I've seen a lot of people use the term "managed hosting" but I do not understand what technically it can be defined us.

Virtual/Shared Hosting makes sense. So does dedicated, colocated etc.

But what the hell is "managed". As far as I can see, certain providers who offer "managed" hosting don't do any more than people who offer dedicated hosting in terms of managing your server, keeping it up to date with patches, checking event logs, uptime etc.

Is managed more to do with network equipment and higher end dedicated hosting e.g. load balancers, clustering, firewalls rather than looking after the actually smooth running of your app/webserver software and OS on your dedicated server ?

Please help.

Thanks.

Originally posted by Chips&Beans
But what the hell is "managed". As far as I can see, certain providers who offer "managed" hosting don't do any more than people who offer dedicated hosting in terms of managing your server, keeping it up to date with patches, checking event logs, uptime etc.

C&B's generally when you lease a dedicated server, you are responsible for keeping up to date with patches, installing software, adding users, etc. Some managed solutions basically make leasing a dedicated server almost the same as having a chared virtual account (as far as what you have to do). You may even be denied root access to the dedicated server you lease (theory is, if they are taking care of the server, let them take care of the server).

Thanks Chicken for your reply.

Would the technical definition of Managed Hosting be: get an identical service to Virtual Hosting but the whole server/cluster or whatever to yourself ?


I.e. Just load your site on the server and sit back. If it falls over, they will reboot. If it needs patches, they will patch (and test your site in case the patch breaks it). If it is running slow, they will investigate. If it needs a backup, they will backup etc. etc.

Thanks for your time.

Originally posted by Chips&Beans
Would the technical definition of Managed Hosting be: get an identical service to Virtual Hosting but the whole server/cluster or whatever to yourself ?

I guess you could say that. Though as with virtual shared hosting, "and test your site in case the patch breaks it..." - probably would not apply, unless they created and were hired to maintain the site as well.

You will also find various levels of managed dedicated hosting. From hosts who offer it without additional cost (to a degree), give you root access, etc., to those who offer it only as part of a service plan (addl. set monthly fee for X-hours of care). There are choices and different providers may define 'managed' services differently.

Best thing to do is to put together a needs list. What you want, from the specs of the server, bandwidth (don't forget there are a few ways of billing), amount of needed managed services (and what services you'd like), and put up a request in the Requests Forum, or send out dome emalis, or post asking for suggestions (some members might be using a service they like).