Hey JeffP,
If you use
fpcupdeluxe you can install the necessary libraries and binaries to cross compile into Linux.
I myself use it and I'm now cross compiling into Windows 32/64, Linux 32/64 and ARM 32(Raspberry Pie). I can also do some cross compiling into Arduino but with the constraints of an embedded system and not an app on top of an OS. And all this from an Ubuntu 21.04 64b.
So, in your DEV environment you can develop in Win32 with a PostgreSQL server and then you can ask me to set up your Linux VPS with all the code cross-compiled into Linux 64b.
Or you can ask me for pointers on how to manage a Linux server and you can install it all yourself. After all, the Ubuntu Server is not that hard to manage via SSH. But you do have to have a bit of knowledge in the command line for it to be managed.
If you want, and you get your code in a GIT repo, private or public, I would be willing to aid you on the cross-compiling tips.
Like I said, I have a Linux box that can mimic a Linux VPS and I can be your guinea pig, of sorts, of course
In terms of cost, both Ubuntu Server and PostgreSQL are open source and cost absolutely nothing. Just the trouble to install it and setting it up.
In terms of using wine: I wouldn't advise on this approach for a custom web server.
A friend of mine is developing a crypto currency using Indy10 as the Internet Package and from all the tests we've made, the app performs very badly under wine.
It runs for ever on Windows with no leaks, but somehow leaks like a sieve when ran under Wine. Don't ask me why cuz I haven't done a deep dive on the code to assert why such a big difference from Windows and Wine.
So you now have a dilemma, right?
- Linux VPS are cheaper and most, if not all, of the software is free, but you have small to no expertize in managing a Linux Server.
- Windows Server is more inside your knowledge and you can install, most of the times, the same free software with a bit more hassle but the price may be a bit too high.
Have a good think and have a look at other VPS providers, so you don't just have one option, and then ponder your next move!!
And make sure you also follow the advice @zamronypj gave about the type of VPS you're gonna invest.
Make sure it has at least 2GB Ram, 1 Virtual CPU and is not charged by the CPU usage, but instead it's charged on a flat monthly rate.
Also make sure that you either have unlimited bandwidth or, after some tests, you know how much it will use so you don't have extra charges due to the fact that the VPS has a bandwidth limit.
Sometimes a cheap option with limited bandwidth can come back and bite you in the arse because of exceeding your bandwidth quota.
So have a good think about it and I'll be around if you need it.
Cheers,
Gus