VPS (Virtual Private Server) hosting has become quite popular with website owners because they get the benefits of dedicated servers at reasonable costs. However when it comes to choosing the right VPS hosting for you, managed and unmanaged server options have to be considered. They are both dedicated hosting types and you can own a server in both cases, but there are differences that set them apart. Below we have mentioned the difference between managed and unmanaged VPS hosting.
Technical Knowledge
If you don’t have any technical understanding of server functioning then managed hosting might be the right option for you. That’s because in this instance the service provider also handles the responsibility for server functioning issues, including VPS server configuration, server maintenance, upgrade, server security and a lot more. Hence you get a functional server without any hassles so that you can concentrate on your website related needs completely.
If you can handle your server technically then you can opt for unmanaged hosting. All you get from the service provider is physical infrastructure and initial installation of the server, while it also handles hardware issues and uptime. But everything else from software upgrade to security and maintenance is your responsibility and you will have to take care of it. If you are not aware of the latest tools and software then you might have to be saddled with troubleshooting woes and compatibility issues. Whether you are having technical knowledge or not makes the big difference between managed and unmanaged VPS hosting.
Flexibility and Control Level Required
What is the level of flexibility and control you need over your hosting environment? That’s the next question you need to ask yourself. Major core server processes are under the administration of the service provider and you just can’t get the kind of control you might want. The main feature list of managed hosting systems often have full root level access but what you need to realize is that complete access is only possible with unmanaged hosting. It also offers you maximum flexibility, which can be attractive if it’s a requirement for you.
Support
Managed hosting often involves adequate support service, which means you can run your website without much hassle. If you have a problem related to your website, account or an app, you can get help for it at the earliest. Hence you have the much needed peace of mind, which is difficult in case of unmanaged VPS hosting systems. In the case of the latter you might have to hire and expert administrator or IT resources that can help you out.
Server
In case of managed VPS hosting it’s possible to buy servers and make the most of collocation hosting option. If there are any issues with the servers, you will have to hire a company that can manage, monitor, update them. In return you have to pay a monthly fee and at the time of server update you can also rent more space from them.
But this is not an option in case of managed VPS hosting where you need to have your own team, house the servers and also fix the problems when they arise. It can be a tricky and expensive task because you have to pay your team. Moreover you need to buy servers after few years and deal with the costs of training your staff after updates. Thus you end up spending a lot of money in the process.
Pricing
Managed VPS hosting systems are generally more expensive than unmanaged ones, more so because technical support and assistance is involved in the package, which adds to the costs. If you compare the packages that have the same services, you will find that unmanaged hosting options work out to be cheaper. In fact, you get less service for your unmanaged system because you are charged less.
Security
When you choose managed VPS hosting system, you don’t have to think twice about safety and security of your website. Since you have a team of engineers helping you out 24×7, it brings you more security than unmanaged hosting options. Managed hosting service providers can offer you security from malicious intruders through different options like firewall, anti-spammer technologies, rootkit detectors besides daily file and data backup and assessment tools that will keep you updated about the security level on your website.
[OVERVIEW] Difference Between Managed And Unmanaged VPS Hosting
Since you don’t have to pay for technical assistance, you will save some amounts when opting for unmanaged VPS hosting. Opting for a managed VPS web service on the other hand means you don’t have to worry yourself with technical issues that will be taken care of for you. Unmanaged VPS hosting could be the right option for medium sized businesses that have some kind of expertise in the field. Large sized businesses can benefit from choosing managed VPS hosting services because they are saved time and energy in the long run. Both the options can actually meet their requirements when it comes to demanding applications and real time systems. If you are really into server management then there won’t be any big difference between managed and unmanaged VPS hosting for you.
Conclusion
If you think the costs involved with managed VPS hosting are affordable for you then you can opt for it, especially if you want to focus your energies on running your business, marketing and other important tasks. But if you have desired technical knowledge for server administration and are lacking on the staff front, then unmanaged VPS hosting can work better for you.
This article is written by Ramya Raju. She is a freelance writer/web designer from India. I have an experience of about 8 years in content writing and have worked for top blogs and websites. I’m generally an extrovert; I like photography, anthropology and traveling to different countries to learn the culture and living of the local inhabitants.
