When we talk about VPS hosting, it often feels like walking into a tech bazaar; everything seems strong, but selecting the right option can be tricky. Among the top contenders, Managed and Unmanaged VPS dominate the digital landscape. Apparently, they might seem like two sides of the same coin, but delve deeper, and you will find they are built for entirely different kinds of users.
No matter whether you are an active developer who loves complete control or an occupied entrepreneur who just wants things to work, understanding the main difference between managed and unmanaged VPS could save you time and money. Let’s make it more understandable in the simplest way possible, no tech jargon, no fluff, just pure facts.
Suppose you have just started an online store, or maybe a SaaS product that is gaining momentum. Traffic is flowing in, orders are buzzing, and your digital presence is finally achieving the attention it deserves. But all of a sudden, what happened? Uh-Oh! An update fails, your site crashes, or your server starts acting up. You are knee-deep in error logs, and your inbox is continuously requesting help. That’s when the reality of hosting hits you, and the battle of Managed VPS vs Unmanaged VPS begins.
Managed VPS is like hiring a dedicated mechanic, like a pit crew. Your hosting provider takes care of everything, including server setup, maintenance, security patches, backups, and performance tuning. They do this so that you can concentrate on your core business operations, and they handle the tech. There is no coding difficulty and no late-night panic fixes.
Besides, Unmanaged VPS is for the loner, or the developer who wants complete control. It provides you with raw power and full root access, but also full responsibility. In this scenario, you are the captain of the ship, and also the mechanic, security guard, and tech support. In the last few years, Managed VPS has become the finest choice for startups, e-commerce owners, and even growing agencies.
Therefore, if you are on the fence about which one to choose, this blog is going to cover everything running in your mind. But before proceeding further, make sure to understand the term VPS; later will discuss the main differences between Managed and Unmanaged.
VPS - What Does it Mean?
The term VPS stands for virtual private server refers to a server that provides the same resources as of a dedicated server by using virtualization technology. In a VPS an actual server is separated into multiple servers but virtually. Each of these virtual servers functions as individual servers with dedicated resources.
It enables them to operate as a stand-alone server. If you select to host your site or application on a VPS, your website will be the only one using that specific virtual server, and you will get your operating system, dedicated storage, CPU, RAM, and bandwidth.
Each VPS account prefers a separate operating system, and you can install different software packages as per your needs. You can either consider a managed VPS or an unmanaged VPS.
What is Managed VPS?
As the name already describes, in a managed VPS hosting, you do not have to worry about server-related tasks like managing and maintaining your server. Your web hosting provider will be the whole and sole one to take care of all functions of the server.
In spite of knowing the technical expertise of the server and handling it, getting it managed by your hosting provider will lessen your stress in carrying out all the tasks. It is the right decision for those who don’t have enough time to manage their server and want to concentrate only on their core operations. Moreover, it is also worthwhile for those without in-house technical know-how or resources to manage a server.
Advantages of Managed VPS
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Automatic Backups & Updates: Regular backups and software updates are done for you, decreasing risk and offering better performance.
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High-Level Security: Managed VPS plans generally come with pre-configured firewalls, malware scanning, and active threat monitoring.
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Time-Saving: Managed VPS provides you the liberty to focus on growing your business, while the provider handles server-related tasks.
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Peace of Mind: If something goes wrong, don’t panic, you are not alone. You have a dedicated team ready to fix things fast and keep your site online.
Smooth Support: Server management, updates, and troubleshooting are all controlled by skilled professionals.
What is an Unmanaged VPS?
When it comes to unmanaged VPS hosting, you are required to handle the server responsibilities like management and maintenance of the server, and your hosting provider looks into a physical server and its availability. It is necessary to have the technical expertise or a skilled team of experts to manage your server if you go for unmanaged VPS hosting.
Advantages of Unmanaged VPS
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Complete Control & Customization: You get root access, enabling you to install, configure, or tweak anything as per your requirements.
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Affordable: Unmanaged and primarily friendly in budget compared to managed VPS, making it a cost-effective solution for developers and tech nerds.
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Performance Optimization: Tune your server environment as it is you want it. No limitations or provider-imposed restrictions.
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Provide Hands-On Learning: It is great for system admins or developers who want to learn Linux, server management, and DevOps practices firsthand.
Differentiate Between Managed vs.Unmanaged VPS
| Managed VPS | Unmanaged VPS |
|---|---|
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You don’t need to acquire any technical expertise. |
Strong command and knowledge of servers is a must. |
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Server-related tasks like maintenance and upgradation are controlled by the hosting provider. |
Your hosting provider only takes care of handling the physical server. |
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It provides you the liberty to invest more time in your business, as there is no need to maintain your server. |
In case of unmanaged, you will have to pay equal attention to your business as well as the server. |
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In a managed VPS, you get technical support from your hosting provider whenever you need it. |
If you face any technical issue, it is your responsibility to solve it on your own. |
So, Whats the Right Fit for You?
As we are almost near the end of this blog post, we hope that you have a better understanding of both Managed and Unmanaged VPS. But let's be honest, running a business is already a full-time hustle. Whether you are starting your startup or expanding an e-commerce store, the last thing you require is a compact course in server management.
Wondering why are businesses switching to Managed VPS Hosting? The answer lies in simplicity, speed, and security. If words like firewall rules, kernel updates, and command line hang your mind, Managed VPS is the perfect solution. With managed VPS, you are eligible to get technical support that saves you valuable time. Moreover, it enables you to concentrate on your main goal, like managing your team, generating leads, building customer relationships, etc. Simultaneously, if you are concerned about the charges but have a solid command of server management, then no issues in going for an unmanaged VPS.
Conclusion
Deciding between Managed and Unmanaged VPS doesn’t have to be rocket science anymore. If you are someone who prefers coding in the wee hours, enjoys tweaking servers, and knows how to handle unexpected glitches like a professional, opt for an unmanaged VPS. It offers you full control, customization, and a hands-on learning curve that is suited for developers and tech enthusiasts.
But if server;
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If server errors give you a headache
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If you would rather boost your brand/website than Google error logs
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If your time is better spent closing deals, not managing firewalls
Then don’t think too much, simply go for Managed VPS.
Once you have opted for this, you get a powerhouse hosting setup that is totally managed by experts.
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Security updates? Done
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Backups? Automatic
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Server Monitoring? Day and Night
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All while you stay concentrated on what matters.
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So, ruminate about this :
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Do you want to manage your server?
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Or do you want to manage your success?
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Choose smart. Choose Managed VPS.
For more information, look no further than Net2Secure