If you have been thinking about a suitable hosting solution for your website, you have likely come across the term managed hosting. It simply means that the service provider takes responsibility for the technical maintenance of the server on your behalf. You focus on your business, and a professional keeps the technology in order. In this guide we go through what managed hosting includes, who it suits and what it costs.
What does managed hosting mean?
Managed web hosting (managed hosting) is a hosting service in which the service provider takes responsibility for the technical maintenance tasks of the server. This means you do not have to worry about software updates, security patches, backups or optimising server performance, as all of these are part of the service.
In traditional, unmanaged hosting you get server space, but you are responsible for all of the technical side yourself. Managed hosting is therefore an additional layer that brings with it expert support and active monitoring.
What does managed hosting include?
The contents of managed hosting packages vary by service provider, but a managed web hosting service typically includes:
- Automatic backups: Your site's data is backed up regularly, so the risk of data loss is minimised.
- SSL certificate: Your website is protected with an HTTPS connection without separate configuration.
- Server monitoring 24/7: The service is monitored continuously, and any problems are detected and fixed before they affect your site.
- Performance optimisation: The server is tuned for fast page loading. At Nordweb we use the OpenLiteSpeed server software, which is significantly faster than traditional Apache.
- Software updates: PHP versions, database software and other server components are kept up to date.
- Technical support in Finnish: You get help from a real person who understands both the technology and the Finnish business environment.
In Nordweb's web hosting packages, all of the features mentioned above are included by default. You do not need to order or configure anything separately.
Managed hosting or unmanaged hosting, what is the difference?
The comparison is straightforward. Managed hosting suits those who want to focus on content and business, while unmanaged hosting is intended for technically skilled users who want full control of the server.
Managed web hosting (Managed)
- The service provider handles maintenance
- Automatic backups and updates
- Technical support available
- Suits companies and professionals without sysadmin skills
- A higher price than unmanaged, but includes more
Unmanaged hosting (Unmanaged)
- The customer is responsible for all of the technical side
- Requires Linux server skills
- Cheaper, but hidden costs grow quickly through your own time and consulting
- Suits developers who want full control
If you need more power but still a managed service, it is also worth taking a look at our VPS servers, which combine dedicated resources and expert support.
Who is managed hosting for?
Managed web hosting is an excellent choice for many kinds of users:
- Small business owners and freelancers: You do not have the time or resources to learn server management. You want a site that works.
- Online merchants: Running a WooCommerce or other online store requires reliable and fast hosting. Outages cost you directly.
- Marketing and communications agencies: Clients' sites need professional hosting that you do not have to worry about around the clock.
- Growth companies: When the business grows, the IT infrastructure must not be a bottleneck. Managed hosting scales according to needs.
- Anyone who values their own time: The time spent on server maintenance is time away from other development work.
If you are moving your current site to better hosting, our website migration service handles everything for you, from backups to DNS changes, with no downtime.
What does managed hosting cost?
Managed hosting is more expensive than basic web hosting, but there is a good reason for it. You get more service. Pricing varies by service provider and package level.
At Nordweb, managed web hosting starts from a few euros per month with the basic package, and the price grows with resources and additional features. All packages, however, include the most important features: automatic backups, SSL, OpenLiteSpeed optimisation and Finnish-language support.
Compare our web hosting packages at your leisure and find the solution that suits your needs. If you are not sure which one is right for you, get in touch. We will help you choose the right package.
You will also find more instructions and tips for choosing web hosting in our guides.
Frequently asked questions about managed hosting
Is managed hosting the same as cloud-based hosting?
Not necessarily. Managed hosting refers to the level of service management, that is, who handles the maintenance. Cloud-based hosting refers to the technical infrastructure. Managed hosting can be on a cloud server or on a traditional physical server. At Nordweb our servers are located in reliable European data centres and meet GDPR requirements.
Can I still edit my site myself with managed hosting?
Yes, absolutely. Managed hosting does not restrict the management of your site. You can still update content, install plugins and edit the appearance as normal. The managed service handles only the technical infrastructure, not your site's content.
What happens if my site has a technical problem?
With managed hosting the service provider monitors the server continuously and responds to problems proactively. At Nordweb server monitoring is running around the clock, and technical support is reachable in Finnish. Many problems are resolved before you even notice they exist.
Is managed hosting a more secure option?
Usually yes. A managed hosting provider keeps the server software up to date with security updates, configures firewalls and monitors suspicious traffic. With unmanaged hosting, security is entirely the customer's responsibility, and neglecting updates is a common security gap. Automatic backups also ensure that ransomware or human error does not destroy the site permanently.