A kind of Internet hosting, the managed hosting service enables the client to let a server choose what the hardware and operating system. The use of a managed hosting service reduces overhead for the company, saving money in the long term. Saving the company on money and conserving valuable or strained resources, such a service involves having the data server, which is owned by the provider, placed in a remote data center.

With managed hosting services, there are several factors to consider. These include the operating system’s support, bandwidth and connectivity, server management, security, and software. Most frequently managed hosting uses a Windows operating system or some variation of Linux. Another important element is the bandwidth, or data transfer rate, supported. This measures how much data can be moved within a certain time period. This directly affects how fast websites load or the speed at which data is transferred or downloaded. One managed hosting service provider online offers scalable bandwidth options with its servers; meaning the data rates can be adjusted to the clients’ needs as they use the system.

Server management is often a standard part of managed hosting. There is no single standard for management in a dedicated server dedicated server, therefore providers are able to define them according to what they can offer. Common management offerings include operating system and application updates, server monitoring, hardware monitoring, technical support, firewall services, antivirus updates and intrusion detection, backup services for storing data and easing disaster recovery, and security auditing. Database administrative functions, software installation, and consulting services are sometimes included as well. Security is managed by a variety of software programs to ensure the safety of the data against many different problems.

Managed hosting services also incorporate certain software packages, managed via various pricing models based on monthly fees. These include different plans from Microsoft server products, such as Microsoft SQL Server or Microsoft Exchange Server. Applications that are designed to provide web-based control panels for web servers and server administration are typical. In contrast to other management tools, control panels automate things such as website creation and server management.

One provider of managed hosting services online offers plans that are managed and self-managed. Managed plans allow clients to focus on business, while the web server is managed by the provider. Self-managed server plans involve storage, reboots, hardware replacement, and bandwidth at a lower rate. System administration, though, must be managed by the client.

Plans for managed hosting are offered at different levels, at different prices per month. Fortunately, setup of the system does not cost anything. Each plan includes a specific processor, memory, hard drive, and choice of Linux or Windows operating system. If necessary, additional plans and servers are available, and systems can also be customized according to the specific needs of the client. Various add-on services and software, as well as drives and RAM, can be selected, with the total price of the plan updated as options are selected, directly on the site. Once a form is filled out the plan can be activated, and the managed hosting plan can be implemented.