Difference Between Managed & Unmanaged VPS

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What is the Difference Between Managed
Unmanaged VPS and Which One to Choose?
Is your site crashing due to unpredictable
traffic spikes? You may have to move from a
shared server to a more robust server like VPS
that is capable of handling a high volume of
visitors. A website with high traffic needs a
lightning-fast and superior performing server
else, the site may face downtime or slow loading
issues. A VPS server delivers the power,
reliability and functionality, the same as that
of a dedicated server but comparatively at a
lesser price. In this post, we will put a light
on two types of VPS hosting that is managed VPS
and unmanaged. Before jumping on to that first,
lets see what is a VPS. What is VPS? The
Virtual Private Server abbreviated as VPS is a
server that offers the same resources as that of
a dedicated server by using virtualization
technology. In a VPS an actual server is split
into multiple servers- but virtually. Each of
these virtual servers functions as individual
servers with dedicated resources. This allows
them to operate as a stand-alone server. If you
decide to host your site or application on 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. Every VPS account
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• uses a separate operating system and you can
  install different software packages as per your
  requirement and get full access to customize your
  server. You can either choose from managed vps
  or unmanaged VPS hosting.
• If you want to understand the concept of VPS
  quickly, do watch t his video Let us now take a
  look at the types of VPS available.
• There are two main types of VPS hosting Managed
  VPS and Unmanaged VPS.
• What is Managed VPS?
• As the name suggests, in managed VPS you do not
  have to bother about the server related tasks
  such as managing and maintaining your server.
  Your web hosting provider will take care of all
  the functions of the server.
• Despite you knowing the technical aspects of the
  server and managing it, getting it managed from
  your hosting provider will reduce your burden for
  carrying out all the tasks. To help you
  understand managed VPS lets take an example of
  the auto-pilot feature. While take-off, the
  autopilot mode handles everything and guides the
  plane through its path, analyzes the speed,
  height and does all the required changes to make
  sure that the flight flies without any hassles.
• An auto-pilot mode eliminates considerable
  workload from the pilots shoulders. In the same
  way, the web hosting provider specialists
  undertake complete responsibility of your server
  resources and monitors your server entire time
  for any difficulties as they handle all the
  necessary updates and upgrades. Especially, for
  users who dont have much time for the server
  related tasks.
• Advantages of Managed VPS Hosting
• As your server is monitored round the clock by
  the web hosting provider, you get time to focus
  on your primary objectives.
• If you are not much familiar with the server
  related operations, like setup and configuration
  of the server then you dont need to stress about
  it. Since the entire server maintenance is taken
  care of by the tech-savvy team at the web hosting
  company.
• A managed VPS has high-tech tools to fix security
  issues and eliminate threats. The server is
  constantly monitored for malware and a security
  audit is performed to identify any vulnerability
  to prevent any breach.
• Managed VPS hosting comes with a control panel
  that allows you to manage your website with
  ease. With the help of the control panel, you can
  manage your

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• website management such as adding website files
  on the server, creating databases, monitoring
  site performance, etc.
• Your server is being monitored for traffic spikes
  to ensure your website can handle increased
  traffic at peak times without crashing.
• A fully managed VPS server is cost-effective as
  compared to hiring a team of experts especially
  to manage your server.
• You get round the clock technical assistance by
  the experts at the web hosting company.

• What is Unmanaged VPS?
• In unmanaged VPS, you are required to handle the
  server responsibilities such as management and
  maintenance of the server and your hosting
  provider looks into a physical server and its
  availability. It is required to have the
  technical know-how or a team of experts to
  manage your server if you opt for unmanaged VPS
  hosting.
• No matter how technically sound you are unmanaged
  VPS is more favorable if you are a
  well-established organization. If you are a
  startup your main focus will be developing your
  business. Server management needs a full-time
  role and a team to handle your server.
• Advantages of Unmanaged VPS Hosting
• You get full control of your server in terms of
  storage space, software installation, bandwidth,
  usage, memory, etc.
• The VPS server can be fully customized as per
  your requirement.
• More cost-efficient as there is no need to hire a
  resource or a technical team to manage your
  server.
• Full freedom to install and run applications that
  are generally not given by the hosting provider
  since everything is in your hands.
• You are responsible for the server so you can
  make changes to your server anytime you want
  without being dependent on anyone.
• Take advantage of unlimited optimizations on the
  server and boost the performance of your website
  or application to gain more traffic and enhance
  user experience.

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Core Differences Between Managed and Unmanaged VPS
Managed VPS Unmanaged VPS
You dont need to have technical skills. Good knowledge of servers is a must.
Server related tasks such as maintenance and up-gradation are taken care of by the hosting provider. Your hosting provider only takes care of maintaining the physical server.
You can invest more time in your business as there are no hassles for maintaining your server. You will have to pay equal attention to your business as well as the server because server maintenance will be solely your responsibility.
You get technical support from your hosting provider anytime you want. In case of any technical issue, you will have to solve it on your own.
Little costlier but ideal if you are a newbie. As the complete server management is up to you the cost of the server is comparatively lower.
Which One Should You Choose? Now that you are
aware of both Managed and Unmanaged VPS, both of
them have their own benefits. If you are a
techie and have hands-on server management and
can spare enough time for managing a server then
it is advised to go for unmanaged hosting. While
if you are a newbie or a startup that needs to
focus on growing business, then handling a VPS
server can be a tedious job. With managed VPS,
you get technical assistance that saves your
valuable hours. This allows you to focus on your
main objectives such as managing your team,
generating revenue, building customer
relationships, etc. At the same time, if you are
worried about the expenses and well aware of the
server and its management then unmanaged VPS
will be more suited.
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• Wrapping Up
• Even though managed VPS is a little costlier than
  self-managed VPS, over the period, its price has
  lowered and users find it reliable and risk-free
  to get a managed VPS from a hosting provider.
• Also, if setting up the server is a
  time-consuming process and is going to affect
  your business, then managed to host is
  preferable. Yet another factor to consider is
  security. If you take complete responsibility
  for the security of your server and are confident
  that it will be safeguarded from the online
  threats then there is no harm in opting in for
  unmanaged VPS.
• FAQs
• How is VPS hosting Secure?
• Being isolated from other virtual servers, VPS
  hosting is a more secure and stable solution. It
  offers increased independence, privacy and
  provides an isolated environment. As your files
  and databases cannot be accessed by other service
  users on the same server, a VPS is ideally a
  more secure solution.
• When would you use a VPS?
• VPS hosting is a perfect solution for those who
  want a fully independent server with robust
  power than shared hosting but dont need an
  entire dedicated server.
• How to choose the right VPS plan?
• If you are still confused if you should choose to
  manage or unmanaged VPS, the following questions
  will help you decide
• Can you manage a server on your own?
• Will you be able to deal with the server
  maintenance?
• Do you need any specific OS or software on the
  server?
• Can you make time to manage the server on your
  own?

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