A Web presence can become very involved once a company’s hosting requirements progress beyond simply needing a dedicated server. Managed services typically provide equipment procurement, provisioning, and installation, as well as network monitoring and management backed by Service Level Agreement. Managed services also provide end-to-end network management and maintenance support for locations worldwide.

Think of a managed server as a glorified dedicated server with extended features and support. A managed server comes with the features one would expect from a reliable provider, including choice of OS, routing equipment, network connectivity and complete administrative control.

However, instead of leaving most of the administrative tasks to the customer, a managed provider also handles that. Many companies often assign you a dedicated service representative who caters only to you and a handful of other accounts. This support also comes in the form of proprietary control panel technology that enables the new administrator to set up and maintain sites on a server easily. It is achieved through an intuitive, user-friendly point-and-click method rather than typing complex commands at a prompt line.

Many hosting companies offer a supplementary suite of features and services related to managed hosting, including application and database management, high-availability services and load balancing. Most reputable Web hosting firms offer managed Web hosting services and will back up their services with performance guarantees and Service Level Agreements. If you are unsure which service to choose, consider selecting a managed server. While taking the managed route is more expensive, it is also more reassuring for the new administrator.

Managed hosting is a type of dedicated hosting that gives you access to a dedicated server maintained and optimized by the web hosting provider at all times. Fully managed web hosting services are ideal compared to unmanaged hosting services because they eliminate the need to perform administrative duties within your web hosting control panel.

The services of a managed host are advised to be taken, mainly when the company’s image and prestige depend on its website. Taking up solid hosting plans reduces the worries of a business owner as all the management issues are professionally and efficiently looked after by the managed host.