Managed Dedicated Server

Online services such as email, website hosting, and ecommerce are essential for almost every business today, and they all depend on servers that must remain operational at all times. Choosing the right server hosting plan can significantly impact your overall web hosting experience and business performance.

Businesses have the option to select between unmanaged and managed dedicated server hosting plans. While cost is an important factor, making an informed decision based on your company’s needs will always result in a better long-term outcome than simply opting for the cheapest option. Poorly chosen server plans can ultimately cost your business more in the long run, as issues may arise that lead to greater expenses than originally anticipated.

Hosting providers typically offer two types of dedicated server solutions: unmanaged and managed. Understanding the key differences between these options is essential before making a decision.

Unmanaged Dedicated Servers

Unmanaged dedicated servers, often referred to as bare metal servers, are ideal for businesses that want full control and responsibility over their server and software management.

These servers are usually more affordable for companies with the technical expertise and resources to manage their own hosting environment. In this arrangement, the hosting provider is only responsible for maintaining the physical infrastructure, ensuring the server is up and running.

The onus of tasks such as installing software, handling updates, managing compatibility issues, securing the server, and addressing any potential threats or vulnerabilities falls on the business itself. Lax security can leave the company exposed to cyberattacks, data breaches, and other risks that can disrupt operations and damage the business in the long run.

Managed Dedicated Servers

Managed dedicated servers, on the other hand, shift the responsibility of server management to the hosting provider. These servers come with comprehensive support, as hosting companies hire engineers to monitor, configure, and maintain the servers.

Businesses that choose managed dedicated servers typically do so because they want to offload the time-consuming and complex task of server administration. They prefer to focus on their core business operations, leaving the technical aspects to the hosting provider.

With managed servers, the hosting company handles everything from security updates, malware detection, and DDoS protection to automated data backups and operating system hardening. Managed servers also offer better performance and security compared to unmanaged options, with real-time traffic monitoring and continuous uptime for power and network services.

Managed servers are fully customisable and can be built with either Linux or Windows operating systems. Managed hosting plans vary in scope, ranging from self-managed to fully managed options, depending on the level of support required.

These plans are ideal for businesses operating resource-intensive applications, databases, SaaS platforms, virtualisation, high-traffic websites, or multiple sites.

Primary Differences Between Unmanaged and Managed Dedicated Servers

Support and Management:
Managed dedicated servers come with full support from the hosting provider. Companies don’t need to worry about server maintenance or security, as the hosting provider handles all aspects of management. This allows businesses to focus on their core functions without having to devote technical resources to server administration.

In contrast, unmanaged dedicated servers require the business to handle all aspects of server management, including installation, configuration, security, and ongoing maintenance. This can be time-consuming and may require specialised knowledge.

Cost Considerations:
Unmanaged servers often come with a lower upfront cost, offering businesses complete control and flexibility over their hosting environment. However, they also require more work and expertise from the company’s side. If a company lacks the necessary technical resources, the cost of maintaining an unmanaged server can quickly exceed the initial savings.

Security and Reliability:
With managed servers, the hosting provider ensures robust security measures, regular updates, and timely intervention in case of issues. Managed plans generally provide higher levels of security and performance, with fewer risks of downtime or breaches.

Unmanaged servers leave security and software management up to the customer. If not properly maintained, unmanaged servers can become vulnerable to attacks and technical failures, which could result in costly downtime or data breaches.

Responsibility for Hardware and Software:
On a managed dedicated server, the hosting company handles all hardware and software, including replacing faulty components and addressing issues with the infrastructure. In contrast, unmanaged servers shift responsibility entirely to the business, which must handle everything from system configurations to patching security vulnerabilities.

Additionally, with unmanaged servers, any requests for technical support from the hosting provider typically incur extra charges, and the provider is not responsible for any issues caused by the customer’s mismanagement.

Which Option is Right for Your Business?

Choosing between unmanaged and managed dedicated servers depends on your company’s internal capabilities and technical expertise. If your team is well-equipped to handle server management, an unmanaged server may be a cost-effective choice. However, if your business lacks the resources or expertise to manage the server effectively, a managed solution may be a more prudent option, ensuring better security, performance, and reliability in the long run.

Ultimately, the right decision should be based on the technical needs of your business and your ability to maintain and secure the server environment.