Managed dedicated server is a service that includes the hardware, software, and ongoing upkeep of a dedicated server. In simple words, in a managed dedicated hosting, you don’t worry about managing it because your provider employed full-time system administrators that maintain the server. As a customer, you will be able to set up the basics, like domains and mailboxes, but the web host company remains responsible for all necessary configurations and maintenance of the server. Unmanaged servers are actually self managed by you, the customer. Unlike the managed server, you are responsible for configuring and maintaining the server. It will be your responsibility to keep the server hacker free by keeping up to date software on it.
Managed hosting is more expensive than unmanaged hosting because your web host provides you with all the additional services needed to maintain your server. Unmanaged hosting is definitely the cheaper option but if you do decide to go in for an unmanaged server, you need to keep two things in mind:
- You need to have the time to maintain your server on your own
– You need to have the required technical knowledge and expertise needed to carry out all the tasks related to maintaining the server.
Leasing unmanaged dedicated hosting will cost significantly less, which is often appealing for new websites without much start up capital. When using unmanaged hosting, websites still have sole access to a server, which can provide key bandwidth and security options, but there is minimal background support to maintain normal server issues. While this dedicated hosting will have some technical support in place from the third party provider, most of it is only available at an extra cost for those who lease with unmanaged hosting. Usually, the support does not extend beyond simple hardware issues.
Because of the increased cost associated with this type of dedicated hosting, managed hosting is usually more popular with well established and profitable sites. This type of site would utilize the extra support services enough to make the jump in cost worthwhile. Other website owners may opt for managed hosting if their capabilities are extremely limited, with little or no knowledge about how to properly maintain and update a server. In this way, managed hosting is also common amongst novices who simply lack the skill set to adequately maintain a site. Some website owners may eventually shift from managed hosting to unmanaged hosting if their website flourishes enough to warrant adding full time in house technical staff to support server issues.
Overall, you have to weigh your options on whether going for a managed or unmanaged server. Here are the factors you have to consider:
The complexity of your site – determine whether your site has a big amount of pages that needs constant updates. Unmanaged server is advantageous for a simple site like a blog site, whereas managed server is good for a company website.
Time – determine whether you can allocate your time to maintain a site.
Technical skills and knowledge – you need to consider if you or your staff possess the adequate knowledge in maintaining a site to be on its peak condition.
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