zeit.co/now
zeit.co/nowManaged platform for Node.js deployments, featuring dynamic real-time scaling. Includes 20 free deploys/month limited to 1 GB storage and 1 GB bandwidth for OSS projects (source files are exposed on a public URL)
Visit Resource →Vercel (formerly Zeit Now): The Ultimate Free PaaS for Node.js Deployments
Vercel Free PaaS, widely known for its previous incarnation as Zeit Now, offers a cutting-edge managed platform specifically designed for Node.js deployments and serverless functions. It provides developers with an incredibly fast and efficient way to bring their web applications to life, featuring dynamic real-time scaling and a generous free tier for open-source projects.
Free Tier Capabilities & Key Features
Vercel's free tier is a powerhouse for developers, especially those working on open-source initiatives. Key features include:
- Managed Node.js Deployments: Seamlessly deploy your Node.js applications with minimal configuration.
- Dynamic Real-time Scaling: Your applications automatically scale to handle traffic spikes, ensuring high availability.
- 20 Free Deploys/Month: Ample deployment capacity for active development and continuous integration.
- 1 GB Storage & 1 GB Bandwidth: Generous allowances for hosting your application files and serving content.
- Open Source Project Benefits: The free tier is particularly beneficial for open-source projects, often with source files exposed on a public URL, fostering transparency and collaboration.
- Global Edge Network: Deliver your content and applications with low latency to users worldwide.
Quotas, Limits & Constraints
The Vercel free tier comes with specific limits tailored for development and open-source use:
- 20 Deploys per Month: This limit applies to new deployments and redeployments.
- 1 GB Storage: For your project files and assets.
- 1 GB Bandwidth: For data transfer to your users.
- Source File Exposure: For open-source projects, source files are typically exposed on a public URL, which is a consideration for proprietary code.
- Serverless Function Limits: While not explicitly detailed in the input, Vercel's serverless functions also have execution time and memory limits on the free tier.
These limits are generally sufficient for most personal projects, small applications, and open-source contributions.
Who Should Use It & Best Use Cases
Vercel (Zeit Now) is an ideal platform for:
- Front-end Developers: Deploying Next.js, React, Vue, or other modern web applications.
- Node.js Developers: Hosting APIs, microservices, or full-stack applications.
- Open Source Contributors: Providing a free and public platform for their projects.
- Students and Educators: Learning and teaching modern web development practices.
- Prototyping and MVPs: Quickly launching and iterating on new ideas with minimal overhead.
Its focus on developer experience, speed, and serverless architecture makes it a top choice for modern web development.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Vercel and Zeit Now?
Vercel is the current brand name for the platform previously known as Zeit Now. The core service and capabilities remain largely the same, focusing on fast deployments for web applications and serverless functions.
What are the main limits of Vercel's free tier?
The free tier includes 20 deploys per month, 1 GB of storage, and 1 GB of bandwidth. For open-source projects, source files are typically publicly accessible.
Is Vercel suitable for commercial projects?
Yes, Vercel is widely used for commercial projects. The free tier is great for development and small open-source projects, but for larger commercial applications, paid plans offer increased limits, support, and private repository features.