Before you can decide whether a managed or unmanaged VPS is suitable for you, you need to know what a VPS is. A VPS is a virtual private server. A server stores all the files and data that make up your website. When someone clicks a link to your page, the server creates your website onscreen for the user.
The difference between a VPS and a standard server is that a VPS uses virtualization technology to divide up the main server into smaller virtual servers. It is one powerful piece of hardware operating in the same way as multiple smaller servers. Since it is explicitly earmarked for you, you don’t have to share RAM, CPU, or any private data with anyone else.
Both managed and unmanaged VPS have their advantages and disadvantages when it comes to VPS hosting. If you have the time and have technical expertise, then you may decide you are quite capable of operating a VPS unmanaged. For those who aren’t as confident, the managed option may be preferable.
Managed VPS
Managed VPS hosting means that the provider is responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the server. The advantage here is that you don’t have to do this yourself, which frees up your time and energy to focus on more pressing matters. This form of VPS hosting is hands-off where all the little details such as updates and upgrades are taken care of for you. This suits those that have little experience setting up and readying servers. It also benefits those that don’t have the time to manage a server themselves, such as new business owners.
Advantages include the full support of a team of experts, and many organizations have a choice of plans and prices, allowing you to decide what services you want to include. The host monitors the server 24/7, so the host can immediately address any issues and faults. The host also uses security software to protect against cyber-attacks.
In addition to these advantages, managed hosting offers significant scope for scalability, meaning you will never have issues with resources like CPU, RAM, and bandwidth. The managers will also make relevant adjustments whenever possible to improve your server’s performance so you can handle heavy traffic.
Managed VPS allows you to install software easily, and there is scope for faster content delivery which makes your website load more quickly. You can be assured websites and databases are effectively backed up. Many also offer easy automated migration. The majority of managed VPS have the capacity for unlimited email accounts.
Unmanaged VPS
In contrast, when you opt for unmanaged VPS hosting, you as the business owner are accountable for all maintenance tasks while the provider is only responsible for the physical upkeep. If you decide on this option, you must have a strong level of technical experience or specific resources set aside for operating your server. Unmanaged VPS Hosting is better suited for veteran businesses with a customer base and clientele established as they will be able to prioritize resources differently to a new business in the fledgling stages.
There are several advantages to unmanaged VPS, including having complete control of all resources such as bandwidth, making it the preferable choice for businesses that need higher bandwidth. Through unmanaged VPS hosting, you can also upload software specifically for your business needs that a hosted VPS would not usually offer. There is also a financial advantage. You can save considerably by not paying for customer support or services as you are taking responsibility for those areas yourself. This could be the better option for highly skilled operators who want to customize their setup fully.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both forms of VPS provide access to guaranteed resources without you actually having to run your own server. If you are new or inexperienced, it is probably better to opt for a managed VPS. Even though it is more expensive than an unmanaged option, the advantages of having someone deal with the technical side make it well worth the cost. On the other hand, if you are tech-savvy and want to have complete control and fully customizable features, the unmanaged is probably the answer for you.
