Eight Tips for Hosting with Managed Virtual Private Servers
As said, managed Virtual Private Servers (Managed VPS) are an interesting alternative to dedicated server hosting environments. When choosing a host for a managed Virtual Private Server, however, you should consider a few points.
What should a company or a user specifically consider when choosing a Managed Virtual Private Server solution? We have compiled eight guiding principles that apply to any hoster from whom you wish to rent a managed virtual private server:
1. Rapid Implementation and Regular Updates/Patches
The provider of the managed virtual private server must configure the hardware and install the necessary software for the services on the VPS. This applies, for example, to the operating system and file system, but also to services and protocols such as IMAP, SMTP, POP, SSH or FTP. With a Managed VPS, the user should be able to get started immediately – without the need for special configurations for the core services.
Of course, with a managed virtual private server, the ongoing updating of the core services is also one of the provider’s central tasks. This includes updates and patches as well as operating system optimizations in order to continuously improve performance on the VPS.
2. Security
The web host must have a high-security data center that provides redundant, uninterruptible power, fire doors, and multiple levels of access control security. This is the only way to reliably protect all information – including customer data, for example – against loss, theft, fire or water damage. Users should pay attention to this for data protection reasons.
3. Application Library
It is advantageous if the web hosting provider also offers its customers a selection of preconfigured software packages for the managed virtual private server. The applications can thus be easily installed with just a few configuration options. Sensible applications and programs are for example MySQL, PHP, ClamAV, SpamAssassin, Java, Python, WordPress or Zope.
4. Permanent Server Monitoring
The provider must monitor the server around the clock. In any case, areas such as used memory space, CPU, swap, disk I/O, bandwidth and network traffic should be monitored.
5. Multiple Redundant Data Backup
The provider must perform a multi-level data backup in the Managed VPS area. The main hard disk of the Managed VPS should be permanently mirrored to a second disk (RAID). Additional protection is provided by continuous backup to a third drive in the same server. Finally, it is indispensable to back up the entire customer account to tape at regular intervals.
6. Name Server Administration
The hosting provider should manage a local caching name server for each Managed VPS. The user then does not have to worry about DNS resolution.
7. Virtual Remote Reboot for Managed VPS Server
A central advantage is the possibility of a virtual remote reboot. This can be used to simulate a server restart. The process terminates all processes and then starts the services and processes in the same way as it would on a physical server after a reboot.
8. Administrative Tools
Ideally, the web hosting provider offers various tools for the most important tasks of system administrators, such as configuring email and user accounts, creating subhosts, or monitoring disk space usage. If you are familiar with cpanel you can simply take a managed vps with cpanel. Depending on the degree of management you need from the hoster’s side you can also choose a fully managed VPS and let the provider take care of everything you need.
The best providers for managed VPS hosting can be found in your comparison: http://peer-server.com/managed-vps-hosting/