A smoothly functioning secure site is something that any website owner wants. To make this possible, you need the right combo of hosting type and efficient website management. This blog helps you find one as per your needs. For this, we will discuss various types of managed hosting services like self-managed, semi-managed, and fully managed with the related types. Also, you will know how to find the best managed hosting provider and what to look for to select an ideal one. Now, first, let us get into the basics of managed hosting.
What is Managed Hosting?
When you get an expert hosting provider to take full responsibility for the management and maintenance of your servers, then it is called managed hosting.
As the management services are outsourced, the businesses can then focus on main business activities. Also, they do not need in-house technical expertise because the experts are there for all aspects of server management. Below are the main features of managed hosting services –
If you opt for fully managed hosting services –
- The provider manages the OS and applications deployment and management to keep it secure and up-to-date.
- They continuously monitor network infrastructure to maintain optimal performance and security threats like virus, spam protection, etc.
- You get 24/7 technical support for any issues or concerns.
- The overall services can guarantee server performance and above 99.9% uptime.
Semi-managed hosting type is also available, which we will discuss later.
Learn more about What is Managed Web Hosting?
Benefits of Managed Hosting
Managed hosting meaning and features clarify various aspects, let us further discuss the benefits of managed hosting to know more –
Security
The server needs continuous monitoring to maintain its security. The rise in cybersecurity threats has made it difficult to maintain effective in-house security.
However, managed hosting providers can efficiently take care of the same by maintaining security protocols with 24/7 monitoring, updates, and support services.
Outsourcing
You can direct your efforts and resources to concentrate on other essential business functions by outsourcing server management. You can also improve products/services or manage clients instead of dealing with server technical issues. Thus, this approach to server management is more productive and growth-oriented.
Compliance
Many businesses have to navigate through data compliance regulations. The best managed hosting providers help with this too. The experts can help you meet compliance standards effortlessly and free you from the stress of regulatory obligations.
Latest Technology
Professionally managed hosting providers stay tuned with technological advancements so that you can benefit from the latest technologies with affordable investments. They provide efficient solutions and features with various modern types of web hosting.
Scalability
The experts stay on top of everything and monitor to keep you up with your changing demands. They adjust the server capacity to respond swiftly to market fluctuations for you. This benefit helps you grow and also saves costs in case of fluctuations.
Types of Managed Hosting Services
Now that we have an answer to what is fully managed hosting services, you know that it involves experts to comprehensively monitor and manage your server. However, other types involve complete or partial in-house expertise to manage your servers.
Let us get further clarification by moving on to the types of managed hosting services.
Self-Managed Hosting
Self-managed hosting or unmanaged hosting means the businesses themselves take complete responsibility for server management. It is ideal if you have in-house IT teams ready to manage your server.
You buy the resources from the hosting provider with a preferred type of web hosting like VPS, cloud hosting, dedicated hosting, etc, and with advanced technical expertise, you manage and take complete control over your server environment.
All in all, the businesses get full access to server settings and configurations to customize it as per specific business requirements. You also take care of maintenance and security updates for secure and operational servers. Also, it is a more affordable option than fully managed hosting.
Semi-Managed Hosting
A combo of self-managed and outsourced managed services is semi-managed services. So, the businesses handle basic or preferred server tasks and get assistance with more complex server management issues from the experts.
The plans often include maintenance, software updates, security monitoring, etc. So, you can get the benefits of control and technical support without getting fully managed hosting plans. Thus, the prices are moderate, less than managed hosting but higher than self-managed options.
Fully Managed Hosting
As defined in what is managed hosting, fully managed hosting is a comprehensive management service for all server-related tasks. It takes away technical responsibilities from the businesses for the following tasks:
- Setup and configuration
- Server monitoring, management, and maintenance.
- Security and Compliance
- Regular updates, backups, and recovery
- 24/7 technical support
- And more
Thus, these services from experts can ensure optimal performance and security. However, it is typically the most expensive but makes you stress and worry-free.
Managed Application Hosting
When you want a specific application to be managed, you can opt for managed application hosting services. It is a great option when you focus on a particular software solution, for example, getting managed WordPress hosting. The experts will optimize the environment for them so that they function efficiently. Also, they ensure that the application is secure and up-to-date. The services also include 24/7 technical support for any issues.
Managed Email Services
Businesses can outsource their email hosting needs so that they do not manage email servers in-house and get a reliable and efficient way to handle business communication. Thus. they are relieved of the burden of managing email infrastructure. All in all, managed email services include customized email solutions with specific parameters and comprehensive support.
Managed WordPress Hosting
Managed WordPress hosting is an optimized management solution for WordPress platforms. The experts take care of everything including updates for plugins and themes, regular security checks, daily backups, etc.
With extensive services, the experts ensure that your site performance is at its best due to optimized server configurations. They also include developer tools for further customization so that businesses can customize their websites to their unique needs and preferences.
Managed WooCommerce Hosting
E-commerce businesses can use this managed hosting type for the best performance and security of online stores built on the WooCommerce platform. These overall services provide an optimized hosting environment to give faster load times. Also, you get essential support for e-commerce features and plugins, free themes, and mobile optimization features.
Further, it includes tools for effective inventory and sales management. Moreover, managed WooCommerce hosting simplifies the migration process for new stores.
Managed vs Unmanaged Hosting
While there are various types of managed hosting services, it comes down to managed vs unmanaged hosting when you want to make a decision –
| Points | Managed Hosting | Unmanaged Hosting |
| Support | Complete 24/7 support and monitoring for your server and applications. | Includes basic support for hardware and general issues otherwise you need to manage everything else. |
| Control | Limited control due to outsourced services but get the benefit of expert assistance | Get full control over server configurations and management tasks |
| Maintenance | The hosting provider handles all maintenance tasks like updates, backups, security checks, etc. | Maintenance tasks like software updates and security are on business users. |
| Setup Complexity | Set up and configuration of managed hosting is simple with expert hosting providers | Requires advanced technical skills for initial setup and configuration. |
| Security | Get enhanced security features and regular monitoring services | You need your own security measures and threat detection management. |
| Cost | Costs are higher due to comprehensive management, support, and features. | More affordable but you need an in-house expert team so you need to incur additional costs for hiring. |
| Ideal Users | Users who prefer to focus on growth rather than server management | Experienced users who want full control over their server |
Related: Managed Vs Unmanaged Hosting
Which Type of Managed Hosting Option is Right for You?
An appropriate hosting type can make or break your site or app. Let us simplify your decision-making process, with the below evaluation.
Fully Managed Hosting Type
- You do not have strong technical skills or in-house experts
- You prefer to focus on your business and do not want to deal with server management.
Managed hosting gives expert support, monitoring, maintenance, and overall management. You can concentrate on growth and clients with such extensive services because it can meet your website or app needs effectively. However, it comes at a higher cost.
Unmanaged Hosting Type
This type of managed hosting will minimize costs but the primary aspect is that you do not mind taking charge of technical responsibilities. Also, complete control over your server will be in your hands.
However, it is not suitable for you if you are a beginner who lacks the technical know-how for effective server management.
If you need the positives of both types of managed services, you can select semi-managed hosting services.
How to Find the Best Managed Hosting Provider?
With the right type of hosting, you also need an ideal and expert provider. The following key factors will help you find an ideal one for your business partner –
Performance & Reliability
The performance of your server depends on the hosting provider’s services, infrastructure, and technology. They must provide the best quality hardware and modern features to stay up-to-date for performance and security. Also, the services like setup, configuration, maintenance, and monitoring greatly influence your site operations. Thus, your host must offer high-quality servers for speed and reliable service with the best uptime guarantee.
Customer Support
The support team must offer speedy responses and resolutions with 24/7 availability. They must have such expertise, especially for specialized services. You can verify the support channels like live chat, email, or phone.
Maintenance and Security
Get a clear understanding of what responsibilities your managed hosting provider will assume. A fully managed host should handle 24/7 maintenance so that applications are updated and secure. Thus, you can stay stress-free for any outdated software or potential threats.
Value of Services
As mentioned multiple times, managed hosting services are costlier but they offer a complete hosting package with features and support that can justify the cost. You can also look for customizable packages that can eliminate any service that you do not require. You can also look for semi-managed hosting services.
Cantech’s Managed Services
Cantech offers managed and unmanaged hosting services. You can opt for the plan that best suits your needs.
Our managed hosting services team manages the infrastructure efficiently so that we can provide top-notch performance and security. Thus, you can only worry about your business operations and not the server management tasks. You can rely on our 15+ years of hosting experience. All in all, we guarantee 99.97% uptime and the best security with advanced technology and dedicated 24/7 support at every level.
You can opt for managed hosting services with your preferred hosting type like –
- Managed Dedicated Hosting
- Managed VPS Hosting
- Managed Cloud Hosting
- Linux/Windows Server Management
- cPanel/Plesk Server Management
- DigitalOcean Droplets Management
- Amazon Web Services Management
- Azure Server Management
- Any other custom requirement
Our other managed services features are listed below –
Expert Management
Our proficient team manages all server aspects from setup, management, maintenance, troubleshooting, etc. We have a 24/7 support team to address any technical issues.
Enhanced Security & Compliance
We implement advanced security measures and monitor them to protect site and client data. The services also include regular updates and proactive monitoring.
Reliable Performance
The servers operate at optimal performance levels, we ensure that with our support and monitoring services. Also, we use high-quality hardware and infrastructure to deliver fast and efficient hosting services.
Scalability Options
The scaling of our services is super-easy. We provide flexible solutions that grow your business according to your needs.
Backup Solutions
Our automated backup services make our data safe. Also, it can be restored quickly in case of any issues.
Cost-effective Packages
We offer various pricing plans as per different budgets. You can choose a package that meets your specific requirements with custom solutions.
Conclusion
Various types of managed hosting are available with various levels of support and customization as per different needs and expertise levels. Businesses must evaluate technical capabilities, budget, and specific requirements when choosing a hosting service. The perfect managed hosting type will give the benefits of the best security, reliable performance, and reduced downtime.
Overall, the investment in managed hosting services can be cost-effective in the long term if you do not have the in-house capabilities. It also gives you the freedom to take care of your business operations, growth, and innovation.
However, you can keep server management in your hands to get complete control and customization capabilities with you. Whatever your choice is, Cantech can fulfil all your custom hosting needs. Get in touch today!
FAQs for Types of Managed Hosting Services
What is web hosting?
Web hosting services provide infrastructure and technology to bring your websites and web applications online. Expert web hosting providers offer these services to make your online content accessible through the internet.
What is a fully managed hosting service?
Managed hosting includes renting the servers with comprehensive management services from the hosting provider. They provide services like server setup, monitoring, management, ongoing support, etc. You need not worry about any technical aspect of your server.
What is Self-Managed hosting?
Self-managed hosting is also called unmanaged hosting. In this type, you buy the server resources and infrastructure only. You take care of complete management and monitoring for the performance and security of your website or app. This includes setting up and maintaining the server, handling security measures, performing updates, and resolving technical issues.
For this, you need in-house technical expertise and capabilities. However, it gives the benefits of lower costs and complete server control and customization over their hosting.
What is semi managed hosting?
Semi-managed hosting is the combination of managed and unmanaged hosting. Thus, you handle basic tasks and also get the hosting provider’s expert support for advanced server management aspects.
What types of hosting are available?
Different types of web hosting types are available as per your site or app needs. Shared hosting is a cost-effective solution for beginners or small sites sharing a server with multiple websites. VPS, cloud hosting, and dedicated hosting are better solutions for performance and reliability at a higher cost. Also, you can explore reseller hosting if you want to start your own hosting business.
What is managed hosting?
Managed hosting is a comprehensive package with your suitable web hosting type. It includes server or application setup, configurations, security and compliance, performance optimization, etc. You can rely on hosting providers for any technical issues or services 24/7.
What is managed hosting vs VPS hosting?
VPS hosting is a web hosting type in which you can rent a dedicated virtual server for your site or app. Managed VPS hosting solutions give added services with VPS like setup, content delivery network (CDN) integration, advanced security features, automatic backups, protection against DDoS attacks, 24/7 support & monitoring, configuration, etc.
What is managed hosting vs dedicated hosting?
Dedicated hosting plans offer entire server resources for your single use. This type of web hosting is ideal for high-traffic sites. Also, users with extensive resources or specialized security needs can opt for dedicated hosting. On the other hand, managed services come with end-to-end management services from setup, security, performance, and troubleshooting, to 24/7 monitoring and support.
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