VPS hosting can come in all shapes and sizes. From disk space to CPU allocation, it can be a hard decision if you don’t know what you’re looking for. Not only that but you’ve then got someone asking you if you want the server to be managed or self-managed (also known as unmanaged)? Without knowing what these are could mean you end up paying more than you have to.
Let’s take a quick look at what each mean:
Managed
Buying a managed VPS or dedicated server basically means you either need help setting up and maintaining your server or you don’t have time to do it all yourself.
For instance, you buy a Linux SSD VPS from Semoweb.com, on the order process you’re asked if you’d like to add an option to include server management. With that you will receive 24/7 support and configuration for your server, from our skilled team. If you really don’t know if the option is right for what you need then ask yourself one question:
If I get a software issue with my server, will I be able to fix it myself?
If the answer is no then you may very well need this included in your order. If the answer is yes then you can still get the add-on if it’s within your budget, however you can do without it if you’re able to install/maintain your server software yourself and of course have the time to do all that.
Self-Managed
Self-management is basically saying you know enough about the operating system on your new VPS that you don’t require the help from our team. You can install, update and maintain your software and you’re able to fix any issues that arise during your time using the VPS.
Now that you know the difference, you have to decide if the option is worth paying for. The cost difference between the two can vary.
We charge $29 per month for the management option, however some places can charge in excess of $100 per month! It all depends on what you’re purchasing.
A VPS will cost considerably less than dedicated server management, although both are used widely in production environments, the cost difference between them is quite substantial. This will be down to the fact dedicated servers have much more configuration requirements and many more things can go wrong with them, than a VPS. You don’t have to worry about bad hardware configurations and operating system installs with an OpenVZ VPS.
Once you have figured out which option is best for you make sure to check out Semoweb’s VPS offerings.