The Difference Between Virtual and Managed Dedicated Servers

Having a server all to yourself is a great option for web managers or businesses that need a lot of computing power. But there are a few different server options you can choose from when getting started. The main two categories are virtual private servers (VPS) and managed dedicated servers. And each of those has its own plans and customizations. Either one can work well for your company, but knowing the differences can help you make a decision on which is perfect for you.

What is a Managed Dedicated Server?

A managed dedicated server is a hosting option that allows you full access to an entire server. Unlike with shared hosting options, you don’t have to pool resources with other website owners and managers. By having the full server to yourself, you can get more computing power and adjust the settings/hardware as you see fit. It’s a great option for many bigger businesses or web managers who need more power and resources to run their websites.

What is a Virtual Server?

Like a managed dedicated server, a virtual server allows you to have full control over the power and resources of your server. Virtual servers create a digital server by connecting to and using the resources of many different physical servers. With a virtual server, you can get more power and resources with additional flexibility. They’re a great option for businesses that need extra power but don’t want to pay for or manage a full dedicated server.

Physical Vs. Digital

The main difference between virtual and managed dedicated servers is the realm in which they exist. Managed dedicated servers are physical servers located within a data center. Virtual servers, however, exist within the cloud. They utilize the hardware of many different servers to create an entirely virtual server center.

Flexibility

Both virtual and managed dedicated servers can be customized to fit your business’ needs. However, virtual private servers take the win for flexibility. With a dedicated server, you need to spend the time and money switching out hardware if you want to upgrade or downgrade your power. Virtual servers can more quickly adjust to match your needs. Virtual private servers are perfect options for companies that see regular changes in traffic (such as seasonal changes).

Security and Safety

No matter which server option you choose, you’ll have better safety and security than other hosting options. A virtual private server has the advantage of being able to connect with different physical servers to support itself. This way, if there’s an issue with one server or a data breach, they can sever that connection and be up and running again in no time. Managed dedicated servers have experienced technicians keeping an eye on them 24/7 to note any potential threats and rectify them immediately. Your information and your website’s data are safe with both options.

Photo by Joshua Sortino on Unsplash

Which Server Option is Right for You?

Choosing the right server is important to ensure that your online presence works the way you want it to. Whether you choose a virtual server or a managed dedicated server, you’ll have more power, resources, and customization than other hosting options. However, there are some advantages to each that certain businesses and websites might want to take advantage of.

Managed Dedicated Servers

Managed dedicated servers are the perfect fit for:

• Companies with many different websites who need to keep them all organized on one server
• Large businesses that see websites with high amounts of traffic and user interaction
• Web managers who want to use their own dedicated server to provide shared hosting options for their clients

Virtual Servers

Virtual servers are ideal for:

• Medium-sized companies that want some additional power but aren’t ready to move into a fully managed dedicated server
• Businesses that see seasonal trends in traffic (such as wedding planners or Halloween costume stores) that need to quickly adjust their plans to fit their needs

Managed Dedicated Server Options

Managed dedicated servers give you access to the most power and resources available across all hosting plans. By having your dedicated server managed, you get automatic upgrades and repairs for any hardware or software you choose to run. There are two available series of dedicated server options to choose from.

The Intel Xeon E3 single process servers with Quad Core CPUs feature up to:

• 4 / 3.5 GHz CPU Cores / Speed
• 16 GB Memory
• 2x 1 TB HDD Storage/ 2x 120GB SSD

The Intel Xeon E5 dual process servers with Quad & Hex Core CPUs feature up to:

• 12 / 2.1 GHz CPU Cores / Speed
• 64 GB Memory
• 4x 1 TB HDD Storage/ 4x 240GB SSD

Virtual Private Server Options

Virtual private servers offer you the most flexibility for your company. You can start with any plan and easily upgrade or downgrade as needed. There are a variety of VPS options you can choose from, each with more power and resources available to you.

The minimum VPS plan features:

• 1 CPU Core
• 1 GB Memory
• 20 GB SSD Disk Space
• 500 GB Bandwidth
• 1 IP Address

The maximum VPS plan features:

• 4 CPE Cores
• 8 GB Memory
• 160 GB SSD Disk Space
• 4000 GB Bandwidth
• 4 IP Address

Server Options with Web Hosting Buzz

At Web Hosting Buzz, we’re dedicated to providing the best hosting experience no matter which plan you choose. All of our server options feature full 24/7 support to help with any situation at any time. When you host with us, you get the best hosting speed and power available. To begin your hosting journey with either a virtual or managed dedicated server, you can compare plans online and choose the one that’s best for you.