Introduction
A website is essential for businesses and individuals but to make your website accessible to the users online, you need web hosting services. So, what is web hosting exactly? Well, it involves renting server space from the hosting provider to store your website files. Further, when the browser of the user visiting your site requests these files from the server, it will deliver a copy for them to view. Some businesses choose to manage their server infrastructure independently but many would outsource this responsibility. This further leads us to the question – ‘What is managed web hosting?’
In a glimpse, businesses partner with a service provider to efficiently handle their web hosting needs. Thus, organizations can focus on their core activities using comprehensive managed services and the complexities of server management are left for the experts to operate.
This article further explains ‘what is managed web hosting’, how it works, and its features, pros & cons. Also, we will discuss other related aspects including the guide on how to find the best managed web hosting provider.
What Is Managed Web Hosting?
Managed web hosting is a comprehensive service for managing and maintaining all the technical elements of your website or app hosting. Your selected managed web hosting provider takes care of basic to critical tasks such as server management, security, and routine maintenance. Thus, businesses can maintain their focus on their projects or businesses without the burden of the server’s technical complexities.
All in all, to answer what is managed hosting – a third-party provider takes care of everything—right from the initial setup to ongoing administration and support for servers and applications.
The managed services often include –
- Regular operating system updates
- Security settings and configurations
- Basic protections against threats like viruses and spam
- Security patches
- Regular backups and updates
- 24/7 technical support and maintenance
- Active network monitoring and management
- Performance optimization
- DDoS protection, content delivery networks, etc.
- Various other server-related tasks
Thus, businesses or individuals need not have the in-house technical expertise in server infrastructure if they choose managed hosting. It is just like outsourcing other essential business services.
Related: What Is Managed Cloud Hosting
How Managed Hosting Works
As discussed in ‘What Is Managed Web Hosting’ above, it operates as an all-in-one solution in which the provider handles backend administration and offers a suite of features designed for user convenience. It includes all technical tasks such as server setup, regular maintenance, performance optimizations, and more. The best managed web hosting provider will always include reliable 24/7 technical support.
The web hosting provider or the server management company takes upon these management tasks for the server’s security and overall maintenance so that the users are freed from these responsibilities.
Additionally, hosting providers typically offer a user-friendly web-based control panel, allowing clients to manage services such as email accounts, databases, and storage effortlessly, along with access to technical support when needed.
Managed vs. Unmanaged Hosting
Here’s what managed vs. unmanaged hosting is –
If you go for a managed hosting provider, they take care of all server-related tasks like setup, maintenance, monitoring, support, and security. This option is for businesses that prefer to focus on their core activities and want to outsource the technical aspects of server management. Managed hosting offers 24/7 support, automated backups, and proactive security measures to ensure the optimal performance of your website.
On the other hand, unmanaged hosting means the responsibility of server management is entirely on you. It is more cost-effective and suitable for individuals or businesses with in-house technical expertise; also, for the ones that prefer full control over their server environment. However, it requires a lot of time and resources for tasks such as backups, updates, security management, and troubleshooting.
Unmanaged hosting provides only the server, a pre-installed operating system, and basic physical maintenance. Users are responsible for managing everything else like content management systems, caching solutions, etc.
Types of Managed Hosting
Now that we know ‘What is managed hosting’, let us understand its various types –
Shared Hosting
This is a web hosting type in which multiple websites share the same server resources. It is an affordable option for individuals and small businesses but the users may need to upgrade to withstand the performance requirements for high-traffic sites.
Cloud Hosting
Cloud hosting websites use interconnected virtual servers on a network in the cloud. This web hosting type offers scalable and optimal performance. Also, it gives the required security for your site or app. High-traffic businesses and complex applications with huge amounts of data prefer cloud hosting as it can easily scale to meet demand.
Dedicated Server
This is one of the superior types of managed hosting. The users get an entire server to themselves in a dedicated server hosting type. It is most suitable for websites or applications with high traffic or extensive resource or security/compliance requirements. Many businesses prefer managed services to ensure their site or app performs optimally with end-to-end expert management services.
VPS Hosting
A managed VPS hosting offers dedicated virtual server resources on a physical server. Thus, the users get more control. It is used for game servers, secondary data storage, Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), etc.
WordPress Hosting
This managed web hosting type is for the WordPress content management system. Managed WordPress hosting includes features to optimize performance and security for those sites.
Key Features of Managed Web Hosting
Read below the summary of the features of the managed web hosting and understand the qualities it has to offer –
Security
With the best managed web hosting providers, you get various specialized technologies such as DDoS protection that defends, manages, and mitigates harmful traffic with firewalls, load-balancing, filters, etc. Other security features include server backups, data recovery solutions, SSL certificates, automatic updates, continuous network monitoring, etc. A malware scanner is another important feature for security against vulnerabilities of your site and files such as viruses and harmful redirects.
A dedicated team continuously monitors your server 24/7 and implements required patches and updates. Thus, your systems always run in optimal condition with the latest versions.
Performance
Performance optimization is one of the key features of managed web hosting. It distributes the server resources such as RAM, CPU power, bandwidth, and storage space as per your selected plan based on the website or app demands for speed and capacity.
Further, it implements a Content Delivery Network (CDN) i.e. network of servers that are placed to enable optimal load times. For this, it caches content closer to users. This also improves site availability by distributing traffic evenly across servers.
Managed hosting further offers scalability to meet traffic fluctuation requirements. With these and various other performance optimization measures, it gives a high uptime guarantee.
Support
The best managed web hosting provider ensures 24/7 technical support through various channels such as calls, live chat, or email. They have a dedicated team to resolve issues quickly.
Pros and Cons of Managed Hosting
Managed hosting plans are generally at a higher cost and offer less control and customization but the benefits of managed hosting compensate for these limitations. Check out the below pros and cons of managed hosting –
Benefits of Managed Hosting
If you are wondering why choose managed hosting, below are the reasons for the same –
Time Efficiency
Managed hosting providers handle server management, configuration, and maintenance. This allows clients to focus more on their core business activities instead of technical details.
Cost Savings
It is costly to hire a dedicated team and resources to manage the hosting servers. Managed hosting can save businesses both time and money by outsourcing technical work to experienced professionals. Also, those plans come at fixed transparent pricing without any hidden costs.
Reduced Security Risks
Managed hosting services actively mitigate various security threats. With continuous expert monitoring, the chances of security breaches decrease significantly. Also, they provide advanced security measures, regular backups & updates, firewalls, etc for site and data protection.
Comprehensive Technical Support
Managed hosting includes 24/7 expert technical support. The managed web hosting providers are always available to address any issues for quick resolutions and maximum uptime.
Compliance Assurance
Businesses can make sure they adhere to data protection and other industry standards. Managed services can help them meet the regulatory compliance.
Optimal Performance
Managed hosting companies have advanced technologies and top-tier data centers that they manage to optimize server efficiency and improve website speed for a better user experience.
Flexibility and Scalability
Businesses can easily scale as their website or app demands grow. The managed hosting provider helps them upgrade and increase the server capacity flexibly.
Benefits of Managed Hosting for Small Businesses
Managed hosting is an ideal solution for small businesses. It offers various advantages that improve small business operations. Some of these benefits are listed below:
- It reduces operational burden and cost for various tasks like updates, security patches, and server maintenance. Thus, businesses need not hire an in-house technical team. Also, they can save on hardware maintenance costs.
- They get access to the latest hardware and guaranteed uptime. So, businesses benefit from faster website speeds and stable network connectivity for smooth operations.
- Managed hosting includes 24/7 customer support that further ensures optimal site and app performance.
- Its advanced security measures protect your site from threats and minimize downtime.
- It allows businesses to easily scale without worrying about server limitations.
Thus, managed hosting helps small businesses operate efficiently. It reduces their technical load and allows them to focus on growth.
Limitations of Managed Hosting
Managed web hosting services have a few cons discussed below –
- It can be more expensive than unmanaged options.
- It limits the control and customization of settings and configurations as per your preferences.
- You need to rely on the provider for various server tasks because they manage all the processes.
How to Look for the Best Managed Web Hosting Provider?
With the right managed hosting provider by your side, you can ensure the best results for your website or app. Also, you need to put your investment in the right place. Finding the best managed hosting provider is a task that can be undertaken considering the following aspects –
Guide to choosing your managed hosting
Analyze your requirements
The first step in selecting a managed web hosting provider is to understand your specific requirements. Evaluate the size and complexity of your website. Managed hosting providers generally have various packages and it is crucial to choose one that will meet your specific website or app needs for performance, security, and support.
Compatibility
You need to ensure the provider has experience with your specific platform such as WordPress or particular software. If you run a particular application, look for hosting services that can support the same. This compatibility is crucial for businesses with demanding applications that require tailored hosting environments.
Pricing and Packages
As per your needs, compare different packages from leading providers. The prices may appear similar but the features and services can vary significantly. The pricing structure is important and it must offer transparent costs to avoid unexpected fees.
Support
Next, support services play a significant role with a managed hosting provider. You may check what range of assistance they offer i.e. is it basic assistance or comprehensive 24/7 help? Also, check the responsiveness and expertise of the support team.
Security
Moreover, security should also be a priority when selecting a provider. They must implement robust measures to protect your website and data such as regular updates, virus protection, and disaster recovery options to ensure data safety and business continuity.
Reputation
You must check the reviews and experience of other users of the hosting provider that you are considering. Focus on the aspects important to you.
Performance and Scalability
Lastly, consider the provider’s performance capabilities with their managed hosting plans. If your website or application is resource-intensive, then you must consider long-term needs and opt for providers that offer dedicated servers and scalable resources. They must be able to accommodate future growth without sacrificing performance.
Cantech’s Managed Web Hosting
Cantech has 15+ years of experience and expertise. We ensure seamless and efficient operations with tailored server configurations, proactive issue resolution, and a more comprehensive approach to managed web hosting that makes us a leading choice in India. You can trust us to handle the complexities of server management so you can concentrate on growing your business.
Cantech offers expert and comprehensive managed web hosting services. Our plans ensure optimal performance and security for your digital infrastructure. As professionals, we take care of everything from the initial setup to ongoing maintenance and support. Our affordable server management services include:
- 24/7 Monitoring and Support – Our team provides 24/7 monitoring to address any issues immediately and ensure your servers run smoothly.
- Customizable Support Plans – You can tailor our server management solutions to fit your specific requirements so that you receive the right support solutions.
- High Uptime Guarantee – We give a 99.97% uptime guarantee and keep your servers operational at all times for maximum availability.
Our services cover various platforms, including Linux, Windows, cPanel, Plesk, etc, with dedicated teams to deliver reliable performance and security across all environments. We offer advanced security measures such as advanced threat detection, backup solutions, and more. Cantech protects your data against potential risks.
Related: What is Server Management?
Conclusion
Managed web hosting for businesses and individuals is a reliable solution to make their websites run smoothly and securely. As a summary of ‘what is managed web hosting’, it is to outsource comprehensive server management with expert support and advanced security measures so that you can focus on your core activities. The right managed hosting provider can significantly impact your online presence. You must find a hosting solution with careful evaluation that not only meets your requirements but also supports your business growth. Choose Cantech for our comprehensive management capabilities.
FAQs for What Is Managed Web Hosting
What is Web Hosting?
Web hosting services enable a website to be accessible on the Internet. The business or individuals can rent server resources for their website files and data. When the user browser requests these files, web hosting enables them to view your content online.
Is Managed Web Hosting Suitable for Small Businesses?
Managed web hosting is a great option for small businesses. The hosting provider takes care of server management and maintenance so business owners can focus on growth and operations. They need not have an in-house technical team for the same. Additionally, it provides excellent value with robust security and performance features.
Can I Migrate My Existing Website to Managed Web Hosting?
Yes, most managed hosting providers offer migration services to help you transfer your existing website smoothly. Cantech provides free website migrations for a smooth transition.
Can you compare Managed Hosting vs. Shared Hosting?
Shared hosting is suitable for small or personal websites. In this web hosting type, multiple websites share resources on the same server. Thus, it is a cost-effective option for beginners and small businesses with limited traffic.
On the other hand, managed hosting costs more but offers greater comfort and comprehensive server management services. It is more suitable when you want to focus on growing your business rather than managing technical aspects. Managed web hosting plans can be bought for your preferred types of servers such as VPS, cloud, dedicated servers, etc.
Why Choose Managed Hosting?
Managed hosting is an excellent choice for businesses that prefer to outsource the technical aspects of their server management. Also, if the companies do not have an in-house technical team, they can simply use the expertise of the managed web hosting providers.
Businesses that have strict security and regulatory demands such as healthcare and finance can take advantage of managed hosting. You also benefit from the advanced features, technology, and services that they provide for optimal performance and security of your site or app.
What is Managed Hosting on Bare Metal Servers?
Managed hosting on bare metal servers offers comprehensive services around operating systems and application infrastructure. This ensures a custom hosting environment and meets your performance and security requirements.
