You must have opted for dedicated hosting services due to its credibility and track record with big websites and web applications. However, there are two options you need to choose from when choosing the dedicated hosting service: managed vs unmanaged dedicated server hosting.
In this blog, we discuss whether managed hosting is good for you or not!
Managed vs Unmanaged Dedicated Server: Definitions
Managed Dedicated Server
When a dedicated server is maintained and managed by the web hosting service provider, the services are called managed dedicated hosting services. Management duties include a bunch of administrative and configuration responsibilities.
When you opt for managed dedicated hosting services, you are choosing for freedom from these duties. You can solely focus on your business and website management.
Unmanaged Dedicated Server
When a dedicated server is managed and maintained by the service consumer, it is called an unmanaged dedicated service. As the name suggests, no one manages the server but you.
When you opt for unmanaged dedicated servers, you have to own up to the responsibilities of configuring the server settings and handling its administration. You will have to handle website and server management yourself or with your team of experts.
Managed vs Unmanaged Dedicated Server: Comparison
Features
Managed Server
Unmanaged Server
Management
As the service consumer, your involvement in the day-to-day server management duties is minimal.
As the service consumer, you are completely involved in the day-to-day server management duties, such as server monitoring, data backups, security patches, high performance and uptime and more.
Tech Support
Since the dedicated hosting service providers completely manage the server, they offer 24/7 technical support.
In the case of unmanaged dedicated servers, you receive an optimal amount of technical support regarding primary tasks, server issues and initial hardware setups.
Expertise
You require no technical knowledge or expertise when you choose to buy a managed dedicated server.
When you choose to buy an unmanaged dedicated server, you require complete technical expertise or a group of experts to manage it.
Security
The service providers install, configure, and regulate all the security tools, software and applications, offering top-notch, advanced security measures.
In the case of unmanaged hosting, you have to install, configure and run security measures. Most providers offer good security provisions. You need to stay updated regarding all the necessary advancements in the web hosting security department.
Performance
Since a group of experts completely manages your server, it offers a well-performing website. This is mainly because the server is well-optimised and configured.
As the service consumer and primary handler of the server, you are responsible for optimising it to deliver unparalleled performance.
Backup
Regular and automated data backup is a part of your managed dedicated hosting package.
In an unmanaged hosting package, you have to take responsibility for the data backup protocol. Most service providers offer basic services to enable data backup.
Control
You have minimal control over the server configuration and management.
You have complete control over server configuration and management.
Cost
Managed dedicated servers are more expensive than their counterpart.
While unmanaged dedicated hosting is expensive compared to other hosting solutions, it is inexpensive compared to managed packages.
Final Verdict
As you read in the blog, both hosting solutions offer peculiarities and unique attributes. If you need no additional responsibilities and duties, managed dedicated hosting is the better choice. However, if you want more control over server maintenance and management, unmanaged dedicated servers are your way to go!
All the best with your decision-making and hosting journey!
