Your shared hosting account has expired, and your website needs to be moved to a stronger Virtual Private Server. This is something to celebrate as it indicates that your project is moving in the right direction. You might not know the higher cost, especially if you choose a managed solution. Choosing the right hosting provider and service can be the make or break of your website and your online presence. Thus, choosing the right service from the best managed VPS hosting in the US or anywhere else can be the key.
But, what is managed VPS hosting? What are the differences between managed VPS vs. unmanaged VPS?
In this article, we’ll look at the top benefits of managed VPS hosting and also look at unmanaged VPS hosting.
What Is Managed VPS Hosting?
VPS hosting solves many problems that are present in the shared plans. A VPS plan includes a virtual server that provides an isolated environment to host your website.
It is protected by guaranteed hardware resources and a dedicated IP, and it cannot be affected by other people’s actions. You can change the server’s configuration with the infinitely scalable resources at the click of a mouse. And you don’t have to pay extra for resources you don’t use.
Web hosting providers can place multiple VPS on one machine. This allows them to use the hardware more efficiently and offers VPS services at affordable prices.
Inexperienced users may not be able to manage a virtual server by themselves. They are often unfamiliar with the VPS operating system and don’t know how to install software, apply security patches, and manage server maintenance tasks.
A managed VPS will take care of all these things for you. You get the virtual server ready for use. Your VPS host will deploy the virtual server and configure it so that you can immediately get started on your project.
The specialists at your hosting provider are responsible for much more than the initial setup. They are responsible for the maintenance of your VPS server infrastructure as well as all software. They handle the performance and security so you can concentrate on your online business.
Advantages of Managed VPS Hosting
We’ve established that you will be freed from many server management duties related to unmanaged VPS services. You will be able to save a lot of time browsing the internet to buy managed VPS hosting, reading guides, flipping through menus, and performing commands. This is a huge plus.
What are other advantages of managed VPS hosting that could directly impact the performance of your website?
Advantages of Managed VPS Hosting — Faster Performance
Your website will be faster if you have more CPU cores, memory, and disk space. System resources play a significant role in the overall performance of your server. Many system settings and tools can speed up the server.
The specialists at your hosting provider know how to optimize the server’s hardware to make it run smoothly and work at its peak. With a managed VPS, the best part is that they will do it for you.
Advantages of Managed VPS Hosting— Uptime
Your website should always be available. A managed VPS provides you with a server under continuous monitoring by a team expert who will quickly address any issues that may arise. They are available 24/7 and have the experience to quickly identify and resolve any technical issues before they cause damage.
Advantages of Managed VPS Hosting — Scalability
You can always be sure of consistent performance. You can also add RAM and CPU cores whenever needed. To upgrade the virtual machine, you don’t need to restart it.
You can often take advantage of load monitor tools to see exactly how many server resources you use at any time. You can thus predict the server’s maximum load and then act accordingly.
Advantages of Managed VPS Hosting — Resources
Many accounts share the same hardware resources on a shared server. A website that experiences a significant traffic spike may cause a slowdown in the server’s performance, which could affect the performance of all the other projects on the server.
This is not a problem with a virtual private server. VPS customers get guaranteed hardware resources that are reserved exclusively for their server and always available. The service is faster and more reliable.
Advantages of Managed VPS Hosting — Customer Service
You’re on your own if you choose unmanaged VPS hosting. Although your host will assist you with any network or hardware issues, you shouldn’t expect them to help you if they are unavailable.
You have full access to your machine. This means you can install programs and adjust system settings. If you make a mistake and the server suffers from slow performance, you must fix it.
On the other hand, a managed VPS means that the server is already optimized for maximum performance, so you don’t have to do any configuration. Your host’s support team can answer any questions you may have, guide you through the server management platforms, and point you in the right direction.
Advantages of Managed VPS Hosting — Advanced Security
A managed VPS server has everything you need to host your websites. It must be secured from cyberattacks. Security should be the top priority of any host.
Advantages of Managed VPS Hosting — Monthly & Daily Backups
A working backup can distinguish between a fast and painless recovery or long downtime. You will need to set up and configure a backup solution if you manage your own server. It is important to determine how often you should back up, as well as how you store them. You might need to hire another server for backups.
A managed VPS typically comes with an integrated backup solution. Backups and snapshots can be done automatically and are stored on remote servers. This allows you to always have a working copy.
A facility for rapidly restoring data should be included in your managed VPS. If you are having trouble, ask your host’s support team.
Advantages of Managed VPS Hosting — SSL Certificates
SSL certificates used to be very expensive. They were usually only used by websites and online stores that handled sensitive information.
However, this is not the case anymore. Cyberattacks have increased in number over the years. This is due to the large amount of information that we share with websites. If you do not have an SSL certificate, the majority of modern browsers will mark your website as insecure. You’ll also be ranked lower in search engines.
The Electronic Frontier Foundation and several technology companies founded Let’s Encrypt, a non-profit certificate authority that issues SSL certificates completely free of charge.
You don’t have to use an SSL certificate to run a website these days. Installing it on a self-managed VPS can be difficult, especially if this is your first time doing so.
This shouldn’t be an issue if you have a managed VPS. Many of the web hosting control panels that are pre-installed with managed VPS platforms include tools that automate setting up Let’s Encrypt SSL certificates.
Advantages of Managed VPS Hosting — No Hidden Fees
Managed VPS plans tend to be more expensive than self-managed ones. Managed VPS plans come with a lot of tools that are essential for project management. These tools are expensive, it’s obvious.
A self-managed server might seem cheaper than a managed one, but if cPanel is what you are looking for, licensing fees must be considered. You might also want to add a few premium apps to the unmanaged package. The price difference could be so small that you need to consider the savings to see if it’s worth it. You shouldn’t ignore the extra effort and time required to manage a self-managed VPS.
Cons of Managed VPS Hosting
Managed VPS hosting may be slightly more costly than unmanaged VPS hosting. You can expect to pay a bit more for managed VPS hosting because you get extra technical support and customer service. Most managed VPS hosting comes with a storage limit. This is not the only limitation. Bandwidth may also be restricted.
Your VPS plans should be adjusted to accommodate a website you plan to monetize using high-bandwidth website apps. This is only one aspect to consider when selecting a VPS host. Another thing you need to consider is the managing provider’s ability. Your website could be affected if the VPS manager isn’t an expert. Even though most web hosting companies will guarantee they have the expertise to fix any issue, it is better if you know them.
Unmanaged VPS Hosting
Unmanaged VPS hosting, which is different from fully managed VPS, allows users to have complete control over the server. The host has no responsibility other than to make sure that the server functions properly. Unmanaged VPS hosting is a popular choice for business owners and those who are tech-savvy and know how the systems function. This type of hosting allows users to play with the server to meet their goals and objectives.
Pros of Unmanaged VPS Hosting
- Ultimate customization and control
- If the user manages the work, it is relatively cheaper
- You can customize and manage the security level of your services.
- Anytime, users can update, modify, or install the format they desire in their services.
Cons of Unmanaged VPS Hosting
- It requires extensive knowledge and skills about the system.
- The user’s expertise is a key factor in the quality of the server’s performance.
- Users may be intimidated by system updates.
Conclusion
Managed VPS hosting aims to bridge the gap between dedicated and shared hosting on three fronts: price, performance, and usability.
You can take advantage of the additional performance by using the guaranteed hardware resources and dedicated IP. Last but not least, managed VPS solutions provide great value.
