK

Companies and website operators are not only reaching more people through their online offerings, but the services offered are also becoming more diverse and complex. Operating large affiliate programs, highly frequented Web 2.0 systems, or the complete enterprise software on the internet usually requires extensive content management systems.

All these projects require a lot of computing power and should run redundantly to each other. This means that even if a server fails, another existing server takes over its tasks. With a hosting service from the Cluster Server providers in our comparison, not only can important failover protection be ensured, but there is also enough performance provided. The term cluster basically refers to an architecture in which individual components work together as a complete system. Clusters can be set up on both hardware and software levels. A Cluster Server refers to a network of several individual servers (also called nodes or nodes in this context) that are used together as a single computer system. For the user, it is not apparent that it is a network of computers because the entire system of Cluster Servers appears as a single computer to the user. Clusters can also be divided into several different categories:

• Homogeneous Clusters
• A homogeneous cluster is a network of computers where the same hardware and operating system are used on all servers in the network.
• Heterogeneous Clusters
• In contrast to a homogeneous cluster, a heterogeneous cluster can be equipped with different hardware and different operating systems on the individual nodes.
• Active/Passive Clusters
• In an active/passive cluster, also known as a failover cluster, another node takes over the tasks of a server in case of failure. The working primary system is the active part, while the waiting backup system is the passive part of the cluster. A special Cluster Manager software is used to monitor all nodes and switch the system to the other servers in case of a failure.
• Active/Active Clusters
• In an active/active cluster, all servers used are active simultaneously. The system distributes the computing load across all available nodes. In case of a server failure, the other servers take over the failed processes. This ensures that all services remain available, albeit with reduced performance, as fewer servers can handle the entire load.

What are Cluster Servers used for?

Cluster Servers from our provider comparison can be used to increase computing capacity and improve availability. Major internet service providers cannot afford system downtime. Imagine if services like Google or Facebook were unreachable due to an outage. In addition to significant losses in advertising revenue, the providers' reputation would be immediately tarnished. While expensive specialized hardware was previously required to implement powerful and highly available cluster systems, advancements in technology now allow providers of cluster servers to offer cost-effective solutions to their customers. These systems offer reliability, performance, and easy scalability, making them attractive to small and medium-sized businesses. That's why more and more online service providers are opting for an infrastructure with cluster server systems. This can include online shops or other applications from the business web hosting sector. Often, a company's entire IT infrastructure is moved to cloud servers on the internet to ensure access anytime, anywhere. Such systems should be implemented with cluster servers.

The following are use cases for Cluster Servers:

• High Availability Cluster
• High Availability Clusters, also known as HA Clusters (from the English High-Availability Cluster), are used to provide better availability and higher reliability. In case of a failure on one of the servers in the system, services and applications are transferred to another node. These systems are used in areas where outages must be avoided as much as possible, such as important online services of companies or news agencies. Often, the individual servers of a cluster are deployed in different geographically separated data centers. In the event of a complete data center failure, the servers at another location can ensure the entire system's operation. This variant of a High Availability Cluster is referred to as a Stretched Cluster.
• High-Performance Computing Cluster
• High-Performance Computing Clusters, often referred to as HPC Clusters (from the English High Performance Computing Cluster), are mainly used for performance-intensive calculations. To process computing tasks, the tasks are divided into individual packets and distributed among the available servers in the system. The individual nodes are often connected via a separate, fast network. These systems are used, for example, in the scientific field, where performance-intensive tasks such as complex calculations or simulations are required.
• Load Balancing Cluster
• A Load Balancing Cluster is used to distribute the load across multiple servers in the cluster. These systems can also be easily expanded. When more power is needed, more servers are simply put into operation. Typical applications with high demands on computer performance are suitable areas of use. Since this variant allows for the use of cost-effective hardware components, the entry prices for such systems are relatively low, making them a good first step for customers entering the Cluster Server sector.

What are the benefits of a Cluster Server?

The benefits of Cluster Server Systems primarily lie in the fact that the consolidation provides a very high storage capacity and the nodes together can deliver very high performance. At the same time, Cluster Servers, whether based on Windows or Linux, are easy to maintain. Repairs, upgrades, or hardware replacements can be carried out without significantly affecting the computing power or capacities during maintenance. In case of a failure, the other connected servers can easily take over the work of the failed device. The entire infrastructure of the server housing is accordingly equipped and prepared for this. Cluster Servers also offer the advantage of processing large amounts of data relatively quickly, which is a huge benefit for extensive and complex applications in businesses. Like with a Managed Server, the customer does not have to take care of the technical management of the system themselves; these tasks are handled by the hosting providers. Thanks to individual configuration, the system can be tailored precisely to the customers' requirements and can also be easily expanded in case of an upgrade of the service.

Benefits of Cluster Servers at a glance:

• Higher Performance
• Higher Availability
• Straightforward Maintenance
• Customized Design
• Good Scalability

Due to the high availability and good performance, Cluster Servers from our provider comparison offer an ideal foundation for demanding IT projects on Linux or Windows Servers. Due to the nowadays lower costs for professional Cluster Servers, these systems are increasingly used by webmasters who place great importance on the optimal operation of their online projects. If you also want to guarantee optimal availability and performance to your customers in their projects, powerful Cluster Servers are the solution. In the table above, you will find a selection of Cluster Server providers from our comparison.

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