Many people move from a shared server to a dedicated server because they manage a high traffic website, and they think that the dedicated server will fix all of their current issues. After managing the site with the dedicated server most companies or individuals also realize that they have a need to outsource the management of their web server, and this is a service often called managed hosting.

Managing a dedicated server can be easier because your transfer time is less and you have complete control over your website and server, but that is not all there is to it. When you have a dedicated server you will also have to deal with issues such as selecting the right hardware and operating systems. You will also have to choose your own applications, address security issues, as well as backing up your data and monitoring your uptime and other statistics! There is a lot involved in having your own dedicated server, so it's easy to see why many opt for managed hosting!

Managed hosting provides all of those services for you so that you do not have to worry about addressing all of these complex and time consuming issues on your own. With managed hosting you will not only have your own dedicated server, but you'll also be provided with all of the management, maintenance, and monitoring needs that will help your website run more smoothly, giving you more time to concentrate on business.

The great thing about managed hosting is that all of these needs will be met 24 hours a day, so that you are always on top of your business. Of course, because of all the services that are provided, managed hosting solutions are more expensive than either shared or dedicated hosting services. While the managed hosting plans are more expensive at first glance, in the long run they will be very cost effective because you won't have to worry about all of the small things that detract from your ability to run a great web business.

Choosing a managed host is not as difficult as one might think, as most of the dedicated hosting services also offer managed hosting services. Remember that you may initially suffer from sticker shock, but for those that have high traffic, rapidly growing websites, managed hosting is worth every penny you will pay for the service. ViaNetWork is one of the most well known managed hosting services out there, but there are plenty others to choose from if you spend some time researching.