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AWS vs. DigitalOcean: Which Cloud VPN Server is Better?

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Samantha Markos
AWS vs. DigitalOcean: Which Cloud VPN Server is Better?

Comparing AWS and DigitalOcean is like pitting a monster truck and minivan against each other. Let’s be honest, AWS is more worried about Google Cloud and Microsoft Azure than DigitalOcean. AWS overwhelms DigitalOcean in the breadth of features, but, DigitalOcean’s specialization on servers gives them an opportunity to be mentioned among these cloud computing giants without directly confronting them. 

 

Having a dedicated server for your VPN solution on the cloud is the way to go for businesses to guarantee security and make the most out of your network. You would need a cloud VPN server that seamlessly meets the needs of your business VPN. Despite AWS being the Goliath of cloud computing, DigitalOcean can competitively rival a section of AWS; their cloud VPN servers. So let’s compare AWS VPN servers and DigitalOcean VPN servers and conclude which one your business should go for.


Complexity in Setting up VPN Servers

Simplicity is one of the core principles of DigitalOcean. It offers a simple, user-friendly setup. DigitalOcean provides a way for developers to quickly create cheap Linux instances known as Droplets, which can serve as new servers in which your VPN can be hosted. What makes DigitalOcean VPN servers easier to set up is that, because DigitalOcean has far fewer integrated services in its ecosystem, there are fewer steps to be bypassed. Additionally, it has command-line tools and APIs that facilitate a simplified VPN server setup process. Despite being very simple, it is also quite flexible, allowing your DevOps teams to adjust the server according to the VPN needs.  

 

AWS, on the other hand, encapsulates a wide array of IaaS and PaaS solutions. For this reason, it has not specialized in a single offering, and this is where DigitalOcean has the upper hand. Setting up AWS’s EC2 instances is not as uncomplicated as Droplets. However, AWS VPN servers are more extensive.


Pricing

DigitalOcean’s pricing model is arguably the best among the current cloud computing providers. It is very affordable allowing small businesses to experience venture into cloud computing at lower costs. Additionally, you won’t incur additional charges from add-ons with the DigitalOcean VPN server. The pricing model is also simple. DigitalOcean charges a constant hourly rate for Droplets, allowing you to predict the amount you will spend over a given period, say a month. They also predict the amount you’re likely to spend in that month allowing you to plan your spending efficiently.

 

Unfortunately, we can’t say the same about the AWS VPN server. AWS charges for their EC2 instances are slightly higher than what you would pay for Droplets. In addition, they also have a pre-paid model (pay as you go) which can be disadvantageous to customers. Although DigitalOcean is making the right moves, Amazon is still the giant in this industry.


Performance

The performance of DigitalOcean machines is immense, with independent performance tests placing them way above AWS machines. These machines all run on SSD disk drives that generate a super-fast network speed (1GBps). The start times for these machines are only a fraction (less than half) of the AWS ones. Therefore, a DigitalOcean VPN server is likely to have a faster network.


Availability of Locations

Currently, DigitalOcean has 12 data centers to provide cloud computing services to a sizable group of global customers. This includes Germany, the UK, the USA, Singapore, India, etc. AWS, on the other hand, blows them out of the water, boasting over 26 different locations for their data centers. These centers serve up to 84 zones globally. 


Which VPN Server Should You Choose?

Choosing a cloud provider for your VPN server on the cloud depends on the above factors along with the size of your business and its needs. If you’re just starting up and you have a limited budget, a DigitalOcean VPN server should be able to comfortably support your VPN on the cloud. However, if you want to enjoy more integrations and look beyond IaaS to PaaS, an AWS VPN server would be perfect for you.


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Samantha Markos
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