Introduction to Managed Hosting

Managed hosting describes a situation where a provider handles the administrative tasks of a web server.  Although it may also describe the arrangement with a shared host, managed hosting generally refers to a server solution for individuals looking to turn over the management functions of their network operation to another company.  This may include maintenance of the server, storage, bandwidth, software applications and other associated components.  Many companies choose this type of hosting because of tighter security and better reliability as some managed providers offer an uptime guarantee of 100%.  As several businesses aren’t physically able to maintain the technical aspects of their operation, the managed hosting provider steps up with a fully equipped data center and quality support to offer a higher level of service.

Managed Hosting Fees

Just like any other form of hosting, managed hosting comes at a monthly fee and offers numerous benefits to the customer.  Though more expensive on first glance, it spares a company of spending money on the necessary software and hardware required to host their own internet business.  The aspect of managed hosting can be compared to outsourcing the IT-related services of a business to another company.  It is also similar in some aspects to colocation hosting.

Who Should Consider Managed Hosting?

While shared hosting is suited for the small business, managed hosting is suited for larger organizations that require a dedicated server.  This solution gives them to opportunity to focus on the core of the business opposed to spending extra time and resources managing the technical aspects.  Apart from not having to worry about server maintenance and software installations, managed hosting also comes with tighter security.  The dedicated server alone frees you from the traffic and stability issues associated with shared hosting and the managed host can better assure that the operation runs efficiently.  When considering the backing of an experienced technical support staff, a reliable uptime and infrastructure at a fixed cost, managed hosting offers excellent value for your dollar.

Similar to other types of hosting, the managed environment extends into a wide variety of service options.  Some of this includes additional security products and database administration tools along with fully managed SQL hosting services.  The basic essentials in regard to server management consists of administering stored files, database support, internet connectivity, load balancing as well as monitoring and reporting of the server.  Naturally, the hosting company is also responsible for the physical maintenance and security.  Furthermore, some companies provide software-related services for an additional fee.   This may include implementing anti-virus solutions along with firewalls and intrusions detection systems.  Since you have a large say in what goes on the server, managed hosting is the perfect choice for someone who desires control over the server but needs a fully managed service to do so.

Managed hosting offers numerous benefits but is not the solution for everyone.  This type of service is more suited for someone that needs to hand over the server maintenance to experts while focusing on the essentials of their business. More importantly, its designed for the business able to consistently fork over the monthly expenses required for such a solution.

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Nov 19, 2008 : Managed Hosting No responses yet

The Basics of Web Hosting

Web hosting is a service that allows you to host a website where it can be viewed by anyone who has access to the internet, meaning your pages are accessible to web surfers throughout the world.  You sign up with a company who allocates space on their server and allow you to upload content and manage an account.

Running Your Site

When it comes to web hosting, there are several approach you can take.  The first option involves going at it alone and managing the site yourself.  A web hosting company will provide you with software and all the tools needed to manage the features of your account.  This process could be smooth or very frustrating depending on the host you do business with.

With web hosting, there are two essentials you need to worry about: expenses and development.  Although hosting plans are generally inexpensive these days, things can get rather costly depending on the requirements of your site.  If you are a newcomer, there will undoubtedly be a learning curve.  For instance, you will be responsible for actually building the site, managing your product line, handling the personal details of customers and more.  These responsibilities are increased when deciding to sign up with dedicated hosting, a situation where the entire server is exclusive to your business.  This will definitely require more administrative skills on your part.  For someone with who anticipates small to moderate traffic, a shared hosting plan would be practical as it is more affordable and easier to manage.

Choosing a Provider

The good thing about web hosting is the fact that there are plenty of companies to go around.  In order to find a reliable host, you should first do a little research and get some information on a few companies.  Web hosting reviews offer a great way to find the low down about providers in the industry.  Reviews are all over the internet and will provide you with an overview a particular service, the price, features offered and much more.  This feedback is typically given by people like yourself so this could go along towards your decision.

There are several items you need to look out for when searching for a web host.  One of the most important of all is uptime.  Uptime refers to how long your website is up, running and accessible on the web.  This is very critical as a site that experiences significant down time could cost you a lot of potential business.  A reliable host will offer an uptime guarantee of 99.9%, which has become a standard in the industry.

After finding a respectable uptime and documentation to the back up that claim, you then need to focus on customer support.  This is when the true value of a web hosting plan is revealed as support is the backbone of a good service.  A respectable host will provide around the clock support via phone or email to help you get set up and come in for the save when things get complicated.

By going over the basics and taking the right steps in the beginning, you can find a quality host on the first try and spare yourself a bit of hassle down the road.

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Oct 27, 2008 : General No responses yet

A Closer Look at Becoming A Reseller Host

What is a Reseller Host?

A reseller host refers to someone who purchases a certain amount of disk space and bandwidth on a web server for a monthly fee. This fee is often more than basic hosting but may also compensate with more space, bandwidth, software and other resources. These allotted resources are then made available to other clients looking to purchasing standard hosting service. Individual sites hosted on a reseller package usually receive their own control panel and possibly a number of email accounts as well. In most cases, reseller web hosting is such a smooth operation that clients cannot differentiate it from a host using its own server.

Benefits of Reseller Hosting

There are many benefits that come along with reseller hosting. Although storage and bandwidth are typically more expensive, these resources are allowed to be purchased in much smaller capacities. This keeps the reseller host from wasting their valuable resources and money. Reselling is a great way for new hosts to work their way up to a dedicated server rather than taking that initial plunge at a much higher monthly rate. So instead of incurring losses month after month, the reseller host can yield profits.

As a reseller, you have one essential goal which is to sell hosting packages. This is a huge benefit as things are bound to go wrong every now and then. For instance, a server may fail, an operating system may be corrupted or other network equipment may become damaged. When disaster strikes, the parent hosting company providing the service is responsible for addressing all technical difficulties. Of course you do not want your customers to be plagued with downtime, but this factor keeps you from worrying about updating software or replacing failed equipment.

Disadvantages of Reseller Hosting

Reseller hosting offers numerous benefits to the aspiring entrepreneur but there are drawbacks as well. This type of plan generally offers fewer resources than basic or dedicated hosting. The space leased on a reseller account can only support so many clients before those resources need to be upgraded. In this scenario, it may be more economical to make beneficial upgrades to a dedicated server. Moving your clients from a reseller account to a dedicated server could end up costing you more money and downtime.

What you Want in a Reseller Provider

You should look for the same features in a reseller account as you would with a traditional provider. Some of them will only offer a certain number of databases, domains, email accounts and even the number of customers that can be hosted on the account. While reseller hosting is a thriving industry, you want to make sure that you are provided with every resource needed to make your business a success. Last but not least, solid support is a must. Although you are not responsible for maintaining the server, you do have to appease your client base if something should go wrong.

Keep in mind that reseller hosting is not a get-rich-quick system. It also is not guaranteed to make you a well known web hosting provider. However, it is a great way to establish yourself on the web and once you are established, reselling is structured in a manner that enables you to keep going strong.

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Jul 03, 2008 : Reseller Web Hosting No responses yet