I'm looking for a dedicated server to use for remote backup purposes. I want to be as hands off as possible but before I start sopping around could someone please explain the difference between unmanaged, semi-managed and fully managed services and what they each include?

Thanks in anticipation.

RB

Unmanaged: do everything yourself, provider is responsible for hardware and network connection only
Semi-Managed: Some things other than the above they'll help you with, such as cpanel or os help, upgrading daemons, etc
Fully-managed: They do everything under the sun.

You'd best ask the prospective dedicated host as to what their definition of 'managed' and 'unmanaged' are though - it varies.

-David

If you are looking at as much hands off as possible then the fully managed service should fit you nicely.

An Unmanaged server is one where the datacenter provides you with a server with just have the basic operating system and maybe a control panel, they are responsible for hardware replacements and bandwidth maintenance. Apart from that, it is up to you.

As to what is Semi-managed, it depends.. Different web host have different things included. It would probably be what you get with the unmanaged server + remote hands and eyes (they may run pings to determine if your servers are up and alert or reboot it for you if it is not), they may include the ability to assist you with some program installation and trouble shooting and maybe perform software updates.

As for Fully managed, it should typically means they will take care of the entire management of the server so sometimes it means totally hands-off from the server and you just issue trouble tickets if you need anything done.

With Unmanaged and Semi-managed, you would have full access to the Server. With Fully Managed, it depends; you may or may not have that.

Thanks guys, that's very helpful. SOunds like fully-managed is the way to go for me as I don't want to have to worry about adding patches, etc, and worrying that it is always up to date and fully protected. I would need remote access though to install my own software and to take my own backups so I guess I'll have to make sure I find a host that provides fully-managed with access.

Thanks,
RB

Some fully managed hosts will install the software for you and would recommend having them do it instead of you, so if anything goes wrong theres only one person to blame, and they know exactly it is what they did.
They will also take backups for you on tape/cd most likely.

Depends on what they mean by "fully managed" and your budget, mostly.

Just be very cautious with the Host's definition of *fully managed*. I've seen hosts here make the claim they were but if your box goes down you have to notify them to do something about it. You also have to inform them to preform certain updates and patches. That's hardly being proactive IMO.

Being fully managed is not just their techs doing the work, it's their techs doing the work without you needing to know what it is they are doing. If you can't go away for a vacation and trust that your fully managed server will still be online when you get back, then you haven't found a fully managed server...

Originally posted by Watcher_TVI
Just be very cautious with the Host's definition of *fully managed*. I've seen hosts here make the claim they were but if your box goes down you have to notify them to do something about it. You also have to inform them to preform certain updates and patches. That's hardly being proactive IMO.

Being fully managed is not just their techs doing the work, it's their techs doing the work without you needing to know what it is they are doing. If you can't go away for a vacation and trust that your fully managed server will still be online when you get back, then you haven't found a fully managed server... I assumed from your post that you offer a "pro-active" managed service but can't see any mention of dedicated servers on your site. If you don't offer a pro-active managed service can you (or anyone else) recommend a provider that does?

Thanks,
RB

Probably a very basic newbie question but if the server is unmanaged and you are responsible for all the security patches, service updates, etc, how do you know when it needs updating? If it's a Windows server do you just rely on the MS automatic update service or is there some mailing list you can get on that informs you when updates are available?

Also, what questions should I be asking potential hosts before signing up for a dedicated server?

As you can tell, I'm new to all this so would be grateful for any advice.

Thanks,
RB

If it is unmanaged then it is your responsibility to look for security patches and so on. I believe you could view the virus web sites such as the kernel.org , apache.org and so on.. Look for patches at each of the individual developer website. You could use the Redhat Enterprise update subscription too.

With Windows, yes, you can depend on the MS automaticed Update. If there are other components like mail server and so on, you go to the relevant places to download it.

It is more work since you need to monitor everything but if you are able to coup with it, there should not be a problem.

I don't offer dedicated servers at this time, I can recommend ServInt (http://www.servint.com) for a managed solution though. They are proactive and their support is the fastest I've ever personally experienced.