Tuesday, 1 May 2012

Managed Web Hosting vs Unmanaged Web Hosting

By Matt Fox


Do you need managed hosting? The question is not only one of cost. If you select wrong, it could mean the difference between you being up and permanently down. Make sure to train yourself on the differences to make informed decisions before it is much too late.

There isn't any vanilla answer to what managed web hosting is usually because each host defines managed web hosting as something different. You want to read the terms of service of any managed web hosting agreement to make sure your requirements are met. Normally, it consists of basic client support and basic problem fixing. The right way to grasp what that means is to understand what it does not include.

Programming and programming bugs: Not covered. If you have a 3rd party script or programme that wasn't made by your web host and there is a bug in the programming, normally the host will not help for free and in several cases will not help at all due to the fact that they might not have staff to address the particular problem. Uncovering specific programming problems in 3rd party programs is difficult because you have got to write the original code to completely understand a program. Good hosts will still look for simply solutions if they exist, bad ones will not even try. Routinely, if a host provides a script or programme, they are going to support it, so it is advisable to use their programs first.

Attacks on your server: Not covered. If you come under denial of service attack that forestalls the web host's data center from operating typically, the web host may opt to postpone your account. Additionally , if your programs are hacked and attack other servers, that is your responsibility.

What is usually covered? Well, essentially quite a lot. Patches and updates to your system software and control panel (unless you alter such is a strange manner) are covered. Issues with your email boxes are covered. Replacing of any server hardware is covered. Backups and recoveries are also usually covered.

The easiest way to get the bang for your managed web hosting dollar is to make sure the web host installs a control panel for your hosting account. If they do that, they will typically totally support and diagnose the control panel if anything goes pear-shaped with it, and since a hosting control panels performs the majority of tasks on a hosting account, it immediately covers you for thousands of scenarios.

When is unmanaged web hosting proper? Unmanaged web hosting is only suitable if you know how to install and manage a raw operating system and you are prepared to accept the incontrovertible fact the when your webserver and site goes down, it may go down for good. Even small issues that could be solved thru managed web hosting may not be explained with unmanaged web hosting. You actually need to be a tech yourself to appreciate how a server works so it's just a smart idea in a little number of circumstances. With so many web hosts offering some level of management, it is in your own interest to find a managed web host.

In closing, we will remind that the word "managed" means nothing by itself. It is a blind word that is outlined differently at each single hosting company. When considering an account, make a list of things you want your web host to cover as well as the emergency events you would like the web host to cover. Give your web host this list and ask them to verify if everything you need is indeed covered free.




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