After my article on Factors to consider when choosing WordPress Hosting, I’m going to take look at a comparison between managed and unmanaged virtual private servers.
Managed virtual private server
Simply put, managed VPS involves a situation where the web-hosting company takes care of everything relating to the hosting. The web-host takes care of all technical details of all the clients. In case of an issue with hosting, you do not do it yourself; you just contact the hosting company.
Different hosting companies differ in the definition of the term “managed hosting”. The differences in definitions arise from lack of standards for a fully managed hosting. This leads to some providers providing what they call semi-managed servers.
When shopping for a managed VPS account, shop for specific tasks within the package. Different companies will have different services within a managed hosting package. Some will do a one-time install of a control panel and leave you to handle other tasks like installing 3rd party software.
Although managed VPS hosting accounts are relatively expensive, they are worth every dollar since they provide you with solutions to technical problems right away at any time of the day.
Different hosting companies differ in the definition of the term “managed hosting”. The differences in definitions arise from lack of standards for a fully managed hosting. This leads to some providers providing what they call semi-managed servers.
When shopping for a managed VPS account, shop for specific tasks within the package. Different companies will have different services within a managed hosting package. Some will do a one-time install of a control panel and leave you to handle other tasks like installing 3rd party software.
Although managed VPS hosting accounts are relatively expensive, they are worth every dollar since they provide you with solutions to technical problems right away at any time of the day.
Advantages of managed VPS hosting
- Convenience is the primary advantage of a managed virtual private server. The hosting company handles data backups, server troubleshooting, software updates and other administrative tasks for you. Most managed VPS service providers will provide all these services proactively.
- Managed virtual private server hosting plans provide & install an operating system of your preference. If you plan to use a Windows server, they install windows for you; or Linux if you are planning to use a Linux server. The company installs a control panel for you. You use the control panel to administer your VPS remotely.
- Managed VPS tend to be all-inclusive. Unlike a semi-managed server that charges an administrative fee to perform certain tasks, a fully managed server provides all related services at no extra charge. Even when the task is charged, the charges are usually low. Highly recommended for WordPress Hosting.
- Another benefit is – access to technical support. Managed VPS service providers offer you with 24/7 support in addition to quick resolutions to technical issues you have. You are able to discuss with the support team on both urgent and less urgent issues.
Disadvantages of managed VPS hosting
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Unmanaged Virtual Private Server
This is a virtual private server where the client performs all the activities in relation to the hosting. You set things up the way you want them to be. This is an option left to people with the technical knowhow to configure and run servers. It is a low-cost but cumbersome option.
All the hosting service provider does is set up a VPS account for you, give you IP address, username, and password and then you are on your own. Most unmanaged VPS hosting accounts do not come with pre-installed control panels. You have to pay an extra fee to have one installed for you.
Remember to check out my hostgator review for year 2014.
All the hosting service provider does is set up a VPS account for you, give you IP address, username, and password and then you are on your own. Most unmanaged VPS hosting accounts do not come with pre-installed control panels. You have to pay an extra fee to have one installed for you.
Remember to check out my hostgator review for year 2014.
Advantages of unmanaged VPS hosting
- Autonomy – the unmanaged VPS hosting option comes with autonomy in terms of software installation, bandwidth, storage space, usage, and memory. You decide all these.
- Unlike the managed VPS, you can customise an unmanaged VPS to precisely meet your needs.
- This is a cost-effective option since you do not need to acquire, accommodate, power, or secure the server.
- You could receive standard in addition to non-standard applications from the service provider.
- You do not need to wait for hours on unresponsive technical support. You handle the issues yourself.
- In an unmanaged VPS, you could install programs and software not permitted in shared hosting since control is in your hands.
- They are more suitable for business websites with need for high bandwidths.
Disdvantages of unmanaged VPS hosting
- The VPS account is in your hands. This means that the hosted website is in your hands. If you are not an expert in managing, setting up, troubleshooting, and operating a web server, your site could develop accessibility issues.
- The simple rule with unmanaged VPS account, it is up to you to find a solution. You should not expect any kind of help from the service provider.
- It is expensive to hire experts to help when complications arise down the line. You could avoid this trouble by using a managed server.