Managed vs Unmanaged Hosting

Web hosting (opens in new tab) services are an essential part of any business’s infrastructure. No matter what industry you’re in, the right web host can help your site stand out from competitors and give customers confidence in the service you offer on your website. With so many options of hosting available these days, choosing the right host could become overwhelming.

Without the right web hosting service, your online business can’t survive in this new and fast-paced environment. There are two types of services you need to consider when making a decision; Managed vs Unmanaged Hosting Services. But which one will work best for you?

What is managed hosting?

Managed web hosting (opens in new tab) is a type of hosting where the provider manages all aspects of the server for the customer. This includes things like security, updates, and performance. The main benefit of managed hosting is that it takes away the hassle of managing a server for businesses or individuals who may not have the time or expertise to do so.

This can free up valuable resources that can be better spent on other areas of their business. For businesses that rely heavily on their website, managed hosting can be a lifesaver. It ensures that their site will always be running smoothly, without downtime.

Overall, managed hosting is a great solution for businesses or individuals who want to focus on their core business goals, without having to worry about the technical aspects of their website.

What is unmanaged hosting?

Unmanaged hosting is a type of web hosting in which the customer is responsible for the management and maintenance of their own server. This includes tasks such as installing and configuring software, monitoring system performance and keeping the server secure. Unmanaged hosting is often less expensive than managed hosting, but it requires more technical expertise to set up and maintain.

For businesses that don’t have the resources to manage their own servers, managed hosting can be a good option. Managed hosting providers will take care of all the technical details for you, so you can focus on running your business. However, managed hosting can be more expensive than unmanaged hosting.

When choosing a web host, it’s important to consider your needs and budget to find the best option for your business. If you’re not sure which type of hosting is right for you, contact a web hosting provider and they can help you decide.

Managed vs unmanaged web hosting: Pros and cons

When it comes to web hosting, you have two main options: managed and unmanaged. Both come with their own set of pros and cons that you should take into account before making a decision. Here’s a quick rundown of each option:

Managed web hosting is an excellent option for those who want a hassle-free experience. Your web host will take care of all the technical aspects of running your website, from security updates to server maintenance. This leaves you free to focus on other aspects of your business. However, managed hosting can be more expensive than unmanaged hosting.

Unmanaged web hosting gives you more control over your website. You’ll be responsible for maintaining your own server and keeping it up to date. This can be a lot of work, but it also gives you the flexibility to customize your server to your specific needs. Unmanaged hosting is usually cheaper than managed hosting, but it may not be the best option for those who are new to web hosting.

Figuring out which option is best for you depends on your needs and preferences. If you want a hassle-free experience, managed web hosting is a great option. However, if you’re looking for more control over your website, unmanaged web hosting may be a better choice. Whichever option you choose, make sure to do your research to ensure that you’re getting the best possible deal.

Managed vs unmanaged web hosting: Which is better for your business? 

If you have a simple website that doesn’t require much in the way of special features or customization, then an unmanaged web hosting plan may be a better option for you. On the other hand, if you have a more complex website that requires a lot of control over its server environment, then a managed web hosting plan would likely be a better fit. Ultimately, it’s important to evaluate your specific needs in order to determine which type of web hosting plan is best for your business.

Another factor to consider when choosing between managed and unmanaged web hosting plans is the level of support that you need. Managed web hosting plans typically include 24/7 support from experienced technicians, while unmanaged plans typically do not. If you are comfortable managing your own server, then an unmanaged plan may be a better option for you. However, if you need assistance with server administration or other technical tasks, then a managed web hosting plan would likely be a better choice.

Regarding pricing, managed web hosting plans tend to be more expensive than unmanaged plans. This is due to the fact that managed plans include around-the-clock support from experienced technicians. If you are comfortable managing your own server and don’t need this level of support, then an unmanaged web hosting plan may be a more cost-effective option for you.

What benefits can Managed Hosting offer to my website?

Managed hosting offers a number of benefits compared to standard web hosting:

1. Backups

Backups are paramount – as if there is no back-up, there is a risk that you could lose your site completely. If anything should happen on your website or database that causes it to stop functioning, a good web hosting company should be able to restore the files or database from backups. You should check that your hosting company is making daily backups, and keeping them to at least seven days.

2. Support

Probably one of the most important differences between different hosting companies is the level of support you will receive. It is important that you are able to contact a team of people who are ready to respond to queries, and that there is always someone available to answer your questions. Why not contact a few providers by phone, live chat (opens in new tab) or email, to see how they respond? If the pre-sales team is able to respond to your queries efficiently and promptly then it’s a good bet they will be able to support you properly.

3. Fully Managed Service

A managed hosting service will enable you run your business without worrying about your website. Your provider should also be able to assist you with third party applications, and should be happy to talk to your website developers if there should be any technical issues.

They will manage all aspects of your site behind the scenes. For example, they will ensure that the operating system is fully up to date and secure. They will also be able to customize the server to your exact requirements, if needed. Their service should include monitoring to deal with any issues that might arise.  

A good hosting company will provide a migration service to help you move away from your current provider, and will be able to offer advice and recommendations as to how you might improve the performance of your site.

4. Security

Security is a major part of any web hosting service. A hosting company should ensure that the server you are hosted on is fully managed from a security standpoint. There should be a local firewall installed as standard, and it is a good idea to ask the provider if they actively scan your website for malware and security risks. They may also have a way of blocking unauthorized attempts to gain access to the control panel. 

5. Application Support

If your website has special requirements or uses older software components, a managed service should be able to cover these, and the company should be able to configure a server to accommodate your needs. Some of the popular applications offered by managed web hosts include:

• Analytics to monitor, measure, and report on the performance of your website
• Ad management with apps such as OSClass and Yclass, the two popular options for creating effective custom campaigns
• Customer Relationship Management (CRM) apps to give all your business departments a unified view of your customers
• Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) applications to manage and automate business processes
• eCommerce apps like AlegroCart, AbanteCart, X-Cart, and others to help you roll out your eCommerce website.
• Development frameworks like Bootstrap, Symfony, and Laravel to help you develop web apps

It is a good idea to ask your chosen provider whether they will support third party companies, as some providers will not offer this. If you should have a problem and need a developer or a software vendor to assist with technical queries, you may need your hosting company to contact them directly to resolve a problem.

6. Migration

Another critical task that good web hosts will be able to assist you with is migration. If you change hosts, the process to export all your data and apps from the previous installation to the new one without any significant downtime, is a cumbersome process. However some of the popular web host providers can take the sting out of the process and help you bring over your data without much fuss.