Hosting services are of varied types. These are categorized on the basis of different parameters. These could be shared, virtual private servers (VPS) or dedicated on the basis of ownership and apportioning of server space. These can even be classified as managed or exclusively owned depending on who is performing the maintenance and safety functions. Further, these can even be classified on the basis of operating systems these run on, such as Windows or Linux. Based on the configuration, flexibility, scalability and level of customizations required, the hosting service providers offer various plans. These plans are designed to be suited for small, medium or large enterprises. In a vast majority of cases, it is the managed hosting services which are provided to the customers.
While shared hosting is totally managed by the service providers, VPS ones are also essentially managed by the providers. While there is no flexibility to clients to work on shared servers since many other clients also use the same, there is considerable scope for maneuverability in case of VPS. Dedicated servers are the ones which can either be managed or given totally in the hands of owners. However, in most of the cases, the managed hosting services even for dedicated servers are preferred. These are various reasons for this.
Outsource the Routine, Focus on Innovation
At first, these allow you to focus on business and leave the routine upkeep, upgrades, modifications and other maintenance aspects to the providers. This is helpful for those who are running a web-based business but do not know much about the server side aspects. Even if they know, it is far more important to take care of other functions of business such as sales, product quality, customer service and others.
Men and Machine Requirements
Secondly, providers have all equipments and personnel available round the clock dedicated for this task. If you take this task into your own hands, you need to invest both on capital items as well as regular expenses. Many organizations might not be able to undertake this task and instead opt for managed hosting services.
Time is Money
Third, time is important for any business. Managing servers can be really onerous and you might expand a lot of time in ensuring that it functions properly since your business is dependent on it. However, this takes the focus away from the business and the end result is frustration for not having accomplished important tasks on time. For this reason, organizations leave this support function to the providers who are better equipped to deal with any issue.
It is true that managed hosting services come at a premium but this service takes away almost all tensions. Considering the hassles and the investments which are avoided, these costs are miniscule. The service providers work on the economies of scale since there are a number of clients taking their services. This enables them to hire men and machines to keep systems working properly.