Private Tomcat vs Shared Tomcat (cPanel hosting) – how to decide what package is
best for your Java hosting needs?
In web hosting, as well as in other many other areas, there isn’t a single “one-size-fits-
all” solution that is suitable for every situation. Choosing the right Java hosting plan
based on Apache Tomcat technology depends on many factors specific to every
individual client, so while some might be able to benefit from a Private Tomcat hosting
package, others would be much better served with Shared Tomcat hosting (or cPanel
hosting). Even though both approaches to JSP hosting are reliable and effective, factors
such as type of contents and user’s experience with Tomcat Servlet container
management should be taken into consideration before determining the right decision
about a Java hosting plan.
Generally speaking, a rule of thumb would be that a private servlet container provides
more power and more control, but it also requires more knowledge and effort on the part
of the client. This is necessary when hosting data-intensive, mission-critical, heavy-traffic
applications that are designed to operate by sending frequent and variable requests to the
servlet container and using dynamically generated pages based on PHP and XTML
technology. Private Tomcat typically provides a large chunk of memory space (defined as
“heap size”) available for needs of user’s Java application and ensures independence
from other instances on the same server, thus improving stability and security. It allows
the client to install customized versions of Tomcat servlet container that best suits his
requirements, to install custom JAR files and classes, as well as to have full and direct
access to Tomcat Server. By securing a separate Tomcat Servlet container for themselves,
such clients can improve the flexibility and functionality of their web-based applications
and gain an important advantage in the market.
At the other hand, Shared Tomcat hosting offers advantages of a different kind –
simplicity, affordability and automation. In this case, an application operates in a shared
environment, therefore eliminating the need for complex configurations, but it still
remains independent from other applications which use the same Tomcat Servlet
container. Users can access their applications via control panel (cPanel), an interface
which simplifies communication with the server. Smaller applications which are rarely
dynamically updated could actually work better in a shared Tomcat hosting environment
because once cPanel automatically sets up the parameters of the execution environment
known as context, Tomcat will process requests to the Web server properly without any
additional interventions by user. This approach to JSP hosting also is significantly
cheaper than Private Tomcat hosting, so it can often be an economically sustainable
solution that offers satisfactory technical features, especially for start-up and medium-
sized companies.
It is never easy to choose between a shared and a private hosting plan, especially since
there are many additional options available to users in both cases. Still, armed with
detailed knowledge about Java applications that need to be hosted and deeper
understanding of Tomcat Servlet technology, every user should be able to find a savvy
and secure option for his needs. In a world where both hardware and software advance at
such a rapid pace, Java hosting is bound to become more accessible to everyone.