subject: Tips for Choosing Types of Dedicated Servers [print this page] Tips for Choosing Types of Dedicated Servers
There are many factors that need to be taken into consideration when choosing dedicated servers. These types of servers provide consumers with numerous advantages, but when choosing dedicated service it is important to understand that there are different types of dedicated servers from which to choose.
One of the most important things to understand about dedicated severs is that there are two types; managed and unmanaged. Beyond that there are also different levels of managed dedicated servers. These types include fully managed plans, managed plans and self-managed plans.
In a fully managed plan, the hosting company is going to be responsible for everything related to maintenance. As the consumer, you do not have to worry about anything. The host company will handle all upgrades, reboots, updates and monitoring. In a managed plan the host company will still primarily handle updates but the customer will have some limited input regarding possible patches and reboots, although this can vary from one company to another. In a self-managed plan the customer will be responsible for all of the major duties while the host will only be responsible for monitoring.
With unmanaged dedicated servers the customer is responsible for everything, which includes reboots, maintenance, system upgrades, patches and anything else that might be required. The only responsibility of the host company with this type of plan is usually security maintenance.
In determining which of these options for dedicated servers is right for you it is important to consider what you need in a host company and how many tasks you want to be personally responsible for handling. If you have very little time on your hands and do not feel comfortable with handling matters such as reboots and upgrades, a fully managed plan is probably going to be the best option for your needs. On the other hand, if you have the time available, feel confident in your ability to handle these matters and want to save money, then a self-managed plan or an unmanaged dedicated server might be the best option.
When choosing a service, make sure you always ask upfront precisely what is included in the service, as service plans can vary from company to company. This will ensure that you are not surprised later on and that you know precisely what you will be paying for so you can get the most for your money.
