Web Hosting Reviews & Ratings

August 24, 2010

How to Choose the Best Managed Hosting Plan

Managed web hosting is ideal for any webmaster that is not familiar with the various aspects of server management and administration. Web servers are technical devices that require maintenance in order to function properly, and unfortunately most people simple do not possess the skill or the technical knowledge to keep their web server operating smoothly.

This is especially true for dedicated hosting, which is much more robust than other hosting plans because it provides the end user with complete access to a full web server. Managed web hosting is a type of dedicated hosting in which the web hosting company oversees all management of the web server and ensures complete functionality at all times,. Comparing managed hosting plans is certainly not easy, however with the following tips you should be able to make a selection fairly easily.

Managed Hosting Types

it is very important to discern which type of managed hosting you need before you begin comparing plans, especially if you're a novice webmaster. Unfortunately, most dedicated hosting providers do not specify whether their plans are fully managed, partially managed or unmanaged, so it is important to read the fine print or make an inquiry with a trained representative via phone or email. Fully managed hosting is the best kind to have, and is absolutely necessary in most cases. Some web hosting providers will claim to offer fully managed hosting, when in reality they're offering partially managed hosting in comparison to other more reliable hosting providers. Make sure your web hosting provider covers all administrative duties involved with keeping the server performing optimally.

Comparing Plan Pricing

When comparing the pricing of each managed hosting account it is important to make sure you are taking into account the fact that each managed hosting plan has different features and capabilities. Therefore it is best to only compare plans with similar features in order to draw the most accurate comparison possible. Look for plans that are suitable for your needs before comparing pricing, as this will prevent you from choosing a lesser plan based on price alone. It is also important to compare the hosting provider as well, as reliability is certainly worth paying extra for. Keep in mind that managed web hosting costs more than unmanaged hosting, so if your find a deal that sounds too good to be true then you may want to confirm that it is indeed fully managed hosting.

Managed Hosting Features

After you've selected a managed hosting type and you've got a list of prospective plans and hosting providers, it is time to begin comparing the actual features of the plans themselves. The most important features to consider are bandwidth and disk space, as they will be the features that impact the capabilities of your web site the most. It is also wise to compare the control panel, support, advertising credits, and other features that are highlighted on the ales page of the plan. Using the aforementioned tips you should be able to make an informed selection when choosing a managed web hosting plan.

Tags: managed web hosting,  web server,  server maintenance,  managed hosting types,  dedicated hosting,  bandwidth,  disk space