Managed web hosting is a hosting arrangement where a hosting company manages all technical management and maintenance tasks on behalf of a client. This includes providing administrative, cPanel, security, IP address, and server upkeep services by a team of qualified system admins.
Those looking to focus on their business rather than server management can benefit from the hassle-free maintenance and support that managed hosting offers.
Our blog will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of managed web hosting to give you a clear overview of what you can expect from this type of hosting.
Key Points
- Managed web hosting involves a hosting company handling all technical management and maintenance tasks for the client.
- This type of web hosting offers numerous benefits that enhance website performance, security, and ease of management.
- Despite its benefits, managed web hosting has drawbacks that should be considered for an informed hosting decision. This includes limited control, premium costs, slower updates, and dependency on the provider.
- Managed hosting solutions are suitable for eCommerce websites, growing small businesses, and high-traffic blogs.
Table of Contents
Managed Web Hosting Advantages
Managed web hosting has many benefits that can significantly enhance website domain security, performance, and ease of management.
The following are the main advantages of managed web hosting:
- Network security: Managed cloud hosting servers use firewalls, Intrusion Detection System (IDS), Intrusion Prevention System (IPS), and virtual local area networks (VLAN) to protect websites from malicious intrusions. Such security measures provide a safe environment for your website.
- Server monitoring: This strategy involves scanning all server files to detect any irregularities. System administrators find and fix weak spots and vulnerabilities in the server's setup.
- Backups and disaster recovery: Managed server specialists handle data backups, which can be challenging to manage independently. They ensure that backups are regularly updated and maintained.
- Constant availability: This hosting plan utilizes storage and failover protection mechanisms, along with a private cloud structure, to provide high availability at all times.
- Automated resource balancing: Cloud servers automatically manage resource and failover balancing. This ensures the capacity to update and manage both software and hardware efficiently.
- Dedicated network: Managed web hosting servers combine the benefits of physical and virtual servers, which enable apps and database engines to share a dedicated network. This creates a versatile and efficient system.
- Affordability: Managed cloud services and resources are billed per usage, which makes them highly cost-effective for many organizations. This arrangement means that you'll only pay for what you use, so you don't have to worry about other expenses.
Managed Web Hosting Disadvantages
Despite its many benefits, managed web hosting also has drawbacks. It’s important to consider these points so you can make an informed decision about your hosting needs.
Here are some common disadvantages of managed web hosting:
- Cost: Managed web hosting tends to be more expensive than unmanaged hosting. The additional services and support come at a premium, which might not be justified for small business websites or those with limited budgets.
- Limited control: With managed hosting, you have less control over the server settings and configurations. This can be restrictive for advanced users or developers who need specific customizations.
- Dependency on provider: Your website’s performance and security are heavily reliant on the hosting provider. Any downtime or issues they experience can directly affect your website.
- Potential for slower updates: Managed hosting providers often handle updates and patches for you. However, they may not always implement them as quickly as you would if you were managing the server yourself.
- Resource limitations: Managed hosting plans may come with specific resource limits. Sudden traffic spikes or increased resource needs might require you to upgrade your plan or negotiate with the provider.
Who Are Managed Hosting Solutions Suitable For?
Now that we’ve explored the pros and cons of managed web hosting, it’s clear that it may not be suitable for everyone. However, there are certain use cases and types of companies that can benefit from managed hosting solutions.
Below are some scenarios where managed hosting proves to be exceptionally beneficial:
- eCommerce websites
- Growing small businesses
- High-traffic blogs
- Corporate websites
- Developers and agencies
1. eCommerce Websites
eCommerce websites can greatly benefit from managed hosting solutions. With high traffic volumes and the need for secure transactions, these websites require robust security and constant uptime. Managed hosting providers ensure the site runs smoothly and handles traffic spikes all while keeping customer data secure.
2. Growing Small Businesses
Growing small businesses often lack the technical expertise and resources to manage their own servers. Managed hosting provides a hassle-free solution by offering professional support and maintenance. This allows small company owners to focus on expanding without worrying about server issues, updates, or security breaches.
3. High-Traffic Blogs
High-traffic blogs and media sites need reliable hosting to handle large volumes of visitors and content. Managed hosting ensures optimal performance and speed by enhancing user experience and reducing downtime. Additionally, these sites benefit from automated backups and disaster recovery plans provided by managed hosting services.
4. Corporate Websites
Corporate websites require professional-grade hosting solutions to maintain a polished and reliable online presence. Managed hosting offers the security, monitoring, and support needed for such high-stakes environments. This ensures that corporate sites remain up-to-date and secure, positively reflecting on the companies behind them.
5. Developers and Agencies
Developers and agencies managing multiple client websites can streamline their operations with managed hosting. This solution offers a stable and secure environment, while also freeing agencies from routine maintenance tasks. Such a setup allows them to focus on both frontend and backend web development together with creative work while the hosting provider handles server management and technical support.
Managed Web Hosting Takeaways
Managed web hosting is a service where a hosting company takes care of all technical management and maintenance tasks on behalf of a client. Those looking to focus on their business can benefit from the hassle-free maintenance and support that this arrangement offers.
With a better understanding of managed web hosting, it’s time to evaluate if it aligns with your needs. Assess your current hosting situation and determine if the benefits of managed hosting would add value to your business or website.
By comparing different providers, features, and pricing plans, you can find the best hosting solution for your organization.
