Webhosting is a method of outsourcing server needs for both web based companies and storage and data transfer needs of entire corporations. For the client it can mean greater data transfer bandwidth and the protection of trained personal on staff when things go wrong or maintenance issues need to be addressed.

Additionally, leased lines may also be included in the service agreement, as may the programs, hardware, and operating systems. Although, no industry standards have been set as to exactly what is included, or must be included in a service agreement, generally companies carry about the same amount of offers.

What are the Benefits of Managed Hosting?

Managed hosting or dedicated hosting (as it is also known as) is a server that only handles the needs of one company and has installed all the programs and operating systems needed by that company to run the digital part of their company. This complete control over the services and hardware is not only a plus for many clients, it also is a must have for companies that have special programming needs or high server usage. This type of managed hosting is usually better in the long run since it provides added security features and benefits along with better service.

What are the benefits of Shared Hosting?

Shared hosting is exactly as it sounds.

Several companies share one server along with one set of programs, one operating system, and one uplink. The shorter bandwidth provides less in terms of speed and more in terms of vulnerability.

Shared hosting may be considered ideal for most small website needs. Many companies do not need, nor can start up companies afford to rent a server by themselves. They may rely on the products and services provided on a shared network to get their business going, especially at first.

Additionally, the lower operating cost that is from not having to rent the programming and possibly the shared uplinks, can sweeten the deal.

How do the two compare?

Both services do have their own different drawbacks.

However, managed hosting may be more economical in the long run. If your company grows too big for its shared location, there will not be any switching over costs. There is greater protection from malware and viruses that may creep along the partitions in shared services and there is often a wider range of support services that go along with a managed service.

Additionally, peer to peer Tier 1 uplink services are often offered by more well know companies, and there is a 99.9% guarantee from most companies that you won't lose service if one uplink goes offline. This means that your company will experience no down time if something should happen to the network your server is on.

Choosing a service.

After looking over the benefits and weighing the costs of shared hosting and managed hosting you may have decided to go ahead with managed hosting. Next it should be quite easy to find a company on today's market that offers a wide variety of services and packaged deals specifically geared towards your needs as a company. The services included in the packaged deals often include trained professionals so you don't have to manage your server; you only concentrate on managing your business.

Even leased lines and internet services may be included with your packaged services from your managed hosting provider. Now isn't that simple?