When we talk about launching a website, there are many important aspects that need to be considered. If the website is intended for a small sized business and is more static in nature, a shared hosting is more suitable. However, when the website is intended for a large scale business and requires ecommerce kind of platform, a managed hosting is more preferred.
Before we actually compare these 2 kinds of hosting, let us first understand their meanings.
Shared hosting
Under this kind of hosting, your website will be hosted with various other websites. All these websites are hosted on a single large server and there are many advantages and disadvantages associated with this kind of hosting. This service comes under low cost as well as high end hosting.
Managed hosting
Here your website is hosted through a dedicated server. This kind of hosting is required for a large ecommerce websites that run 24X7. This service is also available in both low cost and high end category, based upon the requirement of a client.
Let us look at the advantages and disadvantages of both these type of hosting services.
Advantages of shared hosting
• Suitable for a static kind of website which doesn’t need to handle too many users.
• The small business companies can avail these services at cheaper rates and don’t have to pay for services which they won’t need.
• More suitable for the websites which do not have to maintain large number of users and profiles.
Disadvantages of shared hosting
• Low level of security.
• Vulnerable to hacking.
• Due to high load on CPU, the performance and speed will go down.
• Cannot guarantee 24X7 functioning of website.
• The maintenance activity might run into several weeks and make the website not accessible.
• Offers low storage space and bandwidth which makes it difficult for business related websites.
Advantages of managed hosting
• Your website runs on a dedicated server which ensures better performance and speed.
• Website and email accounts will not be shared with other users.
• 24X7 service is assured.
• Large storage space and bandwidth to ensure optimum performance.
• Easy backup of data.
• Greater security to your website and data.
• Easy maintenance that ensures no breakdown in service.
• Zero downtime.
• Easy to customize and edit your website and applications.
• Reliable
• Greater CPU allocation
• Multiple numbers of users can access the website at good speed.
Disadvantages of managed hosting
• Expensive. Not suitable for small sized businesses.
• Most of the service providers do not allow adult content.
• Hosting a content for which you do not have the copy right could prove fatal.
Overall, managed hosting is more preferred if you require a dedicated ecommerce website which functions 24X7. If the intention is a hobby kind of static website, shared hosting will do the job for you. You’ll have more options such as low cost and high end hosting service to suit your budget.