Managed hosting and dedicated hosting may seem like the same thing on the surface. But further examination reveals that other than each having a server solely dedicated to your website is about the only thing these two terms have in common.
Managed hosting began as an additional option created for companies with a big online presence that required a dedicated server. The company, however, did not have time to handle day to day administration of their server. So the web host stepped in and took over system and server administration. The web hosting company can now bill for another feature. In other words they do the client’s daily “grunt work” with the server, while the client focuses on other aspects of the business.
Web hosts provide an endless list of services that they are willing to manage for their clients. These services start with reporting and monitoring and load balancing to name another. Managed hosting also includes server security, storage, database maintenance, application and software maintenance, among other things. Security is especially important in this day and age. It is very necessary to keep the system patched and upgraded to stop hacking attacks and system breaches that may result in identity and records thefts. Managed hosting involves keeping up with system back ups and data storage.
Managed hosting cannot handle everything for the company, but it does let the company choose the level of service and support that it needs to do business on a daily basis, as well as to pursue and accomplish future business goals. Many companies are more than willing to work out an ala carte arrangement with the managed hosting company in order to get the service level they need to function. After all, some needs crop up along the way and have to dealt with as they occur. Something along these lines would include new government regulations going on the books. Managed hosting services can help the client maneuver in a situation such as this.
Other things that you need to consider when choosing a managed hosting service, is speed and reliability of customer support, as well as flexibility built into the web hosting system. If these elements are missing then you should consider moving or trying another managed hosting company.
Managed Hosting
January 26th, 2010
Managed Dedicated Servers
January 26th, 2010The difference between a managed dedicated server and an unmanaged server boils down a number of things including price. A managed dedicated server is more expensive. The level of support from the web hosting company is also better and includes more than just basic service. Both are leasing situations. Most service providers offer managed dedicated servers to their clients. The basic definition is that a managed dedicated server is a hands on situation by the web hosting company. The other is not.
Leasing managed dedicated servers means spending more money. The cost is included in the monthly fee for renting the server. Bear in mind that these management fees are non-negotiable. Typical services provided by the web host include, server set up, system installation and configuration, installation of firewalls, system oversight, software update installation, security, hardware replacement, troubleshooting of the network and maintenance, and server monitoring. Do some research before settling on a web host for your managed dedicated server in order to find out if the company offers the services you need for your business. Include cost comparisons in your research as there is no standard in pricing on anything offered. Check out what a company means when it says it offers support, since there are varying levels and definitions of support.
Web hosting firms offer businesses in house management to go with the server, thus constituting a managed dedicated server system. So how do you manage a server? Well, the web hosting company provides a manager who continuously monitors the server’s performance. They update the operating system when necessary, including updating applications, performing maintenance, making sure the anti virus and firewalls are up to date, troubleshooting when necessary, installing software as needed, performing regular audits and taking steps to prevent intrusions or hacking.
Managed dedicated server management may also include more tasks as specified by the business operation. Within this system, there are levels of management. For instance, there are fully managed servers, medium managed servers, and self managed servers. A fully managed dedicated server is the most headache free, so choose carefully in making your decision.
Linux Dedicated Servers
January 26th, 2010There is something that needs to be cleared up right now, and that is, that there is no such thing as a Linux dedicated server. Linux is not a server, it is an operating system. Consequently, a Linux dedicated server, is a server that runs Linux software. So the real question becomes, which is better a Linux based system or a Windows based system, for your operation? Some experts suggest that part of the answer lies in your level of expertise. In other words, are you a newbie? Or are you an experienced system administrator?
For newbie’s some experts suggest sticking with Window’s programs because they are easier and more powerful than Linux dedicated servers. But again, it all harkens back to your individual needs and personal expertise. Some administrators prefer running what they call a Linux flavor combined with the Apache web server, while others recommend using the Windows server.
Ask yourself , what other goals you have for your website, after start up? In other words, do you eventually plan to use your Linux dedicated server to host other things on your internal network, perhaps additional email addresses? However, probably the most important question of all is just how familiar are you with Linux, because if you’ve never used Linux before, then you may as well be attempting to read Sanskrit after taking a crash course in Aramaic. For the beginner or newbie, Linux can be difficult to work and understand. But most experts agree that in the long run it just might be the better system to use.
If all you’re planning to do is put up a basic, no frills web page, then do it with Windows. Windows is easier to understand and manage. But it is also very expensive. Linux dedicated servers are less expensive, because Linux itself doesn’t cost anything. It’s free. The Linux system can be downloaded in any number of places on the internet. The benefits of a Linux dedicated server would be more security and use of fewer resources than Windows. The cost is nothing or near nothing. Another reason to go with a Linux dedicated server is that it is updated often. The downside is that it requires more set up and not all hardware is supported.
Dedicated Web Hosting
January 26th, 2010Dedicated web hosting is expensive and constitutes the major drawback to creating a web presence for business. However, this is quickly being overcome powered by the constant and steady growth of the dedicated web hosting industry. As more individuals and businesses get into dedicated web hosting, the costs rapidly go down. In the meantime, competition drives up the service level and perks being offered. This trend will continue as more and more small and medium sized businesses work to increase their presence on the internet. The number of web hosts will also grow powered by increased demand for their services.
The two major advantages include stability and control. Another advantage would be security. This is because a web administrator has more control over a dedicated server, which is an innately more secure operation. Security comes from knowing exactly what hardware, software and applications are installed, as well as the number of fingers involved in stirring the pot, so to speak. The fewer, the better. Having this knowledge allows the system administrator to make the decisions necessary to keep the operation function at maximum configuration.
Another major benefit of dedicated web hosting is reliability, which comes from being able to optimize page loads by playing with page load speed and overall server resource allocation. These things usually translate into customer or client satisfaction as well as a more successful bottom line, and bigger web presence. There are some downsides, however. The aforementioned cost of dedicated web hosting, while getting better, is still a negative situation. Dedicated web hosting is still much more expensive when compared to shared server hosting or even virtual hosting, to the tune of hundreds of dollars per month. But despite the huge cost outlays many businesses justify the use of dedicated servers through cost analysis, which shows the benefits of dedicated web hosting always win out.
Another disadvantage is in not having a system administrator who has the time or skills that it takes to monitor, install, upgrade and configure programs, or add sites, or deal with potential hacks or other troubleshooting necessities. However, if your business can maintain dedicated web hosting then it becomes a win-win situation for your business. No need to worry about server overload, malicious scripts or too many applications installed by other users in a shared system, because a dedicated system is a secure and reliable environment. In a dedicated web hosting system only applications and software that pertains to the major hosting is allowed.
In dedicated web hosting, dedicated servers allow for very quick page load time, which increases the probability that potential clients will stay engaged with your website, turning them into paying customers. Quick page loading also enhances company image and generates returning customers and increases word of mouth business, as well.
