SolveYourProblem
Article Series: Web Hosting
Teach Me Web Hosting Essentials
What
is 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.
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. # # # # #
SolveYourProblem.com : 2007
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