Linode is a U.S.-based cloud computing company that accelerates innovation in the cloud by making virtual computing more accessible, affordable, and simple.. It’s the largest independent open cloud provider in the world with 11 global data centers serving nearly a million customers and businesses around the globe.
Linode products, services, and people enable developers and businesses to build, deploy, and scale applications more easily and cost-effectively in the cloud.
WHAT IS LINODE?
Linode was founded in 2003 by Christopher Aker. The company offers cloud services, including Linux virtual machines, networking, storage, and developer tools. However, Linode specializes in providing Linux-based plans. Its plans are powerful and scalable.
LINODE KEY FEATURES OVERVIEW
- 40 Gbit network
- Intel E5 processors
- Optional Managed Hosting add-on
- Linode API
- Cloud manager interface
- Simple Command Line Interface (CLI)
- SSD storage
- Various Linux distributions supported
- 11 global markets
- 99.99% uptime
- Top security
- Support 24/7
LINODE’S KEY FEATURES
Linode has a lot of features that provides customers with a fast and reliable service. It also prides itself in offering power and simplicity, suiting developers and businesses at all levels. We’ll go over Linode’s main features below.
EASE OF USE
After an initial set-up walk-through, Linode’s control panel is simple to use with just a small learning curve, so long as you already have some knowledge of Linux. You are also able to customize the interface to suit your use case.
If you opt for Linode’s managed hosting, then you’ll benefit from a cPanel, but either way, you’ll be able to control everything in one place.
UPTIME & PERFORMANCE
A high level of uptime is a must for any type of business, and Linode doesn’t disappoint with a server uptime of 99.99%. It also offers a fast service, using fast Intel E5 processors, solid state drives (SSDs), and with its network boasting 40 Gbps.
If you experience a significant period of downtime that goes against the SLA (Service Level Agreement), you can request a pro-rata credit.
On top of that, you can upgrade features within your plan, such as RAM or bandwidth, allowing you to upscale your service at any time.
SECURITY
Linode takes security seriously and has designed its infrastructure to ensure that it and its users’ data is secure. Its networks and systems are constantly scanned to make sure everything is as it should be and up to date. Tests are regularly carried out, hosts are continually scanned and it’s also paired with an internet safety company, HackerOne, to aid in the research of vulnerabilities.
Linode can hold-up the mainframe, so all you need to do is ensure that your Linode applications and code are patched and securely configured.
CUSTOMER SUPPORT
You can find help in a number of areas, including in-depth online documents and guides, and a blog. There’s also the option to open a support ticket, call the support line, send an email, or chat with the Linode community.
Whichever route you take, you’ll benefit from a quick and informative response 24/7/365 regardless of your plan size.
MANAGED HOSTING OPTION
Linode also has a managed hosting option in which Linode’s experts take care of your Linux VPS, ensuring everything is working as it should be, avoiding downtime, and handling any issues that arise. This service is an optional add-on, but it is enabled 24/7.
By choosing the Managed Hosting add-on, you don’t need to worry about anything in the backend and you can concentrate on managing your business.
On top of that, the add-on includes automatic backups, free site migrations, and more. It’s a little expensive, but absolutely worth it.
PROS
- Command-line Linux access
- Multiple Linux distribution types
- Scalable
- Multiple virtual machine configurations
- Data centers around the world
- Consistent uptime
- Affordable plans
- Various plans available to suit your preferences
- Lots of support options
CONS
- Extra features cost more
- No free automatic backups
- Only Linux-based environment
- Need some technical understanding
LINODE’S PRICING
Linode uses a pay-as-you-go pricing plan. You’re able to tailor the price to your predicted usage, ensuring you stay within your budget. There are no hidden costs and you can add on extra features if and when you see fit.
Linode’s cost will depend on which type of package you choose (shared, dedicated, high memory, or GPU). Shared plans are the most cost-friendly, and you can see its cheapest option and highest plan below.
| $5 p/m | $960 p/m |
| 1 CPU | 32 CPU |
| 1GB memory | 192GB memory |
| 25GB storage | 3,840GB storage |
| 1TB transfer | 20TB transfer |
Linode’s pricing page compares any package you choose against those with AWS, Azure, and GCP, and it also provides a “total cost of ownership” calculator, so you can truly see the cost of the service.
Whatever package you choose, you’ll benefit from the following:
- 24/7/365 support
- 99.99% uptime
- No cost DDoS protection
- API
- CLI
- Free transfer
- Easy-to-use cloud manager
- DNS management
- Availability worldwide
- IPv6 Support
- Monitoring and alerts
- 7-day money-back guarantee
CONCLUSION
With Linode’s VPS hosting being aimed at developers and those with experience in Linux, we genuinely can’t say it’s a service that’s suitable for everybody. However, if you tick both of those boxes, then Linode can provide an intuitive and fulfilling experience at a competitive price. Just keep in mind that automatic backups are not included as standard, so you’ll need to pay extra.
Having said that, if you’re still in need of what Linode has to offer but don’t have the required knowledge, you can opt for a managed hosting plan where everything on the Linode side is taken care of for you. Plus, its managed plans include automatic backups.
We hope this Linode review has helped, but if you’re still not sure whether Linode is the perfect choice for your needs, you can make use of its 7-day money-back guarantee to see if it’s the right fit for you. On top of that, Linode is also offering $100 in FREE credit with new accounts, so why not give it a try?
Plus, if you are involved in using infrastructure to deliver and run software, you can download Linode’s free Infrastructure as Code eBook. Thank you for reading.
https://www.linode.com/content/cloud-computing-migration-to-alternative-cloud/?utm_source=DeveloperDrive&utm_medium=newsletter_sponsorship&utm_campaign=Marchnewsletters&utm_content=ebook-migrating_workloads
