A good web hosting plan can do wonders for your business. It can not only handle the fluctuating traffic on your website but also lend prompt support in times of need. Renowned hosting providers offer both managed and unmanaged hosting solutions to cater to the diverse requirements of users. If you are thinking of buying a web hosting solution, you ought to understand the distinction between the two.
So, how are managed and unmanaged hosting different from each other? What are their pros and cons? We will discuss all this and much more in this article. So, let’s begin.
What is Unmanaged Hosting?
An unmanaged or self-managed hosting plan is one where you get just a hosting platform with no additional features. When you choose an unmanaged dedicated server hosting plan, you are responsible for managing the day-to-day performance of your servers. You have to handle tasks such as monitoring the hardware, upgrading software, handling scaling requirements and so on. In other words, you are responsible for your website’s performance, security, backup and support.
Now you might be wondering why anyone would even choose a self-managed dedicated server hosting plan. Many business owners seek a customized hosting solution for their site; they require specialized software for their servers. Unmanaged hosting offers them the flexibility to do so.
Unmanaged dedicated server hosting is for technology-savvy users who are well-versed with the nuances of managing a server. It can be a suitable solution for your business if you have your own IT department with skilled technicians.
What is Managed Hosting?
Managed hosting is what the name suggests. Here, the task of managing a server is the responsibility of the hosting provider. It also offers additional services such as performance monitoring, security sweeps, backups, technical support, website patching and much more. The host also manages SSL installations and OS updates.
While a managed hosting service is costlier than its unmanaged counterpart, it allows you to focus on the core aspects of your business and is, therefore, worth the price paid.
Let us have a look at the services/benefits that you get with a managed hosting solution:
Performance Monitoring
As a website owner, you need to keep a regular track of your site’s performance. Most of the managed hosting solutions offer performance monitoring as a part of the package. This means your hosting provider monitors the website on your behalf.
So, each time there is a spike or drop in your website traffic, you get notified. This way you can track the factors that cause your traffic to rise or fall and work on them.
Scalability
One factor that contributes to the success of a growing website is scalability. Many websites perform well during regular hours but fumble when unexpectedly large traffic hits.
Reliable hosting providers such as Go4hosting offer scalable solutions that come in handy in such situations. They scale your server in real-time and help manage traffic load on your website.
Security
As the number of cyberattacks continues to burgeon, websites are becoming susceptible to hacks and data breaches. Protecting your website from online threats is, therefore, essential. Managed hosting service providers offer advanced security features that safeguard your website from all kinds of unsolicited intrusion.
Sophisticated encryption and robust security protocols offered by these providers allow your website to run smoothly all-round the year.
Automated Backups
Picture a scenario where the server hosting your website crashes all of a sudden and you lose your crucial files and data. For this reason, it’s vital to have an automated backup feature in your hosting plan. Most of the managed hosting providers offer this.
You should consider two important points when choosing a managed hosting solution in this case. First of all, your backup needs to be on a server different from the one storing your website. And second, the backup should include your database.
Technical Support
Robust technical support is critical to the success of any online business. It not only allows your website to run smoothly but also creates a seamless experience for your visitors.
Most managed hosting services come with professional customer service that duly responds to and resolves your online issues. These services are typically available all round-the-clock, so you can connect with the support team at any time of the day and get your queries answered.
Software Updates
In a managed solution, all software updates and security patches are handled by the host. Timely updating of these software is essential for uninterrupted running of your servers. Besides, it takes the burden of installing updates off your shoulders, allowing you to concentrate on the core aspects of your business.
Wrapping Up
To sum up, unmanaged hosting is suitable for you if:
- You are well-versed with the nuances of server management or want to learn server management.
- You need specialized software for your website.
Managed hosting is the right solution for you if:
- You don’t know how to administer a server.
- You want to keep away from the hassle that comes with server management.
- You want to avail benefits that a managed hosting solution offers.
