Dedicated Server: Managed or Unmanaged?
Reference | in dedicated server guides
Hopefully, your website will become so popular that both traffic and money roll in at a steady rate. When you start to get too much traffic though, it is probably time to move on from that shared web hosting platform as the server will not be able to keep up with your demands. The simple solution - a dedicated server. Before heading out to look for web hosts, it is important to know that you essentially have two options for a dedicated server - unmanaged and managed.
Unmanaged Dedicated Web Hosting
Unmanaged hosting pretty much describes a dedicated server in its rawest form. For example, you get the hardware, the resources that come along with it, and an internet connection. The web host houses the equipment in their data facility and keeps it physically secure. Other than that, you’re on your own. With remote access, it is up to you to make sure the server stays functioning and fresh with the necessary updates. You are responsible for all the server administrative tasks, meaning you need to have a special set of skills to thrive in this environment. If you don’t know how to work with complex server software or have a knowledgeable IT staff that does, getting the most out of dedicated hosting will be nearly impossible. Along with all the power and flexibility you get comes a lot of complexity and responsibility some people just can’t handle.
Managed Web Hosting
Managed hosting is a solution that takes the complexity out of a dedicated server. The greatest advantage is that you generally get a full turn-key service where the host takes care of the server administrative tasks. For the most part, a managed hosting provider will allow you to build a custom package from the options best suited for your initiative. Some of the additional services may include database administration and management of your web applications. While you are basically outsourcing server administration, you do get a significant level of control through control panel software. Advanced control panel applications like cPanel’s (WHM) Web Host Manager and Plesk add ease to the process of server administration.
Now You Know
A dedicated server will provide all the resources and control you need but it is also a more complex solution. If you’ve got the level of skill it requires, good. If not, you definitely need managed hosting. With the web host handling all the complicated tasks, you can enjoy the simplicity of shared hosting and still get all the benefits of a robust dedicated server. Most importantly, you can focus on other critical projects and just running your business.
About the Author: As the Web Hosting Ghostwriter, Contel Bradford writes numerous web hosting reviews and articles. View more of his work at the WebHostingGhostWriter.com
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