A Managed host gets, configures, installs, and maintains the necessary servers, firewalls, operating systems, backend databases, and other devices that the customer's architecture requires to make the site functional.

A Managed host connects the server to the Web using its own network, where it is monitored on a 24-hour basis. Managed hosts take on the responsibility for maintaining your infrastructure. For example, if a hard drive fails, the host replaces it.

Managed services are therefore geared toward organizations that don't have the time or capital to invest in server administration. But like Dedicated and Colocation services, Managed hosts still provide the client with full root/administrative access, so changes can be made to your web site at any time. But you take full advantage of the Managed host's experience to implement solutions in less time, at a lower cost, and with higher reliability than other hosting methods.

Scalability is a major advantage to using a Managed host. Customers can upgrade their server architecture at any time. Most Managed hosts keep a large inventory of equipment on hand so that server scaling can occur seamlessly.

When seeking a Managed host, it is important to ask what aspects of your server is being monitored, how often, and in the event of failure how quickly will they respond. You should also be able to access reports from the monitor logs, so you can evaluate your server's performance yourself.

(by HostEdition.com)