Understanding the Differences Between Fully Managed and Self-Managed VPS Hosting

Virtual Private Systems (VPSs) are virtual servers designed to work like dedicated servers in a shared hosting environment. However, they are less expensive than renting an entire dedicated server and are more private than shared hosting. Virtual Private Systems combine some of the best qualities of both dedicated and shared hosting in these ways. This post describes the differences between Fully Managed and Self-Managed VPSs.

How do VPSs work?

VPS technology allows one physical machine to run multiple virtualized operating systems simultaneously. With one physical server running multiple operating systems, each acts as a dedicated server. Unlike shared hosting, you are not sharing a portion of a server with other users, but you are not renting an entire server like a dedicated server.

VPSs allow users to have their operating system so no other website on the server can access files, and they are available for far less than the price of a dedicated server. As a result, static websites or sites that only receive a small amount of traffic (WordPress sites, personal galleries, and small online stores, for example) rarely require a VPS and can easily use shared hosting. On the other hand, a VPS may be a good choice for an active website that receives perhaps 35 million hits a day or includes a very busy web application.

VPSs may even be an obvious necessity in some circumstances, but choosing the right VPS may not be as simple. There are two basic types of VPSs differentiated by how servers are managed, including fully managed servers and self-managed VPS.

Fully managed VPS Server

The provider manages the server in a fully managed VPS, so the user does not have to worry about the technical details behind running an internet server. The most common reason business owners or individuals may opt for a fully managed VPS is because they lack the knowledge and experience to run their servers. If neither you nor anyone on your team has the necessary technical skills to run a server for your organization, consider fully managed VPSs.

Benefits of fully managed VPS Server

Some factors that make fully managed VPSs so attractive include:

• Server maintenance: The hosting provider makes sure the server is running properly, and there are no technical glitches that might cause your website to crash.
• Updates: With a fully managed VPS, users do not need to worry about updating software or hardware to keep their website running.
• System monitoring: Monitoring pays close attention to traffic spikes to ensure your website can handle increased traffic at peak times without crashing.
• Data protection: Files are constantly checked for vulnerability and backed up regularly. This ensures that no data would be completely lost and could be restored quickly after a crash or some other error. Backups are also constantly being made of your web servers and applications to ensure rapid restoration if necessary.
• Security: The hosting provider constantly checks Fully managed VPSs for weak points on the site and malware, spyware, and suspicious traffic patterns. This keeps your website uncorrupted and safe from viruses and keeps you aware of what type of traffic your site is getting.
• Tech support: Users can be sure of 24/7 assistance with their website if they have any problems or issues requiring customer support or technical or formatting requests.

Consequences of fully managed VPSs

As with all technological achievements, some drawbacks come with fully managed VPSs, such as:

• Price: Full management of VPSs increases costs. One cannot expect full server maintenance and management to be free. Fortunately, AccuWeb Hosting already includes fully managed vps services with their SSD VPS Hosting plans.
• Limited customization: The user often does not have as much control over the server as they might like. The hosting provider makes all software and hardware decisions and controls when software and hardware are installed.
• Time: If you wish to have a certain piece of hardware or software installed, request that the hosting provider install it. While they will usually agree to these requests fairly quickly, it will take extra time that could have to saved by installing the software yourself.

Self-managed VPS Server

These are servers in which the host provides no maintenance or management, and the VPSs are managed entirely by the users. The only thing the hosting provider is responsible for is the availability of a functional physical server. Some users prefer the higher levels of freedom offered by self-managed VPSs and choose them over fully managed servers. Users with technological savvy and experience should seriously consider self-managed VPSs.

Benefits of self-managed VPS

Customization: Users have the freedom to control every aspect of a server with a self-managed VPS. You can install any software you want and have complete control over who can access your information.

Price: The cost of a self-managed VPS is always less than that of a fully managed VPS, as all the host provider contributes is the server space. There are even self-managed VPSs available for free.

Security: Self-managed VPSs allows you to manage the levels of security protecting your data, so it can be as minimal or as intensive as you wish.

Self-reliance: There is no need to rely on anyone else to change your server or website. All updates, installations, and format changes are dependent upon the user.

Despite the freedom offered by these systems, many people are intimidated by them. As a result, there is a risk of getting in over your head and drowning in a lack of technical skills and knowledge. Factors to consider include:

Difficulty: To properly run a self-managed VPS, a user needs to have all the technical skills required to understand and operate the server. If you are a talented tech professional, a self-managed VPS is almost certainly what you want to choose. If you have very little knowledge of web servers and no funds to hire a full-time IT professional, consider a fully managed VPS.

Performance depends on the user: If the server is not performing the way you want, you have no one but yourself to blame.

To learn more about fully managed and self-managed VPSs, contact AccuwebHosting today.