Articles on Hosting | Topics: hosting, web, host
by Kristofer Alvarez
What's a Managed Web Server?
The majority of web hosts rely on the sufficiency of dedicated servers, however dedicated servers have their share of problems, one of the worse being that they can have a number of technical and operational glitches. More and more is being expected of web hosts and that is where a managed web server (also known as managed hosting) comes in. Managed web servers provide services that are above and beyond that of dedicated servers. These services include managed load balancing, managed security, managed storage, reporting, monitoring and managed databases. A managed virtual server can be described as being a cross between "a shared and a dedicated hosting solution." It is the best of both worlds as it is a combination of the excellent attributes of each.
A more comprehensive definition would be that, "A managed server includes administration and support. A good managed host will troubleshoot problems, help you with configuration, answer your questions, install or patch software, and keep the server running- your job is simply to upload your files and run your site. Managed servers are the most expensive option, but if you don't want the hassle of administration they are ideal."
This is contrasted with an unmanaged server whereby you do your own administrative work. This server comes complete with a connection to the Internet and a server that is preconfigured. An unmanaged host will help you with your hardware concerns but when it comes to configuration beyond the basics, as well as security, software and troubleshooting, you're on your own. The technical assistance you receive with an unmanaged server is not a great deal. The good news in this case is that unmanaged servers are an awful lot cheaper than managed ones but require the individual to do almost all of their own administrative tasks. This point cannot be emphasized enough. A managed server allows an individual to spend more time working and fine tuning their website and leaves the technical headaches and bumps in the road to others to contend with.
| Historical Quote |
The soul knows only the soul; the web of events is the flowing robe in which she is clothed.
| —Ralph Waldo Emerson (18031882) |
|
|
Those with a "high traffic website" are likely to require a dedicated server and the disadvantages of this kind of server is the administrative concerns that go along with it. The individual must do the bulk of his /her own administrative duties and this is where managed hosting comes into the picture. Requiring a dedicated server is one thing, but if you also need specialized services such as firewalls, security data backup, monitoring and reporting then a managed web server is the way to go.
There are a few necessities you must look for in a managed web server and these include reliability and speedy support; freedom; a fast and reliable Internet connection, and finally, competitiveness. To determine whether a web host consists of both a reliable team and has quick response time then contact them by e-mail and see how long it takes them to respond. Not only that but see how informative and forthcoming their response e-mail is to yours. Freedoms to pick and choose what services you require and which ones you don't, is an important element. For example, perhaps firewall protection and/or monitoring is not of interest to you. You should have the option of therefore not getting or having to pay for any services you don't partake of. The method of payment that is made available to you also come under the category of freedom. Managed server companies that allow individuals or small businesses to pay their bills monthly make it easier and simpler for their clients to effectively manage their budgets. On the other hand, contracts that are generated on a yearly basis can be very costly and unnecessary.
An Internet connection is what a fast and reliable connection must be composed of to be classed as an excellent one. Discuss with the web host in question both their network and connectivity dos and don'ts and have them send the appropriate information to you via e-mail. Be aware that some companies have this information readily available on their website. Knowing where the location of the web host's Network Operations Center (NOC) is imperative. Bear in mind that the fastest and also most reliable Internet connections anywhere across the globe is to be found in the United States. Therefore a NOC is the U.S. is everyone's best choice. Competition between companies is healthy and very good for business. There are different managed web server packages although the services, and their prospective prices, vary considerably. As managed hosting becomes more and more common, it will become more affordable and also will encourage even more competitiveness between varieties of companies.
|
We strive to provide
only the finest articles on our website. If
there is a specific angle on hosting that you would like us to cover, please contact us here.
Please note: All personal opinions expressed in the "What's a Managed Web Server?" article belong to the contributing author and are not necessarily shared by WebDesignConferencing.com. |
The Top 10 Biggest Web Design Mistakes By Pierre M. Terry The Top 10 Biggest Web Design Mistakes. In the world of web design, there are plenty of mistakes you can make, and in this article, I'm going to look at what I believe to be the top 10 biggest....
Your Internet Connection And Web Conferencing By Yosef Pruitt If web conferencing is your thing, then there are a few things you need to know about what specifications are required in order to allow a successful web conferencing session to occur. From the littlest details to the major features that should be established for any web conferencing session to be successfully supported, one should make it a point to create a checklist of all necessary specifications to ensure that web conferencing set-up will be up and running satisfyingly....
Hot Wireless Technology Innovations: Bluetooth By Helena Carver Hot Wireless Technology Innovations: Bluetooth Although the word "Bluetooth" first came from the lips of a Dane who lived back in the 10th Century, Bluetooth today represents a technology of the 21st Century. It is a technology that permits 2-way, wireless transmissions over short distances....
Budget Busters – Pitfalls to Avoid when Choosing Cheap a Cheap Web Host By Eternity Cunningham Budget Busters – Pitfalls to Avoid when Choosing Cheap a Cheap Web Host If you want a website to proudly display on the Internet, it doesn't matter if it's an ecommerce website or a small personal one that lets the world know you love dogs, you'll need to know some of the necessities for running one when choosing your web hosting company. After all if you're going to all of the trouble to have one, you'll want the most for your efforts....
Web Search Engine Optimization By Lynette Guy It's truly astonishing how many people are still clueless when it comes to web search engine optimization. You may not believe it, but most people do not make money via the web....
|