Managed versus unmanaged services

SenseiSteve

HD Moderator
Staff member
Managed versus unmanaged services - An alarming number of web hosting providers that offer managed dedicated server services do not publish exactly what they manage, rather attempt to sway prospects with vague marketing mumbo jumbo.

Basically, what’s covered in many managed solutions are:
  • Installation
  • Configuration
  • Optimization
  • Security and
  • Monitoring
Your take on what managed services should encompass in addition to these ...
 
Here are the differences between managed and unmanaged services:
  1. Managed Services: Managed services are fully supported by the service provider, who takes care of all aspects of the service, including maintenance, upgrades, security, and support. The customer is responsible for using the service and providing input on their needs, but the service provider takes care of everything else. Managed services typically cost more than unmanaged services but provide more comprehensive support and maintenance.
  2. Unmanaged Services: Unmanaged services provide a basic level of support and maintenance, but the customer is responsible for managing and maintaining the service themselves. The service provider provides the infrastructure, but the customer is responsible for configuring, securing, and maintaining it. Unmanaged services are typically cheaper than managed services but require more technical expertise and effort from the customer.
 
Managed versus unmanaged services - An alarming number of web hosting providers that offer managed dedicated server services do not publish exactly what they manage, rather attempt to sway prospects with vague marketing mumbo jumbo.

Basically, what’s covered in many managed solutions are:
  • Installation
  • Configuration
  • Optimization
  • Security and
  • Monitoring
Your take on what managed services should encompass in addition to these ...
DO you know any company shows these information on their website?
 
Liquid Web displays summary info on their managed servers, as well as inmotion hosting, Hostgator and A2Hosting. For each of those, it's best to chat with their pre-sales teams to see exactly what they offer.
 
Unless you know how to be a System Admin, get managed servers, otherwise....it won't take long to be compromised.
 
Here is my veiw on "Managed versus unmanaged services":

Managed Services:
  • Service provider takes care of all aspects of the service, including monitoring, maintenance, updates, and support.
  • Service level agreements (SLAs) are typically in place, ensuring high uptime and performance.
  • Usually involves a proactive approach, with continuous monitoring and timely issue resolution.
  • Service provider typically has specialized expertise and experience in managing the specific service, leading to efficient operations.
  • Can be cost-effective in the long run as it minimizes downtime and potential costly mistakes.
Unmanaged Services:
  • Customer is responsible for all aspects of the service, including monitoring, maintenance, updates, and support.
  • Customer has greater control and flexibility over the service, including customization and configuration options.
  • May require more internal resources and expertise to manage and troubleshoot issues.
  • Can result in higher downtime and longer resolution times for issues without dedicated support from a service provider.
  • Customer has full ownership and control over the service, but also bears the risks and responsibilities.
  • Cost may be lower upfront, but long-term costs can add up due to potential downtime, maintenance, and support expenses.
 
The least managed services should provide is taking care of basic system administration, such as keeping things up to date, system security and house-keeping such as not letting too many useless files stay around. I'd also expect that managed services can install and manage the most popular software installations. Blogs, forums, CMS and so on.
 
Managed hosting services often include a variety of roles and services related to the management, servicing, and support of a client's hosting infrastructure. Here adding some more points covered in managed service-
1. Software Updates and Patching
2. Regulatory Compliance
3. Backups and Disaster Recovery
 
Managed versus unmanaged services - An alarming number of web hosting providers that offer managed dedicated server services do not publish exactly what they manage, rather attempt to sway prospects with vague marketing mumbo jumbo.

Basically, what’s covered in many managed solutions are:
  • Installation
  • Configuration
  • Optimization
  • Security and
  • Monitoring
Your take on what managed services should encompass in addition to these ...
I completely agree with your point about the lack of transparency in some web hosting providers' managed services offerings. In addition to the mentioned aspects, a comprehensive managed service should also encompass regular backups, proactive troubleshooting, performance tuning, and 24/7 technical support to ensure a seamless and hassle-free experience for the customers.
 
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