Managed web hosting is akin to dedicated hosting. Managed hosting offers a dedicated server that features a complete suite of technical support, maintenance as well as monitoring services. Managed hosting differs from managed hosting, where clients are provided with their own servers but are responsible for its administrative and maintenance tasks.

In managed servers or managed web hosting, the client is provided with a dedicated server as well as complete support to the server administration and maintenance.

Managed servers are best suited for companies that face a paucity of time or lack of capital to invest in administration of the server. This service is best suited for e-commerce enabled websites that are designed to be dynamic and database driven. Managed hosting features all the essentials, tools and applications that are provided in dedicated hosting plus complete management of the server.

A dedicated service representative is often assigned to a single or a handful of other accounts. Proprietary control panel technology may also be provided in order to facilitate maintenance and setting up of websites on a server. Other features and services of managed hosting include application and database management, high-availability services and load balancing. These hosting companies back up their services with performance guarantees and Service Level Agreements. It is however advisable to read these carefully in its full entirety in order ascertain the intricacies and terms and conditions involved.

Unmanaged web hosting on the hand requires large amount of time and technical expertise or perhaps even hiring of experts in order to install and regularly manage and maintain the servers. So companies who have the time to administer all server requirements or the ones that have access to extensive server resources are best suited for unmanaged servers.

If you are still unsure of which server to opt for, weigh and take into account all aspects including your budget, future website prospects, time investment etc. This would give you a basic idea of choosing the right server for your website. Although the managed server option proves to be a tad more expensive, it could be an ideal option for the inexperienced administrator or a person who lacks technical expertise and yet wants to avail the facilities of a dedicated server and much more. Furthermore, once you have acquired some basic knowledge and technical expertise, you always have the option of selecting a downgrade for your managed hosting account to an unmanaged hosting account.

It is however advisable to carefully analyze and take into account all pros and cons before you choose your web hosting provider and type of hosting account. Conduct a thorough research of the web hosting company, their reliability, pricing structures, company profile, speed and customer support among other things. Read their service agreements in its entirety and discuss with other users about the reliability and quality of services offered by the company. Read and participate in relevant discussion forums and perform a review search on search engines about the web hosting company.