Top 10 services like Digital Ocean

DigitalOcean is one of the outstanding cloud computing service providers renowned for its high-speed and cost-efficient servers.

This American company offers an excellent service that allows large companies to deploy and scale apps without breaking the bank. Startups with limited funds can also benefit from this service because the cloud solution is affordable compared to other major players in the cloud computing industry.

While this service is great for most companies, the SSD, APIs DNS config tools, and almost 100% guaranteed uptime may not be suitable for all businesses. In such a scenario, you may want to consider services like DigitalOcean. We shall be discussing a few alternatives along with their costs and features.

Introducing DigitalOcean?

DigitalOcean is a well-known cloud computing provider based in New York. However, the company has data centers distributed across the world.

The services of Digital Ocean empower developers with virtual servers for building, deploying, testing, and scaling cloud apps. 

Digital Ocean Top Selling Points

• Inexpensive
• Straightforward platform
• Offers sufficient bandwidth
• Extensive developer features
• Impressive guaranteed uptime

Digital Ocean Drawbacks 

Data center locations are limited.

• Limited global data center coverage
• You get charged once you power down a server instance.
• No Free plan
• Relatively small beside the big players

DigitalOcean Main Features

The main DigitalOcean features are listed below:

Computing Power

The flexible cloud servers offer extensive support for creating and deploying a wide range of apps. Here are the main functions that Digital Ocean servers can help you achieve. 

Droplets: Digital Ocean droplets are fast and reliable and can be deployed in less than a minute! Moreover, the procedure for building testing, and scaling apps is straightforward on this platform.  Users can opt for virtual machines with dedicated CPUs or shared options, depending on the option that best suits their application.

App platform:  the App platform empowers developers to build and launch reliable apps that can scale automatically. Since it’s a managed service, you can launch it with a couple of mouse clicks. The technologies supported include React and Node.js. Django, Ruby, PHP, and HTML sites.

Kubernetes: This platform leverages the power of Kubernetes to allocate resources and manage apps. These functions enhance the performance, portability, and scalability of Digital Ocean servers.

Storage

Block Storage: Users of this platform can access a wide range of storage options for collecting and storing cloud data. The data is stored on different server racks to minimize the risk of failure.

Object Storage: This option allows unrestricted data storage on the server.  It can be an in-built Content Delivery Network that works with S3 object storage.  Data transfer related actions on this platform are flazing fast, secured, and inexpensive. 

SSD Storage: The LocalIzed SSD disks also enhances the procedure of data collection and storage.

CDN: The users of this platform enjoy several benefits from the in-built Content Delivery Network. For instance, data access is faster, pages can load faster, reduce data transfer costs, global availability, and lots more. 

Databases

The three options for database storage on DigitalOcean include:

MySQL: DigitalOcean offers API and a user interface that makes MySQL access straightforward. Features such as daily backup and fast performance allow the user to concentrate on primary database assignments. Since the platform handles database management, you can focus more on your development tasks. 

PostgreSQL: This is the second database option at DigitalOcean. It is easy to use and handles daily backups automatically.  It offers stress-free access to updating data on the database.  You can create a PostgreSQL cluster without stress. 

Redis: Redis has amazing features like automated failover, and turnkey security, and is highly scalable. The downside is that it doesn’t support free backups.

Networking

DigitalOcean offers several network-related benefits to users. For instance, the network enhances scalability, app performance, and load-balancing. Moreover, with the free firewall, you have high security and VPC protection on your cloud assets. 

Management and Development Tools

Functions like APIs, container registry, Command-Line Interface, and client libraries are top features that enhance development tasks on DigitalOcean. It also offers functions for team collaborations like unlimited users and a secure collaboration environment.

Pricing Model of Digital Ocean

Digital Ocean offers a predictable pricing option that makes it popular among cloud service users. The pricing page options are precise for all server droplets and associated features.  

For example, a basic droplet costs $5/month for 1Gigabyte CPU, 25 Gigabyte SSD, and 1000GB transfer.  A general-purpose droplet that offers 8 Gigabytes per month costs $60 only.

This cloud solution provider offers a free option for building static apps. The Basic Package sots $5/month and the Pro package starts at $12/month. 

Detailed pricing options of DigitalOcean are on their official website’s pricing page.

Top 10 Services Like DigitalOcean

Although customers are highly satisfied with the services of DigitalOcean, it does have drawbacks as well. The list below reviews other services your business can use if your need to change from DigitalOcean servers. 

1. Linode

Linode is among the top services like DigitalOcean today. This company was established in 2003 in the United States office Virtual Private Server to its customers. 

The Linux-based servers of Linode is known for its high performance and cost-efficiency. The platform also offers DDoS security protection and free support.  This platform also provides an easy-to-use interface that makes it easy to get up and running, 

Core Features of Linode

• Storage

With Linode, customers can access block storage as well as object storage.  The block storage is easy to use, giving users access to their digital assets on the cloud when required. The object storage functions give access to cloud servers that stores data to make them more durable and available.

• Backup and Recovery

With Linode, you don’t have to worry about the backup hassles because the platform handles it for you. The platform helps store data that can be restored in the event of data loss or system malfunction challenges. 

• Cloud Manager

This function provides a suite of tools for deploying virtual machines and managing functions like networking. Cloud Manager is user-friendly, allowing you to perform technical things without hassles.

• Around-the-Clock Support

Linode offers customer support 24 hours all year round. The customer support team of Linode is highly trained, the personnel offers professional support to help resolve challenges. The support service is fast and the waiting time is minimal. Linode’s customer satisfaction is critical to its long-standing success.

Pricing

Linode’s pricing structure is based on the server resources used during a billing period. The cost of using this service is relatively low, compared to competitors. Linode’s website displays a cost estimator that compares the cost of Linode to those of its top competitors. This boosts the confidence of customers.

2. AWS

The AWS abbreviation stands for Amazon Web Services, a reliable cloud platform trusted among developers worldwide and a viable alternative to Linode. AWS boasts a large market share in the Cloud solutions industry.

AWS is an Amazon company that offers APIs and cloud computing solutions required by customers. Individual developers and businesses use the platform to build, host and manager their mobile and web apps. 

Core Features of AWS

• Data Encryption

A preferred way to implement data security is encryption and AWS excels in this regard. The platform implements leading-edge encryption technology for S3 buckets, EBS volumes, and its relational database. The platform applies a unique key to encrypt every instance of S3 bucket.

• User Management

The platform implements a role-based user management system through its user authentication functions. The server admin can allocate various permission levels that align with the role of each user.

• Scalability

Users can access the optimal computing power of AWS on-demand when the need arises. This scalability function allows apps to perform maximally during peak periods. 

• Cloud Trail

The AWS Cloud Trail service allows you to fetch the records of every API call on your account. This function allows a developer to track suspicious activities on the server. 

Pricing

AWS charges for resources used during a billing period. The platform has a cost estimator that can project the price of the AWS services you need.  So, the overall costs depend on the 

3. Vultr

Vultr is an excellent platform that can be used in replacement of DigitalOcean. The platform stands out for its fast and high-performance servers.  Users can access a robust control panel that contains all the functions like APIs needed to build, deploy and manage apps on the cloud. Since the need to manage infrastructure hassles is out of the question, developers can be more productive by focusing on building excellent apps.

Core Features of Vultr

• Robust Control Panel 

Users of Vultr have access to a versatile control panel that allows them to manage infrastructure without stress. This control panel is interactive, providing a user-friendly interface for users.

• Team Management

There is an integrated function for team management that allows the admin to create user roles that give the required access to perform various functions. This function is essential in a scenario where the server is managed by teams.

• Health Graphs

Vultr provides health graphs that provide the developer with granular details of the resources used since the server instance was launched.

• Easy of Use

Despite the advanced function and high performance of Vultr, the platform is easy to use. Users can quickly learn to use the platform and get up and running quickly.

Pricing

Vultr charges its customers based on the server resources used and provides a function that allows the developer to monitor costs from a single interface. 

4. Google Cloud

Google Cloud is an advanced cloud solution platform powered by Google. The platform provides a simple interface and excellent services that makes it a viable service that works like Digital Ocean. This service sits on the same servers where Google hosts its suite of services. 

Core Features of Google Cloud

• Google Cloud Console

This function provides a web interface with interactive functions for creating, deploying, and managing projects on Google Cloud. The Console provides advanced functions in an easy-to-use interface. 

• Insights

Google Cloud offers analytics and machine learning capabilities through the Insight function. With the feature, a user can create automation and leverage Insights to make data-driven predictions. 

• Automation

Google Cloud users can leverage the power of its integrated Cron functions for scheduling and automating tasks and server management. 

• Security

Google implements advanced security measures that protect its services to safeguard vital data and digital assets from spam, fraud, and other types of attacks. It’s well known that Google servers are secure, and your digital assets are in safe hands with Google Cloud.

Pricing

Users can estimate potential bills using the Google Cloud Price Calculator utility on their website.  Google Cloud also helps you manage costs through budgeting, alerts, and other free cost management tools.

5. Azure

The Tech giant, Microsoft,  made an entry into the cloud service market in 2010 when it launched Microsoft Azure. This platform offers a wide array of services that makes it one of the top cloud solutions today and excellent service like Digital Ocean.

With Azure, developers can create, configure and manage application servers and services on the cloud. They have excellent functions that kelps you manage your cloud-hosted service efficiently.

Core Features of Azure

• Data Security

Security is essential for any digital product, especially the ones hosted on the cloud.  That is why Azure offers top-notch security services on their platforms such as Data encryption, DDoS protection, network security, and lots more. 

• Caching

Azure users can take advantage of the platform’s highly robust and fast caching functions to increase the speed of their app. this feature also enhances app performance and overall customer satisfaction.

• Backup and Data Recovery

Azure customers enjoy data backup and restoration services that safeguard their digital assets from loss during a data disaster event. The procedure of recovering and restoring lost data on Azure is straightforward. 

• Storage

Azure offers an SQL database that is updated consistently to allow the platform users to store data in a structured database. It is also possible to deploy a NoSQL database on Azure at any scale using open APIs.

Pricing

The charge of Azure is based on server resources used during a billing period. In contrast to the packaged-based pricing model, you will not be paying beyond the resources used. You can estimate the potential costs of the service you want with the Azure Price Calculator tool.

6. Kamatera

Kamatera is another viable option you can use in replacement of Digital Ocean services. This platform offers you a free trial that spans 30 days to test its server infrastructure and services.

Kamatera has its servers distributed worldwide so you can serve users efficiently all over the world. You use the interactive admin interface to get Kamatera servers up and running in a minute or less.

Core Features of Kamatera

• Load Balancing

Load balancing on Kamatera is automated by its Cloud-based Load Balancer. When this function is on, your app will not load just one server, the app is served across multiple servers on the cloud.

• Managed Cloud

Kamatera offers a managed cloud option that takes the hassles of managing the cloud servers away from the customers so they can pay more attention to their core business. With this feature, you do not need technical expertise to use leading-edge cloud computing solutions. 

• Block Storage

Users of this platform have access to reliable block storage which can scale as the need arises. It is an excellent option for storing large files securely on the cloud.

Pricing

The final cost of using the Kamatera depends on the type of service you bought. Cloud servers pricing starts at $5/mo and you can take advantage of the 30-day free trial so you can get used to the Kamatera platform.

7. OVH Cloud

OVHCloud is based in France, where it offers cloud solutions like VPS, dedicated servers, and much more. 

The cloud services of this company are inexpensive, allowing it to compete with other services like DigitalOcean effectively. The platform allows developers to scale server resources seamlessly, making it an excellent platform for hosting apps in the cloud.

Core Features of OVH Cloud

• Load Balancer

Make use of the OVHCloud resources more efficiently by activating the load-balancing function that distributes an app request among available servers. This can also enhance an app’s performance.

• Loading-Edge Servers

This Cloud service provider uses leading-edge Servers with the latest powerful Intel processors.

• S.M.A.R.T Cloud oSlution

 This platform makes use of Simple, Multi-local, Accessible, Reversible & Transparent cloud servers commonly referred to as SMART Servers.

• SSD Storage

The storage media of OVH Cloud is powered by SSD drives which are known to be more reliable and work faster for data storage and download.

Price

The pricing structure of OVH Cloud is based on the types of resources you need to achieve your objectives. A sum of the cost of services you intend to use will give a rough estimate of the monthly fees.

8. Alibaba Cloud

Alibaba, is a Chinese company that operates data centers in China and other parts of the world to create a cloud computing solution called Alibaba Cloud (Aliyun).

Alibaba offers cloud services to developers and companies with the same infrastructure used to manage their businesses. 

Alibaba Cloud is scalable so that users can modify the server resources they use on demand. Some global companies using Alibaba Cloud services include Cloudsfer, TheBig3, and FullStack

Core Features of Alibaba Cloud

• Multi-layered Network Security

This cloud provider implements multiple security functions such as DDoS protection, password authentication that limit resource access to authorized users, and lots more.

• Backup/Recovery

The platform offers data backup/recovery services to its users.  The user can choose to back up the whole data on the cloud and restore them at will when the need arises.

• Scaling Resources

You can increase and reduce the size of the services you use on this platform when the need arises. As such you don’t have to pay for the service you don’t use or degrade your user experience due to insufficient resources.

• Monitoring

The resources you are using on Alibaba such as CPU, storage, connections, and others are monitored in real-time.

Pricing

You can use the utility called Alibaba Cloud Calculator to estimate the cost of using the cloud service you need.  The service is charged based on resources consumed during a billing period.

9. Rackspace

Rackspace is among the leading global cloud service companies and one of the excellent services like Digital Ocean.

This has the latest technology you’re company needs to compete effectively in the modern business landscape.

Core Features of Rackspace

• Cloud Adoption and Migration

Rackspace can help your business handle the process of migration and also supports you in selecting the right technology.

• Top-Notch Cloud Management

Rackspace has a team of experts that handles the management of cloud servers and other complex technical kinds of stuff.  You can be assured of top-notch management of this company’s infrastructure. 

• Optimized for SaaS apps

You can optimize your server settings for SaaS. Rackspace’s team of experts can help you configure the server to enhance security, save cost, and optimize to scale your service seamlessly.

Pricing

The company provides a utility called the Rackspace Cloud Price Calculator for estimating the cost of the server resources that align with your requirements. The platform charges for the volume of service consumed.

10. DreamHost

Dreamhost is a top hosting service company, it’s service is as reliable as DigitalOcean’s, and can be considered a viable alternative.  The platform boasts of simplicity as users can deploy a cloud server in a minute or less. 

Core Features

• Root Access

This cloud platform offers full administrative privileges to the server. Once you select the operating system you want, you will have unrestricted control over it.

• Laser Fast Servers

The Cloud Servers of Dreamhost use SSDs for fast data performance, leading-edge processors to achieve the best performance, and blazing-fast network connections making it an excellent choice for hosting apps on the cloud.

• Scalable

The servers of DreamHost allow users to scale the service they use when there is a demand to increase or reduce the allocated server resources.

Pricing

DreamHost offers a wide range of cloud services, starting from $4.50 per month. Your cost may vary based on the service you select.

Conclusion

This article made an extensive review of the top services like Digital Ocean along with their features and pricing model. You will find this content helpful while researching a service like Digital Ocean for your next project.