What Is Managed Hosting?

As a business scales, so does the complexity of managing its IT infrastructure. If left to chance, traffic spikes and order surges can end up siphoning all resources into server maintenance, optimizations, and troubleshooting. This vulnerability can also leave the organization wide open to a cyber attack.

Enter managed hosting. Instead of battling server issues, businesses hire professionals to oversee all aspects of their server infrastructure, from setup and configuration to ongoing maintenance and security. Managed hosting lets you focus on growing your business while your customers enjoy an experience that is consistent, dependable, and secure.

This article explores the ins and outs of managed hosting and how it can empower your business to thrive.

What Is Managed Hosting?

Managed hosting is a service where customers rent a dedicated server along with expert management. Unlike shared hosting or the public cloud, where computing resources are shared among users, with managed hosting, the physical server is reserved solely for one client.

A key benefit of single tenancy is that the client has exclusive access to the server's resources (CPU, RAM, storage). This exclusivity ensures optimal performance and eliminates the potential impact of "noisy neighbors", i.e., other users on shared resources.

The server itself resides in a secure data center run by the managed service provider (MSP), who typically have a web-based interface for convenient server access and management.

How Does Managed Hosting Work?

Managed hosting providers take care of the complete setup, administration, and maintenance of your website or application's infrastructure.

Core services like server management and security patching are standard across providers. However, some offer additional options and premium features.

Here is a breakdown of managed hosting services.

Infrastructure Management

IT infrastructure is the foundation of a digital system. MSPs offer a range of solutions to take the burden of managing one off your shoulders.

• Dedicated server hosting. MSPs procure, configure, and maintain server hardware.
• Virtualized server hosting. MSPs set up and deploy virtual servers for their clients. They also manage the virtualization platform, allocate resources to virtual machines, and ensure their security and performance.
• 24/7 technical support. MSPs provide clients with a team of experienced technicians for troubleshooting, problem-solving, and ongoing support.

Software and Security Management

MSPs set up and maintain your software, keep your information safe, and ensure compliance with data protection laws.

• Operating system and software management. MSPs install, configure, and update server operating systems, security patches, and application software.
• Security management. MSPs protect servers from cyber attacks by installing firewalls and intrusion detection systems, and performing regular network security audits.
• Compliance-specific services. MSPs address industry-specific compliance requirements (e.g., HIPAA, GDPR, PCI DSS) with specialized solutions.
• Backups and disaster recovery. MSPs safeguard your business continuity with disaster recovery planning. They establish backup strategies, store your data securely off-site, and configure automated recovery procedures to minimize downtime and data loss in case of emergencies.

Performance and Application Development

A fast and responsive user experience is vital to success. MSPs offer tools, expertise, and support to help you achieve this.

• Performance optimization. MSPs identify bottlenecks and optimize server configuration with performance monitoring tools and manual analysis.
• Load balancing. MSPs ensure your applications run smoothly under varying loads and during traffic spikes.
• Content delivery networks (CDNs). MSPs improve website loading speeds for global audiences by using geographically distributed servers managed through Content Delivery Networks (CDNs).
• Containerization. MSPs optimize container deployment, resource allocation, and security for containerized microservices on platforms like Docker or Kubernetes.
• Database management. MSPs manage tasks like database optimization, replication, backups, and patching.

Unmanaged vs. Managed Hosting

Unmanaged hosting leaves everything above the operating system level entirely in the client's hands. The difference between unmanaged and managed hosting is much like the difference between renting a car and hiring a chauffeur with his own car.

Here is a table comparing the differences between unmanaged and managed hosting.

Benefits of Managed Hosting

Managed hosting has unique advantages compared to unmanaged and self-hosting:

• Expert administration. MSPs have dedicated teams of server specialists. Acquiring this level of expertise requires a significant investment that isn't cost-effective for smaller businesses.
• Guaranteed uptime and performance. MSPs offer Service Level Agreements (SLAs) that guarantee 99.9% uptime and lightning-fast response times. If they fall short of these targets, you receive compensation. On the other hand, self-hosting puts the onus on you, and without the right expertise and resources, you will likely experience unpredictable downtime and sluggish performance.
• Automated scaling and resource management. MSPs automatically scale resources based on a website or application's real-time needs. This ensures optimal performance during traffic spikes and eliminates the need for manual intervention. Furthermore, automated scaling reduces the risk of over- or under-provisioning resources.
• Unmatched security. Reputable MSPs with deep security knowledge and certifications are a formidable barrier against cyber attacks. Their data centers also feature robust physical security that far exceeds the capabilities of most businesses.

Challenges of Managed Hosting

Managed hosting is convenient, reliable, and secure. However, it has its challenges.

• Cost. Managed hosting generally comes at a higher price than self-hosting or shared hosting. You are paying for the vendor’s expertise, management, and guaranteed service levels.
• Control. With managed hosting, you relinquish some control over your IT environment. While providers offer customization options, they might only grant partial root access or advanced configuration capabilities available with self-hosting.
• Vendor lock-in. Switching providers with a complex website setup can be challenging due to potential data migration and configuration complexities. This "lock-in" effect is less of a concern with self-hosting or portable shared hosting.
• Compatibility problems. Your software and applications might not be completely compatible with the provider's platform and offerings.

When to Choose Managed Hosting

Micro businesses often don't need advanced IT infrastructure and find their shared hosting adequate. Conversely, sizable corporations with a surplus of resources and in-house expertise benefit from the control and customization offered by self-hosting or hybrid solutions.

Managed hosting is tailor-made for booming businesses that have outgrown their IT systems but don't want to build and staff an in-house data center. They demand performance, reliable uptime, and robust security but want to avoid managing a complex IT infrastructure. Managed hosting bridges this gap and enables them to focus on growth, while outsourcing server complexities to experts.

How to Choose a Managed Service Provider?

The best MSP is not necessarily the cheapest or most feature-rich, but the one that tightly integrates with your organization and gives you a dependable and secure foundation for success.

Here is a guide to help you choose the best MSP.

1. Assess Your Needs

First things first, you must define your expectations. Carefully consider the following:

• Technical requirements. Determine what you need the MSP to manage, such as servers, networks, or cybersecurity.
• Budget. Establish your budget for managed services to compare different providers' offerings.
• Industry expertise. Consider if you need an MSP with specific expertise in your industry or technology stack.
• Company size and location. Choose an MSP with the resources and experience to manage your company's size and geographic location.

2. Research Your Options

Once you clearly understand your needs, explore the field of potential MSPs. Check how different vendors compare against these criteria:

• Reputation and reviews. Check online reviews, industry awards, and case studies to understand the MSP's performance and client satisfaction.
• Security standards and certifications. Ensure the MSP has demonstrated their commitment to data security with certifications like SOC 2 and ISO 27001.
• Service portfolio and SLAs. Evaluate their range of services and their Service Level Agreements.
• Technology partnerships. Look for an MSP with partnerships with major technology vendors.

3. Contact Potential MSPs

After you compile a shortlist of potential partners, contact shortlisted providers and ask for the following:

• Request proposals. Get formal proposals outlining services, pricing, and SLAs from shortlisted MSPs.
• Ask questions. Schedule demos and interviews to explore their technical expertise, communication style, and client support approach.
• Check references. Contact the MSP’s current or past clients to gain further insights into their service quality and responsiveness.
• Consider scalability. Ensure the MSP can adapt to your future growth without significant service disruption.
• Look for transparency. Choose an MSP that provides clear pricing models without hidden fees.

4. Make Your Decision

Once you’ve completed your due diligence, it’s time to decide. Carefully compare the proposals you’ve received from shortlisted MSPs. Analyze each based on your initial needs, budget constraints, and the impression you gained during your interactions. Consider the services, pricing structures, SLAs, technical expertise, communication style, and client support approach.

Ultimately, you should rely on your instincts. Choose the MSP you feel most comfortable and confident partnering with. This is a long-term relationship, so prioritize the provider who inspires trust, aligns with your company culture, and genuinely understands your requirements.

Remember, an MSP is your strategic partner. They are pivotal to your IT setup’s smooth operation and overall success.

Peace of Mind with Managed Hosting

Picture this: A sudden surge of traffic hits your app or website. While you're excited about the interest, the system struggles to keep up and grinds to a halt. The customers get frustrated, sales plunge, and your brand is damaged. Reliable hosting will help you avoid situations like this.

Much like health insurance provides peace of mind, managed hosting ensures your website runs smoothly even during unexpected peaks. It also enables you to reclaim valuable time spent fixing technical issues.

Don't let server troubles slow you down. Invest in managed hosting and focus on your business.