IONOS occasionally charges extra for software licenses like Windows Server or Plesk, and many people assume that the total price of their VPS already includes the operating system or control panel.
I've seen this happen before at reddit post. You choose the VPS that seems perfect, and then you find out licenses are charged separately. It's almost like ordering a burger, and realizing fries are extra.
• Choice - Some users are only after a server, with no additional software. Charging separately gives them that option.
• Licensing Costs - IONOS must pay Microsoft or other software providers, in use of that software, for each server, and recoups that expense from the customer.
• Flexibility - Customers only pay for the licenses that they actually require.
Even so, their communication methods can be confusing, causing disgruntlement among their customers.
1. Read the package details carefully - Be sure to see if the operating system or software license is included in the package with the VPS server service.
2. Ask customer support - It always is better to confirm beforehand anyhow.
3. See what the other VPS service providers charge - See if they include the licenses in the price, or, at least a cheaper price.
These days I always check my VPS bill. It's provides a relative degree of stress free environment, when I am actually paying the proper charges.
So, can IONOS reasonably charge extra? Technically the answer is yes, they do state it in the terms. However, if you were to miss the fine print, it does feel sneaky. It is always best to know exactly what is included and what you'll pay extra for, If you simply want to sign up for a "Virtual Private Server," you won't know charging for a different license is a thing.
I've seen this happen before at reddit post. You choose the VPS that seems perfect, and then you find out licenses are charged separately. It's almost like ordering a burger, and realizing fries are extra.
The Reason for IONOS' Additional Fees
You may wonder, "Why not just have it included within the VPS price?" There are a couple of reasons:• Choice - Some users are only after a server, with no additional software. Charging separately gives them that option.
• Licensing Costs - IONOS must pay Microsoft or other software providers, in use of that software, for each server, and recoups that expense from the customer.
• Flexibility - Customers only pay for the licenses that they actually require.
Even so, their communication methods can be confusing, causing disgruntlement among their customers.
How to Avoid any Unexpected Charges
Here’s what I have implemented as a strategy for avoiding "unexpected charges":1. Read the package details carefully - Be sure to see if the operating system or software license is included in the package with the VPS server service.
2. Ask customer support - It always is better to confirm beforehand anyhow.
3. See what the other VPS service providers charge - See if they include the licenses in the price, or, at least a cheaper price.
These days I always check my VPS bill. It's provides a relative degree of stress free environment, when I am actually paying the proper charges.
So, can IONOS reasonably charge extra? Technically the answer is yes, they do state it in the terms. However, if you were to miss the fine print, it does feel sneaky. It is always best to know exactly what is included and what you'll pay extra for, If you simply want to sign up for a "Virtual Private Server," you won't know charging for a different license is a thing.
