For agencies, developers, and freelancers, finding the right hosting plan for your websites can be a tricky challenge. Would you prefer hands-on control and customisation or a hands-off, expertly managed hosting experience?
Whichever option you choose, it’s vital to make an informed decision on which hosting provider offers a plan that meets your business’s needs. That’s where expert web hosting from Nimbus comes in. In this blog, we unravel the features of both solutions to help you discover the best option for your business. Read on to discover the critical differences between managed and unmanaged hosting to help you choose the hosting strategy that’s right for you.
Managed vs unmanaged hosting.
Choosing between managed hosting and unmanaged hosting depends on your specific needs, technical proficiency, and the level of involvement you desire in server management. Managed hosting is a more hands-off approach, whereas unmanaged hosting is ideal for those seeking maximum control over their server. In this concise comparison, we break down the key features to help you make the right decision based on your business priorities, technical proficiency, and desire for control.
The features of managed hosting.
With managed web hosting, you’re leaving it to the professionals. The hosting provider takes over the day-to-day control and maintenance of the server on your behalf. Server setup, monitoring, security, and software updates are just some of the tasks taken out of your hands. Here’s a neat summary of the essential features of managed hosting:
- Typically comes with dedicated support, including levels of support available when required throughout the day. Experienced professionals handle the complex technical tasks and are ready to resolve any issues that arise
- Ensures your server operates with the latest features and remains secure against potential vulnerabilities
- Robust security protocols – including firewalls and security audits – are integral to managed hosting. This safeguards your data and helps protect your server from cyber threats
- Flexibility to easily scale up your server resources as your business grows – or scale them down if required
The features of unmanaged hosting.
Unmanaged hosting is a type of service in which you, the user, take ownership and control of the server. Aside from offering the cloud server, your expert hosting provider has no input. With only the unmanaged server provided, you’re responsible for all aspects of server management, including admin, backups, and software installation.
- Unmanaged hosting means total responsibility over your own server configurations
- In unmanaged hosting, users are entirely responsible for administration, from initial setup to ongoing maintenance
- For maximum flexibility, users can manually tailor the hosting environment to their needs
- With the freedom to fix their own issues, users with a deep technical understanding may prefer unmanaged hosting plans
Difference between managed server hosting and unmanaged server hosting.
In summary, managed hosting offers a guided, hands-off experience with a focus on support and security. Unmanaged hosting provides complete control but requires technical proficiency and personal responsibility.
The decision on which option you choose hangs on organisational priorities, technical expertise, and the level of desire for control over the hosting environment.
What are the types of hosting: Managed vs unmanaged hosting?
Types of unmanaged server hosting.
Unmanaged shared hosting.
With unmanaged shared hosting, multiple users share the same server resources, each with their allocated space. Users take responsibility of configurations and performance adjustments.
Unmanaged VPS hosting.
With unmanaged Virtual Private Server (VPS) hosting, dedicated resources are shared within a physical server. Users have greater control over configurations, meaning this approach is typically reserved for organisations with an expert in-house team.
Unmanaged dedicated servers.
Unmanaged hosting offers the use of an entire physical server. Users have complete control over server configuration, and again, require a high level of expertise to manage and maintain it.
Types of managed hosting.
Managed VPS hosting.
Managed Virtual Private Server (VPS) hosting offers a balance between shared and dedicated resources. With expert management from a hosting provider, users benefit from their own dedicated portion of a server, robust security measures, and UK-based support.
This option is ideal for businesses seeking scalability, performance, and security, without the expense of a dedicated server.
Managed dedicated servers.
In managed dedicated hosting, businesses enjoy exclusive use of an entire physical server, combined with comprehensive management services – a premium hosting solution.
Managed dedicated servers are ideal for resource-intensive applications and high-traffic websites with specific requirements.
Should I choose managed hosting or unmanaged hosting?
Choosing between managed and unmanaged hosting depends on your technical expertise, resource requirements, and the level of control you desire. Opting for managed hosting can be a strategic decision for several reasons.
One of the standout features of managed hosting is the availability of expert support. With expert technical assistance, any problems can be promptly addressed by professionals. This level of support is invaluable, especially for organisations without a dedicated IT team or those looking to offload the burden of server management.
Managed hosting can be more cost-effective in the long run. The associated costs cover expert management services, automated updates, and security measures, reducing the need for in-house IT personnel. This frees up your time and resources so you can focus on your core business activities.
Managed hosting provides robust security measures. With experts actively monitoring and addressing potential threats, your data and online assets are better protected against cyber threats. This is particularly beneficial for businesses handling sensitive information or conducting online transactions.
Choosing a managed hosting provider.
Choosing managed hosting is a wise decision for businesses prioritising cost-effectiveness, enhanced security, and expert support.
The initial investment is outweighed by the long-term benefits of a hassle-free hosting experience, allowing you to concentrate on growing your business without the distractions of server management.
Nimbus's managed dedicated and VPS servers.
We offer managed hosting plans for a range of uses, from WordPress to eCommerce – because managed hosting solutions drive growth and profitability for agencies.
Nimbus are your managed web hosting provider, committed to delivering first-class performance, security, and support. And on top of all that, we’re a carbon-neutral business that provides carbon-neutral hosting.
Whether you’re looking for managed WordPress hosting that balances ease of use and features, or you need environmentally sustainable hosting, we’re set up to deliver your long-term success.
Don’t settle for less – choose Nimbus as your managed hosting provider, save time, and propel your business to the next level. For a detailed overview of our servers and hosting options, take a look at our managed hosting pricing and VPS hosting services.
