What is managed server? About managed server
Managed Server Hosting is an extension of our existing hosting services. Along with our powerful Shared Hosting Solutions, we also provide dedicated servers for websites and applications that require further customizations that Shared Hosting can not facilitate.
Using our facility to complement the service, we are able to provide our customers with a secure dedicated server for their hosting needs. Our dedicated server setups are completely customized to fulfill the needs of our clients.
It is a dedicated server where a full-time administrator keeps the server in peak condition. Including updating, installing, fixing, etc the server. Fully managed servers are quite expensive
A dedicated server is hosted off site in a Network Operations Centre by a managed server hosting provider. The Network Operations Centre provides the optimum conditions for server storage and the server is specifically set up for your requirements and fully maintained for you by specialist staff.
What to look for in a managed server provider
There are a number of key considerations for supply of a professional service:
Service level agreements should be highly defined so that customers know and understand the lines of responsibilities for the service.
Listening to your requirements
Your provider should be able to listen to your requirements and make informed recommendation for solutions which will effectively meet your business needs. The specification of kit you are provided with should be appropriate.
Network Operations Centre
The site of your server should be secure and safe e.g. backed up by UPS, secure access to the building, intruder safe etc. In the event of a disaster appropriate backup facilities must be in place to quickly restore your service.
Server security
What server security measures are in place, is the server protected by a firewall?
Monitoring of your service
Ensure that the service is effectively monitored. If your service is mission critical to you ensure that your service is monitored 24 x 7
Downtime of service
Occasionally a service may go down. In the event of this happening, you need to have agreement on the length of time taken to resolve problems and restore service.
If your server is faulty whose responsibility is it to fix/replace and what are the response times for this.
Disaster Recovery Plan
Your supplier must have adequate recovery facilities to restore your service in the event of disaster. This will include an effective backup facility and restoration plan.
Upgrade path
Your requirements may change. Ensure you are able to easily and smoothly upgrade your services.
Require changes to your server e.g. installation of additional software, be clear of the company policy on this?
Do you require other services, if so consider if you require the complete solution from one provider.
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