Hi, This is my first post. I have been reselling hosting space for a few years now and have a few bulk reseller accounts located at different web hosting companies.

I am now thinking about getting 1 dedicated server to host all my domain names, considering the pricing would be the same.

My question is I see some websites that offer managed servers and some that do not. The ones that are managed servers are more money.

What exactly is required to manage a server? Is this something that I can do myself? Is this because the updates on the server would have to be done by me compared to a managed server which updates get done by the techs at the hosting company where I have my dedicated at?

Thanks!

If you're technically savvy or have lots of time on your hands to learn, do it yourself. If not, get a managed hosting company to do everything for you. Its what you're most comfortable with--a technical expert will say "go unmanaged" while a marketing expert will say "go managed." Background, skills, etc will cause everyone's answer to be different.

Get a server admin ;)

or you'll have to learn everything as you go since your a reseller you will manage to know the basic, but there is alot to know about managing a server.

Well I consider myself pretty technical savvy :) What do you consider to be technical savvy? I can install scripts and built websites, I have been managing my clients websites and hosting space for about 4 years now using CPanel. I have enough time on my hands, I work from home :)

What is involved in managing a server, if the server just works what needs to be managed? I am just trying to get a feal for what needs to be done.

Depends how much you really are making. Managed servers also have different level. ServInt and Rackspace is what i called Truly 100% managed. But they do charge a lot as well :)

I am also always trying to learn and better myself involving the internet. I think that learning how to manage my own dedicated server would be a good step for me. I planned on keeping 1 of my reseller accounts with my major websites that I work with but learning slowly.

Everyone has to start somewhere right? Is there places I can go to read more about managing a server?

What do you mean, how much I am really making? What do you mean by a different level? I know the with CPanel there is a root access level that I dont normally have access to with a reseller account.

Hi JMichael,

FYI, ask those who offer you managed services a list on what they will "manage" such as:

1. Do they help you to update/upgrade your server kernel?
2. Do they help you to secure your server?
3. Do they help you to install softwares?
4. Do they help you to troubleshoot problem when it pop up?
5. so on...

In short, ask them for their definition of what is/are considered their managed services provided to you.

Just my thoughts :)

Thanks.

Kindest regards,
Choon

Which server is easier to manage? A CPanel Server or a Ensim server? I have used both at the reseller level, but which is easier at the server admin level?

Hi JMichael,

Sorry, I have never try those two panels thus unable to comment but you should be able to tell which is the one you are more comfortable with while you are using it. Besides the control panels... you also have to know as many softwares installed in your server so that when it comes to troubleshooting... you won't depend too much for the control panel used and anyway you also have to know your control panel though :)

Just my thoughts...

Thanks.

Kindest regards,
Choon

If you have paying clients, then get a managed server. You will be able to learn, and have people to fix it when you break it (you will break it, trust me).

I've been happy with nocster. They are priced so low (and are managed) that you could probably get one of their servers, and just transfer one reseller to it until you fill comfortable.

There is alot to learn in managing a server.

A home computer with linux is also a great way to start.

I would suggest you to get a managed server from ServInt. From my own experience, their cost are not that high. I think you can get a decent server from them for around 200$ which is good if you look at the level of service they provide.

They are 100% managed and will do everything for you. You can still try to learn but at least, if you break something or are unable to fix a problem, you have someone to help you.

What I like very much with ServInt is that they will also give you some hints and explain you some stuff so you can do it yourself the next time.

Originally posted by JMichael
Which server is easier to manage? A CPanel Server or a Ensim server? I have used both at the reseller level, but which is easier at the server admin level?


although the control panel you choose you should take into consideration but what I think only one person has really touched on here is the fact that there is so much more to running a dedicated box than just being a reseller and letting your provider do all the other work.

1. If you go unmanaged you are responsible for everything that you box does, good and bad. Kernel upgrades, security which can include hacks, dos attacks, spamming issues etc.. If you are not familier with how to handle these via the command line (ssh) get yourself a managed box... Not trying to be rude here but knowing how to build websites and knowing how to add new domains to a control panel is great but is about 1/10 of what you need to know. I have been in the business for over 4 years and still pay someone to handle all the hard stuff, I go with unmanaged and just pay someone to take care of the updates and security and I focus on sales and customer support.


2. If you do not know Linux or Windoze inside and out you are in for some late night and upset customers. An open box (not patched properly) will not only cause you to get hacked but someone can use your box to send lots of spam (cost you money) use your box to dos attack other boxes on the network (you will get yanked from any good DC for that happening).

3. Managed is the way to go 100% to start out unless you can do everything yourself and still as a first box it might be a good idea to start with it so you have a back up in case something happens. Rackspace is good (although I hate them) but pricey, pricey pricey. If I were you I would take to Jeff at Servermatrix and see what they can do for you, you get Cpanel and a managed server for a great price..I personally do not use them but I have not heard anything bad about them that did not get resolved within a few days.

4. Okay I will now mind my own business. :D


Robert

JMichael,

I would suggest getting your own server.. I got my first server only 4 months ago, at http://www.rackshack.net I knew nothing on how to run and update the thing... So I knew I needed a good sys admin to get things set up and keep it running.. I highly recomend the guy I use (Rohit) you can shoot him an e-mail at rhlguy@yahoo.com 0 problem and 0 downtime, I can't ask for any thing better, and all that for less than 200 a month. Once I get to the point where I can run the thing myself I'll only be paying alittle over 100 month with 700 gig to burn.

Anyway good luck,
Ken