5 Reasons Why Managed Hosting is the Best Option for Your Business
Introduction
In today’s digital age, businesses rely heavily on their online presence. A website is the face of a business on the internet, and it needs to be reliable, secure, and fast. One way to ensure all these requirements are met is through managed hosting. ccording to a report by Market Research Future, the global managed hosting market size is expected to grow from USD 29.9 billion in 2020 to USD 102.6 billion by 2027, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18.4% during the forecast period (2021-2027).In this blog post, we will discuss the five reasons why managed hosting is the best option for your business.
Managed hosting is a type of web hosting service where the hosting provider takes care of all the technical aspects of hosting a website. This includes server management, server monitoring, security and performance, regular backups, and software updates.
Managed hosting provides businesses with the peace of mind that their website is always up and running, secure, and fast. It also frees up their time and resources to focus on their core business activities, rather than spending time on server management and maintenance.
In this blog post, we will discuss the five reasons why managed hosting is the best option for your business. We will also compare managed hosting with unmanaged hosting, explain why managed hosting is not suitable for individuals, provide a cost-benefit analysis, and give industry-specific examples. We will end the blog post with a checklist for choosing the right managed hosting provider and answer some frequently asked questions.
5 Reasons Why Managed Hosting is the Best Option for Your Business
A. Server Management
Why Managed Hosting is a Good Option for Server Management
Managed hosting providers have a team of experts who manage the server infrastructure, including hardware and software. They ensure that the servers are configured correctly, and optimized for performance and that any issues are resolved promptly.
Managed Hosting vs. Unmanaged Hosting for Server Management
| Managed Hosting | Unmanaged Hosting |
|---|---|
| Servers are managed by the hosting provider | Servers are managed by the customer |
| Expert support and assistance are available | No support or assistance provided |
| Server management and maintenance included in the package | Server management and maintenance are done by the customer |
Why Unmanaged Hosting is Not a Good Option for Server Management
Unmanaged hosting requires customers to manage their own servers, which can be time-consuming and complicated. It requires technical knowledge and expertise to manage servers, which small businesses may not have.
Slow website loading times due to server mismanagement
Server mismanagement can result in slow website loading times, which can lead to a poor user experience and a decrease in website traffic. This can ultimately result in lost revenue for the business.
B. Server Monitoring
Why Managed Hosting is a Good Option for Server Monitoring
Managed hosting providers monitor the server infrastructure 24/7 to ensure that any issues are detected and resolved before they become major problems. They also provide regular reports and analytics to help businesses optimize their website performance.
Managed Hosting vs. Unmanaged Hosting for Server Monitoring
| Managed Hosting | Unmanaged Hosting |
|---|---|
| Servers are monitored by the hosting provider 24/7 | No monitoring provided |
| Expert support and assistance are available | No support or assistance provided |
| Regular reports and analytics provided | No reports or analytics provided |
Why Unmanaged Hosting is Not a Good Option for Server Monitoring
Unmanaged hosting requires customers to monitor their own servers, which can be challenging and time-consuming. It also requires technical knowledge and expertise to monitor servers effectively, which small businesses may not have.
Downtime due to server failures that go unnoticed
Server failures that go unnoticed can result in website downtime, which can impact the business’s revenue and reputation. Managed hosting providers detect and resolve any issues promptly, reducing the risk of website downtime.
C. Security and Performance
Why Managed Hosting is a Good Option for Security and Performance:
Managed hosting providers often have more robust security measures in place compared to unmanaged hosting providers. With managed hosting, your website will be protected by firewalls, malware scanners, and intrusion detection systems, among other security features. The hosting provider will also keep your software up-to-date with the latest security patches and updates.
In terms of performance, managed hosting can provide faster load times and better uptime compared to unmanaged hosting. This is because managed hosting providers often use top-of-the-line hardware and software to optimize website performance. They also have dedicated support teams to troubleshoot any issues that may arise.
Managed Hosting vs. Unmanaged Hosting for Security and Performance
| Managed Hosting | Unmanaged Hosting |
|---|---|
| Robust security measures, including firewalls, malware scanners, and intrusion detection systems | Limited security measures, leaving websites vulnerable to attacks |
| Regular software updates and security patches | Limited software updates and security patches, potentially lead to security breaches |
| High-performance hardware and software for faster load times and better uptime | Lower-quality hardware and software, resulting in slower website performance and more downtime |
| Dedicated support teams for troubleshooting | Limited support, leaving businesses to troubleshoot issues on their own |
Security breaches leading to loss of sensitive data or website defacement
One of the biggest risks of unmanaged hosting is the potential for security breaches. A report by cybersecurity company Netscout found that the average cost of a data breach for a business in 2020 was $3.86 million. Managed hosting providers can help businesses prevent data breaches by providing robust security measures and regular backups. Without proper security measures in place, websites hosted on unmanaged servers are vulnerable to attacks, including malware infections and hacking attempts. This can lead to the loss of sensitive data or even complete website defacement, which can have a major impact on a business’s reputation.
Regular security updates and monitoring are essential to prevent these types of attacks. Managed hosting providers often have teams of experts dedicated to ensuring the security of their client’s websites, providing peace of mind for business owners.
D. Regular Backups
Why Managed Hosting is a Good Option for Regular Backups:
Regular backups are crucial for any website, as they provide a safety net in case of data loss or website crashes. With managed hosting, backups are often included as part of the hosting package. The hosting provider will typically perform regular backups and store them off-site for added security. A study by Gartner found that the average cost of downtime for businesses is $5,600 per minute or $336,000 per hour. Managed hosting providers can help businesses minimize downtime and ensure high availability and uptime.
In the event of a data loss or website crash, the hosting provider can quickly restore the website to its previous state, minimizing downtime and potential losses for the business.
Managed Hosting vs. Unmanaged Hosting for Regular Backups
| Managed Hosting | Unmanaged Hosting |
|---|---|
| Regular backups included as part of the hosting package | Limited or no backups, leaving businesses vulnerable to data loss |
| Off-site storage for added security | No off-site storage, increasing the risk of data loss in case of server failure |
| Quick restoration in case of data loss or website crash | The manual restoration process, potentially leads to extended downtime |
Permanent data loss due to lack of backups
Without regular backups, businesses run the risk of permanent data loss in the event of a website crash or server failure. This can have serious consequences for businesses, including lost revenue and damage to their reputation.
Managed hosting providers often include regular backups as part of their hosting package, providing added security and peace of mind for business owners.
E. Time and Cost Saving
Why Managed Hosting is a Good Option for Time and Cost Saving:
With managed hosting, businesses can save both time and money. Managed hosting providers handle many of the time-consuming tasks associated with website management, such as server maintenance, software updates, and security monitoring. This allows businesses to focus on their core activities and improve their bottom line.
In terms of cost, managed hosting can be a cost-effective option for businesses, especially when compared to the costs associated with hiring an in-house IT team or outsourcing website management tasks.
Managed Hosting vs Unmanaged Hosting for Time and Cost Saving
| Managed Hosting | Unmanaged Hosting |
|---|---|
| Managed hosting providers take care of server management, monitoring, security, backups, and updates. | Server management, monitoring, security, backups, and updates are left to the user to handle. |
| Managed hosting providers have a team of experts who can quickly resolve any issues that arise. | Users have to troubleshoot and resolve any issues themselves or hire someone to do so. |
| Managed hosting plans often come with added features like email hosting and domain registration. | Users have to purchase these features separately, which can add to the overall cost. |
| Managed hosting plans usually come with a fixed monthly fee, making it easy for businesses to budget for hosting costs. | Unmanaged hosting costs can be unpredictable and fluctuate based on usage and any additional features needed. |
Wasted time and resources on server maintenance instead of core business activities
For many businesses, managing and maintaining servers can be a major drain on time and resources. This is especially true for small businesses that may not have a dedicated IT team. With managed hosting, businesses can offload the burden of server management to the hosting provider, freeing up time and resources to focus on core business activities.
Managed Hosting vs. Unmanaged Hosting for Business
Managed hosting is a type of hosting service in which the hosting provider takes care of all server-related tasks, such as server setup, server management, security, updates, and backups. In contrast, unmanaged hosting is a hosting service in which the hosting provider only provides the server, and the client is responsible for all server-related tasks. According to a study by Clutch, 69% of businesses use managed hosting, while 31% use unmanaged hosting.
Differences between Managed and Unmanaged Hosting
Managed hosting provides businesses with a team of experts who are responsible for server management, monitoring, security, and backups, allowing businesses to focus on their core activities. On the other hand, unmanaged hosting requires businesses to have their own IT team or hire a third party to manage the server, which can be costly and time-consuming.
Managed Hosting vs. Unmanaged Hosting for Business
| Managed Hosting | Unmanaged Hosting | |
|---|---|---|
| Server | Management and monitoring included | Only server provided, no management or monitoring |
| Security | Measures and backups are provided | Security and backups are the responsibility of the client |
| Technical Support | Available | May not be available |
| Cost | More expensive than unmanaged hosting | Less expensive than managed hosting |
Advantages and Disadvantages of Managed Hosting and Unmanaged Hosting for Business
Advantages of Managed Hosting:
- Time-saving: allows businesses to focus on their core activities without worrying about server management tasks
- Expertise: provides businesses with a team of experts who can handle server-related tasks effectively and efficiently
- Security and backups: managed hosting providers offer high-level security measures and regular backups to protect businesses’ data and information
- Technical support: 24/7 technical support is usually available for any issues or concerns
Disadvantages of Managed Hosting:
- Cost: managed hosting is usually more expensive than unmanaged hosting
- Lack of control: businesses may have limited control over server-related tasks, as they are usually handled by the hosting provider
- Dependency: businesses may become dependent on their managed hosting provider for server-related tasks
Advantages of Unmanaged Hosting:
- Cost: unmanaged hosting is usually less expensive than managed hosting
- Control: businesses have complete control over server-related tasks and can customize the server to their specific needs
- Flexibility: businesses can choose the hosting provider and server configuration that suits their needs and budget
Disadvantages of Unmanaged Hosting:
- Time-consuming: managing the server requires time and technical expertise, which can be costly and may distract businesses from their core activities
- Security and backups: businesses are responsible for providing their own security measures and backups, which can be challenging for businesses with limited technical expertise
- Technical support: technical support may not be available or may come at an additional cost
Why Managed Hosting is Not Suitable for Individuals
Managed hosting is a hosting service designed for businesses that require high-level server management, monitoring, and security. It is not suitable for individuals who need hosting services for personal or low-traffic websites.
Managed hosting is typically more expensive than other hosting options, and the high level of server management and security provided is unnecessary for individuals with low-traffic websites. Managed hosting is also designed for businesses with a team of experts who require technical support and assistance, which is usually not necessary for individuals.
Managed Hosting vs. Individual Hosting for Personal Use
| Managed Hosting | Individual Hosting |
|---|---|
| Managed and maintained by the hosting provider | Self-managed by the individual |
| Server management and monitoring included | Server management and monitoring responsibility of the individual |
| Robust security measures, including firewalls and malware scanners | Limited security measures, leaving websites vulnerable to attacks |
| Regular software updates and security patches | Limited software updates and security patches, potentially lead to security breaches |
| High-performance hardware and software for faster load times and better uptime | Lower-quality hardware and software, resulting in slower website performance and more downtime |
| Dedicated support teams for troubleshooting | Limited support, leaving individuals to troubleshoot issues on their own |
| More expensive than individual hosting | Less expensive than managed hosting |
Industry-Specific Benefits of Managed Hosting
Managed hosting can benefit businesses in various industries, such as healthcare, finance, and e-commerce. For example, healthcare companies need to ensure the security and confidentiality of patient information, and managed hosting can provide the necessary safeguards. Financial companies require high-performance and secure hosting to handle large amounts of data and financial transactions. E-commerce businesses need reliable hosting to handle high traffic and sales volumes.
How Managed Hosting Can Benefit Businesses in Specific Industries
- Healthcare: Managed hosting can provide HIPAA compliance and security measures to ensure patient information is protected.
- Finance: Managed hosting can offer secure and high-performance hosting to manage large amounts of financial data and transactions.
- E-commerce: Managed hosting can handle high traffic and sales volumes during peak periods, ensuring a smooth user experience and preventing lost sales.
According to a survey by the National Retail Federation, the holiday season accounts for 20-30% of annual sales for many retailers, and managed hosting can help e-commerce businesses handle the increased website traffic and sales volume during this busy time. Industry-specific hosting requirements are not met with traditional hosting solutions Many businesses face challenges when it comes to finding a hosting solution that meets their specific industry needs. Traditional hosting solutions may not offer the necessary security, performance, or compliance requirements for businesses in certain industries. Managed hosting can provide tailored solutions to meet the unique needs of each industry.
Choosing the Right Managed Hosting Provider: A Checklist for Businesses
Choosing the right managed hosting provider can be a daunting task. A checklist can help businesses evaluate providers based on their specific needs and requirements.
Checklist Items for Choosing the Right Managed Hosting Provider
- Server Management: Does the provider offer comprehensive server management services, including maintenance, upgrades, and troubleshooting?
- Security: Does the provider have robust security measures in place, such as firewalls, intrusion detection, and encryption?
- Performance: Does the provider offer high-performance hosting with fast page load times and minimal downtime?
- Backups: Does the provider have a backup and disaster recovery plan in place to prevent data loss?
- Support: Does the provider offer 24/7 support with knowledgeable and responsive technicians?
- Pricing: Is the pricing transparent and competitive, with no hidden fees or charges?
Top Managed Hosting Providers
When it comes to managed hosting, there are several providers that stand out in terms of their service quality and reliability. Here are some of the top-managed hosting providers in the industry:
- WP Engine – WP Engine is a leading managed WordPress hosting provider that offers high-performance, secure, and scalable hosting solutions. They have a team of WordPress experts who provide 24/7 support and assist with website migrations and performance optimization.
- Liquid Web – Liquid Web is a managed hosting provider that offers a range of hosting solutions, including cloud hosting, dedicated hosting, and managed WordPress hosting. Their hosting services are highly customizable and come with a 100% uptime guarantee.
- Kinsta – Kinsta is a managed WordPress hosting provider that uses the Google Cloud Platform to deliver lightning-fast website speeds and performance. They offer automatic backups, security scanning, and a user-friendly dashboard for managing your website.
- SiteGround – SiteGround is a popular managed hosting provider that offers reliable and secure hosting solutions for businesses of all sizes. They provide automatic updates, daily backups, and 24/7 support to ensure that your website is always up and running smoothly.
- Flywheel – Flywheel is a managed WordPress hosting provider that offers fast, secure, and user-friendly hosting solutions for creatives and agencies. They provide automated backups, staging environments, and an intuitive dashboard for managing your website.
1. WP Engine
| Feature | WP Engine |
|---|---|
| Server Management | Fully managed |
| Security | Robust security measures with daily malware scans, firewall protection, and intrusion detection |
| Performance | High-performance hosting with fast page load times and minimal downtime |
| Backups | Automated daily backups and one-click restore |
| Support | 24/7 support with experienced WordPress experts |
| Pricing | Plans start at $20/per month |
2. Kinsta
| Feature | Kinsta |
|---|---|
| Server Management | Fully managed |
| Security | Robust security measures with hardware firewalls, DDoS protection, and malware scanning |
| Performance | High-performance hosting with Google Cloud Platform and a focus on speed optimization |
| Backups | Automated daily backups and one-click restore |
| Support | 24/7 support with experienced WordPress developers |
| Pricing | Plans start at $30/per month |
3. Liquid Web
| Feature | Liquid Web |
|---|---|
| Server Management | Fully managed |
| Security | Robust security measures with multiple firewalls, DDoS protection, and malware scanning |
| Performance | High-performance hosting with fast page load times and minimal downtime |
| Backups | Automated daily backups and one-click restore |
| Support | 24/7 support with dedicated teams for each customer |
| Pricing | Plans start at $99/month |
4. SiteGround
| Feature | SiteGround |
|---|---|
| Server Management | Fully managed |
| Security | Robust security measures with proactive monitoring, firewalls, and malware scanning |
| Performance | High-performance hosting with a focus on speed optimization |
| Backups | Automated daily backups and one-click restore |
| Support | 24/7 support with WordPress experts |
| Pricing | Plans start at $6.99/month |
5. Flywheel
| Feature | Flywheel |
|---|---|
| Server Management | Fully managed |
| Security | Robust security measures with malware scanning, firewalls, and SSL certificates |
| Performance | High-performance hosting with a focus on speed optimization |
| Backups | Automated daily backups and one-click restore |
| Support | 24/7 support with WordPress experts |
| Pricing | Plans start at $13/per month |
These managed hosting providers are leading the industry due to their high-performance hosting solutions, robust security measures, and dedicated support teams. They offer tailored hosting solutions to meet the specific needs of businesses and individuals, making them a popular choice for those seeking reliable and secure hosting.
FAQs about Managed Hosting
Common Questions and Answers about Managed Hosting
Q: What is managed to host and how does it differ from other hosting options?
Answer: Managed hosting is a type of hosting service where the provider takes care of server management, security, performance, and backups. It differs from other hosting options in that it offers comprehensive server management services and tailored solutions to meet specific business needs.
Q: What are the benefits of managed hosting?
Answer: The benefits of managed hosting include improved website performance, security, and reliability, as well as cost savings and time savings for businesses.
Q: Is Managed to host more expensive than other hosting options?
Answer: Managed hosting can be more expensive than some other hosting options, such as shared hosting. However, it can be cost-effective for businesses, especially compared to the costs of hiring an in-house IT team or outsourcing website management tasks.
Q: What is included in managed hosting services?
Answer: Managed hosting services typically include server management, security, performance optimization, backups, and support.
Conclusion
Managed hosting offers comprehensive server management, security, performance optimization, backups, and support, providing numerous benefits for businesses. For businesses looking to improve their website performance, security, and reliability, as well as save time and costs, managed hosting is the ideal solution. By choosing a reputable managed hosting provider and following the checklist, businesses can ensure they are getting the best service for their specific needs.