Grid hosting is a similar concept to multiple server hosting that involves not renting web space from a single (shared) machine but from a host on a cluster of nodes acting as a grid. Collectively the resources from each server create a virtual machine.
In many situations, the resources on a single server will become limited due to the number of users hosting their website. Grid hosting is much more flexible as the website can utilize the resources of many different servers in the grid cluster adding power and performance from each machine.
Reliability
Since the website will be spread across many different servers, the reliability of the web host improves. If one server or node goes down, another will immediately take over to ensure as little downtime as possible. When a shared or dedicated server goes down, it takes much longer for the recovery servers to engage.
Additionally the servers that are receiving many hits and traffic will ask for assistance from the idle servers since all hardware is interlinked. This also improves speed and reliability by utilizing all available resources especially those not presently working on a task.
Maximized Uptime
On that note, grid hosting offers some of the highest percentages of uptime. Since the website is hosted across several machines, the data is mirrored across all nodes and thus migrated to a different station in the case of under performing hardware or damaged equipment.
Long-term Hosting
Another benefit of grid hosting is the expansion capabilities. Unlike shared hosting, more resources can easily be dedicated to those sites that are developing. This upgrade is usually fast and easy with no specific technical staff to move the site to another server.
Access to top notch applications
Like most other web hosting services, grid hosting providers offer a plethora of web applications to accompany the plan package. Consequently it’s easy and only takes a short time to add and remove applications from the server. This allows for complete customization and maximum expansion abilities. Grid computing helps with the addition of applications by providing monitoring tools that show an overview of all working processes.
Modern grid hosting offers many benefits including reliability, maximized uptime, a potential for long-term hosting and access too many high-end applications. Most users would agree that reliability and uptime are the main attractions toward using grid hosting as their preferred method of hosting.