Should You Chose A Managed or Unmanaged Hosting Plan?
Let's assume that you've found a dedicated hosting provider that you like for a variety of reasons and generally fills your needs. The main question to consider is this: do you want to go the managed route, or would you be better off with an unmanaged hosting plan? Sometimes, the answer is clear-cut, and you know exactly what you need, but it's hard to make the right decision when you're on the border between the two.
What are the differences between the two?
Managed hosting is prevalent throughout all types of hosting. In essence, when you get a shared-server hosting plan (the usual $9.99 a month to hold a simple website), you're using managed hosting because you have very little, if any, control over how the server is run. The most you can do with those types of hosting are to change your account settings, make requests for software to be installed, and monitor the hits.
Unmanaged hosting is where you have most or all of the control over the server. The hosting company leases you a server and keeps it on their premises. They will be responsible for carrying out requests to upgrade hardware, replace any parts that break, and give physical care to the machine. Meanwhile, you will be responsible for database management, software updates, and making sure that everything is backed up in case of an emergency.
How do I know if I should go Managed or Unmanaged?
There are a variety of reasons you would go to one or the other. For instance, you could be completely technically qualified to maintain an unmanaged server, but you may not have the time to do so. Would it be cost-effective to do all of the work yourself? Is the added price of a managed server worth it to reduce your stress?
If you're shopping for a dedicated server for a company, there are a few new elements you have to take into consideration. Are the staff members of your IT team knowledgeable enough to maintain this server every day? Do they have more important things to do? Would the amount of time they spend working on the server be more expensive than managed hosting in light of their salary?
If you do not have the technical ability to keep up with an unmanaged server, or if your IT doesn't have the capacity, then you have no choice but to go with a managed server. You will only harm yourself by trying to play with fire. On the other hand, if you have the technical ability at your disposal, that still doesn't mean that you should go with an unmanaged server—it just means that the possibility is now open.
Take some time to run the numbers for cost vs. benefit and you will then know which one is right for you.
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