Managed Web Hosting Solutions
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Managed web hosting solutions are becoming highly popular in recent years because of the added security, onsite management, 24/7 support and guaranteed uptime offered through many companies. There are many server options from which to chose, but more and more businesses are turning to a managed web site hosting service for the best assurance of advanced features and in-house, technical administration for business websites. Choosing the right hosting option is critical to success for any Internet business and a serious analysis of business requirements as well as various hosting options is necessary to determine which of the solutions are the most beneficial to a business in the long run.
There are several options from which to choose including shared, collocated, unmanaged and managed hosting. While managed web hosting solutions are at the current forefront of the web service competition, shared hosting has traditionally been the earlier and commonly used option for many medium to small sized businesses. This host option is a very cost effective method because it offers space on a server that is shared with other businesses. The business itself maintains and manages the website while the shared hosting company completely maintains the server. Since so many clients share one server, it is much cheaper to use this option for all concerned. The downside to this method is that heavy traffic on one site may hinder functionality on another site unless there is adequate space and storage for all clients. A shared host also cannot to offer the ability to install specific software that may be preferred for a business which limits user versatility.
Another option that is frequently used is unmanaged accounts that are leased and that provides a server with oftentimes minimal support. Instead of using a managed web site hosting service, some small businesses use this method as well as personal or specialty sites that do no have need of extensive, ongoing support and high security requirements. Before choosing this option, it is suggested to always request what level of security features are installed on the server before purchasing this plan. The chance of hackers invading personal and financial information stored on servers that do not have highly managed security features is enhanced. Businesses that do a lot of financial transactions with personal data need to insure their customers that all areas of possible breaches are circumvented. "Be diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to they herds." (Proverbs 27:23)
Collocation services are often used by both large and small businesses that purchase their own servers and pay them to connect the servers to their own networks. Collocation services provide the power supply, backup sources and network management for all the many servers that they may host. The client is responsible for systems management, support and software installations as well as any other IT requirements along the way. While this can be a perfect solution for many clients, the added expense of hiring professionals to manage, maintain and oversee a server can be quite expensive. The problematic features of this option has led to a more palatable and popular choice today that is cost effective and administratively appealing. Managed web hosting solutions can provide the best of all server choices for substantial business endeavors according to the many converts who have switched to this concept.
Providing an all-in-one solution to hosting, management, support, maintenance, back up systems and guaranteed functionality, this option offers advanced services at its best. A managed web site hosting service offers servers that can be leased by clients and that is managed on site at their facilities. Maintenance is of high concern when the possibility of losing time due to malfunctions and poorly executed support can result in financial and online traffic losses. Managed web hosting solutions provide maintenance that generally monitors all servers as to their daily functions, provides important security functions, and provides guarantees on all technical equipment. When researching any solution, be sure to ask questions as to specific management guarantees and responsibilities offered by any company. Some hosts may advertise themselves as managed when really they offer minimal management in regards to some issues.
For those who are interested in this type of option, there are several questions that can help determine if a particular company offers completely managed servers. Always ask what types of host options are offered as well as how long they have been offering managed web hosting solutions as one of their choices. Also, check the history of a company as to how long it has been in business. It is more likely to have developed better support features and advanced technical functionalities if it is several years old. Ask for a client list that can be checked for current references. Current clients are the best asset to any company as well as the best determining factor for prospective clients. Other basic questions to ask relate to how many servers are available, whether there is a central data center controlled by the company and how trained are the on-board staff hired by a company. Always be thorough in checking out any managed web site hosting service considered for purchase or lease since an online business must have adequate host functionality.
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