Hosting services as a component of cloud computing have come a long way from the old reels of magnetic tape for memory.
Nowadays, there are almost too many plans on the market to sift through, and things can get a bit confusing for the uninitiated.
This is why it’s essential to get to know the differences between the most popular hosting services.
Keep on reading to learn the differences between managed hosting and colocation hosting, as well as their pros and cons.
Managed Hosting Services
In the simplest of terms, managed hosting is a form of dedicated hosting.
It entails purchasing your own server, and you’ll have full control over the administrative details.
On the other hand, the hosting provider will manage the key physical tasks. And, they’ll implement specialized software as well as manage the server for you.
These services tend to include some —if not all— of the following factors:
- Software installations following your specifications
- Server installation and setup
- Security monitoring
- Data protection and backup
- Software updates and management
- Customer support
Managed hosting services provide small and medium-sized businesses with an off-site server unit. Small businesses might not have the expertise or the funds to create and manage all by themselves.
Advantages of Managed Hosting Services
This brings us to the benefits of having a managed hosting service in place.
The first and foremost benefit would be having a full-fledged server IT team with limited costs. Add to that full-time support, which will upgrade your infrastructure to enable secure hosting.
In addition, the process of backup and security management is key for your operating system (OS).
Managed hosting will not only manage your OS but it’ll monitor the system to prevent cyber attacks before they even happen.
For the server itself, they’ll be monitoring and keeping an eye out for configuration needs and maintenance.
Disadvantages of Managed Hosting Services
Unfortunately, giving someone the keys to your IT kingdom can come with severe drawbacks.
Unprofessional service providers can slack on their job, which affects your business negatively.
But, the most dangerous drawback would be having a thrid-party handle your sensitive information. Your data can be compromised in the hands of unethical providers.
Colocation Hosting Services
Unlike managed hosting with minimal control on your side of the aisle, colocation hosting gives you some degree of control over your server.
Basically, your server will be located at the colocation hosting service provider’s rack. It will use their data center’s power and bandwidth but will be fully managed by your IT staff.
When compared to managed hosting, colocation hosting will need your organization to set up and install the server.
The main difference here is the level of control over your server’s management and implementation.
For managed hosting, you have no control whatsoever. While colocation hosting will provide you with the ultimate control over all the aspects of your server management.
Advantages of Colocation Hosting Services
Having complete freedom over your server’s hardware and software is a rather amazing benefit. In addition, it can be tailored specifically to your business.
Moreover, there is a much lower risk for network outages. And, you can benefit from on-site monitoring done by the provider.
You can rest easy about your server’s data protection protocols knowing that they’re in your hands and will have a lower risk of an insider attack.
And, using the services of professional providers like ColoCrossing can step up your colocation hosting experience.
Disadvantages of Colocation Hosting Services
With great power comes great responsibility. In fear of sounding corny, it’s true.
Colocation hosting will need you to actually manage your server at high levels of efficiency or the whole system will fail.
Furthermore, colocation can be a bit pricy at the start due to the initial costs of getting your own hardware and software.
Ready to up Your Server Game?
Now you know all about colocation hosting services and managed hosting services.
So, you can go ahead and make a well-informed decision regarding your server’s infrastructure.
Want to know more about the intersection between business and technology? Head right over to our business articles and our technology category for more advice!
