Managed hosting and dedicated hosting may seem like the same thing on the surface. But further examination reveals that  other than each having a server solely dedicated to your website is about the only thing these two terms have in common.

Managed hosting began as an additional option created for companies with a big online presence that required a dedicated server. The company, however, did not have time to handle day to day administration of their server. So the web host stepped in and took over system and server administration.  The web hosting company can now bill for another feature. In other words they do the client’s daily “grunt work” with the server, while the client focuses on other aspects of the business.

Web hosts provide an endless list of services that they are willing to manage for their clients. These services start with reporting and monitoring and load balancing to name another. Managed hosting also includes server security, storage, database maintenance, application and software maintenance, among other things. Security is especially important in this day and age. It is very necessary to keep the system patched and upgraded to stop hacking attacks and system breaches that may result in identity and records thefts. Managed hosting involves keeping up with system back ups and data storage.

Managed hosting cannot handle everything for the company, but it does let the company choose the level of service and support that it needs to do business on a daily basis, as well as to pursue and accomplish future business goals. Many companies are more than willing to work out an ala carte arrangement with the managed hosting company in order to get the service level they need to function. After all, some needs crop up along the way and have to dealt with as they occur. Something along these lines would include new government regulations going on the books. Managed hosting services can help the client maneuver in a situation such as this.

Other things that you need to consider when choosing a managed hosting service, is speed and reliability of customer support, as well as flexibility built into the web hosting system. If these elements are missing then you should consider moving or trying another managed hosting company.