E-COLO.COM - Managed Servers are Dedicated Servers with options like Linux/Unix and Windows Server.

Fully Managed Bandwidth and Managed Servers

If you want to host a site on a dedicate server then Managed Server is a best option. You can hire or take a server on lease so that no other client can use it. This website hosting solution is suitable for those companies or individuals who wants to have their systems with them, unlike collocation. Having system within your reach and limit is very beneficial but before going for this option you must look into some factors, which I am going to discuss below.

Operating System

In Managed Server you have a dedicated server and one of its major advantage is that you can decide on your own which operating system is best suited for your server. You can also consult with your website designing team members. Many options are available for operating systems such as LINUX OS often offers free plans for hosting. RED HAT and Microsoft charge some fee for hosting. You should also check with service provider that they are offering updates for operating system, service packs etc.

Management

Managed Server as name suggests requires a proper management but its not specified anywhere as to how much management is to be provided to the client. Sometimes this leads to a panic situation when any problem arises because some service providers gives full support but some providers don't even bother about your problem. So before moving ahead just check it up about this issue. This hosting solution generally comes with 3 levels of management

Self managed a bronze level in which a customer himself manages all the requirements although some updating services can be given by the host.

Managed - this is called silver level, in which only limited support is provided to the customer just like updates monitoring and little maintenance.

Fully managed - this is highest-level i.e. Gold level in which customer is given full support like upgrades, reboots, software updates fully equipped IT department etc.

Security

Security level in Managed Server is always updated. No need to worry about this issue. All your operating systems and software are regularly gets upgradation so no fear of getting outdated. You should check your service level that how much security you are getting against your server hosting.
Software

Like you have the right to choose operating system for your server, you can also choose the software used in the system. Your software should be simple not complex so that you can easily use them. Software should support all the audio and video files which are required by your website. You should also check for software updates with your service provider regularly.

Bandwidth

You should always set the amount for the bandwidth used beforehand. Buying a bandwidth from a service provider is much cheaper as compared to buy from somewhere else because these providers can give you good discounts. Bandwidth usage mostly fluctuates so its better to always purchase a limit higher then of actual usage.

After considering all these issues you can decide which Managed Server provider is suitable for you. If any service provider gives you OS and software of your choice with high level of security and maintenance and cheap bandwidth then go for it because this will the best bet while hosting through a dedicated server.

Cost

Managed Server applications start at $399.00 per month which is far less than leasing a cabinet, guessing on your bandwidth, limiting your providers due to Colocation providers near your technicians, and last but not least the cost of a technical staff to support it.