Many companies begin their online venture with the decision of whether to purchase and host their own server, or use managed server hosting. Basically, managed server hosting means that a hosting company manages your server(s) for you. In other words, you are renting a server from the hosting company. What are the costs of managed server hosting? Are the risks low enough and the benefits high enough to make the price right?There are several potential benefits to using managed server hosting:

Scalability – Bandwidth needs fluctuate according to advertising and consumer patterns, as well as unforeseen, sometimes bizarre, events. With managed server hosting, you can upgrade or downgrade your bandwidth as needed simply by letting your hosting provider know your needs. This allows you to use the host’s staff and resources, rather than hiring extra staff as would be required if you handled your own hosting.

Equipment – With managed hosting, you are simply renting the host’s equipment. As new technology becomes available, your host upgrades and you continue renting. If you are handling your own server, you have to purchase the equipment yourself. A server and communications gear, including special routers if needed, costs between $5,000 and $15,000.

Support – Your managed hosting provider will take care of all support functions for your server. This includes monitoring servers, repairing hardware failures or network problems, and backup power supplies for the servers. Hosts also provide bandwidth and connectivity to the internet, as well as server backup should your server fail. Many hosting companies also offer the option of periodic data backup as an added precaution against data loss or corruption.

Security – Your host will take care of installing necessary firewalls and server monitoring equipment to help protect against viruses, denial of service attacks, and unauthorized access.

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