A hosting plan is one of the many IT managed services offered by IT service providers. It consists of different components — server hardware being the most fundamental. The operating system installed along with various software inside the server helps smooth working of web hosting and running numerous applications on websites. Additional management services refer to a hosting plan that includes secondary support and benefits for the organization.
Simplifying Your Life With Managed Hosting
Managed hosting services try to simplify your life by taking on many of these tasks. Automatic system monitoring lets providers detect and fix many common problems before you've even realized anything happened. The support team installs and updates software, checking for problems along the way. It can be costly, but it's worth the money paid — saving time, cutting cost, offering technical support, and staying reliable.
Confidence in these services comes from a provider's ability to secure and handle customer data and sensitive information. Most providers employ network security solutions, antivirus, and grade firewalls to ensure only authorized people can access sensitive information.
Unmanaged Hosting Services
Unmanaged hosting covers managed network connectivity and support, managed hardware support, system-level monitoring, and data center infrastructure — but nothing more. It doesn't assist with coding development or modification, doesn't provide access or custom CMS customizations, doesn't support WordPress themes and plugins, and can't help configure third-party software.
It generally costs less because there's no management or routine support — just a bare server with nothing more than an operating system. The host will replace failed components, reboot servers, and maintain the network, but will never support or install software for you. Of the two, this one proves most beneficial for clients happy to manage their own servers.
Key Differences: Managed Hosting vs. Unmanaged Hosting
| Aspect | Managed Hosting | Unmanaged Hosting |
|---|---|---|
| Support Level | OS, control panel, server setup, and apps run and supported by the provider | Only hardware failures and network maintenance are covered |
| Backups | Automated backup and virtualization for a secure, robust environment | Backup responsibility falls on the administrator |
| Cost | Higher, but includes full support and monitoring | Lower, since there's no routine management included |
Business Benefits of Managed Hosting Over Unmanaged Hosting
Backups
Choose a provider capable of restoring files or databases quickly. Daily backups kept for at least seven days are recommended.
Support
A team of technically skilled professionals offers full support, sorting out every little problem with ease.
Fully Managed Services
Run your business without worrying about data or application management — with migration and performance guidance included.
Application Support
Servers are configured to meet each customer's requirements, with customized solutions when the situation demands it.
Security
Local firewalls and active malware scanning restrict fake users and prevent vulnerabilities from being exploited.
"Understanding the impact of managed and unmanaged hosting on enterprise performance and costs."
Choose the Right Hosting Model for Your Enterprise.
Is Managed Hosting Right for My Organization?
Managed hosting fits organizations of any size that lack the resources for maintenance, or don't want to overburden their IT team. It helps reallocate human resources toward more enduring, business-relevant tasks. The real question to weigh: increased budget, human resource allocation, and the expertise already available to you.
Are Unmanaged Hosting Services More Suitable?
With unmanaged hosting, the provider won't help with server maintenance. Ask yourself whether your employees can handle the extra workload that comes with it — and whether that workload would dampen day-to-day activities.
Balancing Between the Two
Choosing between these two IT managed services requires picking wisely — the difference between the two can be crucial. It's not enough to know you need a hosting plan; any organization should be clear about its motives and requirements first.
Ready to Pick the Right Hosting Model?