Managed Web Hosting
Managed or "fully managed" web hosting solutions take the dedicated model to a higher level. We know that dedicated hosting allows the
client to have full control of the server but dedicated servers can be difficult to operate technically and require that you have
certain knowledge about server maintenance and system administration. The notch above is managed hosting, as it takes the dedicated
features and adds extra services like reporting and monitoring, load balancing, security, setup, system administration and software
updates. This is the most hands-off solution for the client.
Pros of managed web hosting
Managed hosting solutions continue to provide the benefits of a dedicated server, that is you have access to the complete server. Your
package would be tailored to the amount of bandwidth and hard drive space that you might need and CPU intensive applications could
operate without hindering other sites or being conflicted. Added as well is the management service that would ensure that the server
operates at an optimum level by installing the needed software, updating patches, and providing support for any hardware or software
issues. But you must make sure that the provider has the specialized people on staff and provides 24/7/365 support.
Cons of managed web hosting
Managed web hosting solutions are usually the premium offerings of a company and represent the top tier in terms of service. Therefore
they usually command the highest prices - managed hosting solutions are more expensive than their dedicated cousins. Managed hosting
packages will also likely involve some sort of a setup fee as it is more time consuming to setup a complete server than it is to
create a hosting account in a shared environment. Managed solutions could also be an overkill. If you know your way around the
operationg system being used and have system administration experience, you might be paying extra for something that you could do
yourself.
Managed Hosting Review
- Allows complete control of the server and its resouces
- Allows custom web applications and higher level of uptime
- Provides complete server support and system admin
- More expensive than dedicated hosting