Managed Hosting

Managed Hosting

Overview

When you sign up for managed hosting with Storm, we take care of all the server management tasks. This includes server setup, software updates, security configurations, and other routine maintenance.

 Cost

The initial price tag of a managed hosting server will be slightly higher than a self-managed server. However, if you take into account the time and effort spent on managing your own server, a server managed by Storm quickly becomes the more affordable option.

Technical expertise

One of the primary advantages of managed hosting is that you don’t need in-depth technical expertise. We’ll handle all the technical stuff, which makes it an ideal choice for businesses without dedicated IT staff.

Security

We’ve already got robust security measures in place, including firewalls, intrusion detection, and malware scanning. We also patch your servers as soon as those patches are released to ensure protection against the newest threats and vulnerabilities.

Support

You benefit from a dedicated team of six engineers, called a SupportPod. They’re available 24/7 and can help to  resolve issues quickly, perform configuration tasks, and ensure optimal server performance.

Time commitment

With managed hosting you can focus more on your core business operations since we take care of server-related tasks.

Cost

Budget overrun isn’t an uncommon occurrence with cloud hosting. With Storm we help optimise your costs so that you only pay for those resources that you actually use.

Self-Managed hosting

With self-managed hosting, you are responsible for all server management tasks. You have full control over the server, but with that comes the responsibility of maintaining it.

Cost

Typically, self-managed hosting is cheaper because it doesn’t include the cost of professional management. However, indirect costs, like time or potential hiring of IT experts, should also be kept in  mind.

Technical expertise

A significant level of technical expertise is required. You’ll require familiarity with the server operating system,  server setup, software installation, security configurations, and troubleshooting.

Security

The responsibility of securing your server falls to you. This includes setting up firewalls, monitoring for intrusions, and regularly updating and patching software to address vulnerabilities.

Support

Should you choose to self-manage your server, you’ll still have 24/7 access to your dedicated SupportPod. However in-depth support for software, applications, or server configurations could be limited.

Time commitment

You will need to dedicate more time to server management, which can divert focus from core business operations.

Scalability

Scaling resources on your existing server is easy. However, adding more servers or network components may require more manual intervention compared to managed hosting.

Yes you can. Plus, we’ve got a dedicated migration team standing by to handle the entire migration for free. This includes your sites and apps, as well as email, files, and any other data you’re hosting elsewhere.

If you’re thinking about upgrading your existing hosting solution, our dedicated solutions architects can help you build a managed hosting solution that perfectly matches your needs. This includes everything from hosting, virtual networking, virtual desktops, file storage, and custom backup schedules.

Your Storm managed server(s) can be customised as you see fit. But, to avoid server management overlap and potential security oversights, it’s best to let your SupportPod take care of any customation you may require.

Managed hosting is both suitable and recommended for eCommerce websites and sites or apps that store sensitive data. We’ve already covered the most important reasons why above, but here’s a quick recap:

Expertly managed

eCommerce websites usually carry greater risk because of the information they store. This demands that certain requirements are met in terms of security, backups, and compliance. With managed hosting these are taken care of by Storm, leaving you and your teams free to focus on boosting your bottom line.

PCI compliance

Quarterly external vulnerability scans check your server for vulnerabilities and other factors that may influence compliance with the Payment Card Industry standards. With our managed hosting solutions, your SupportPod will address any potential vulnerabilities and other issues that may negatively impact your server’s compliance status.

Enhanced security

You’re also protected by stringent security measures to safeguard against potential threats. This includes firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and malware scanning. These advanced security protocols are crucial for e-commerce websites that handle financial transactions and store customer information.

SSL certificates

SSL certificates are essential for e-commerce sites. Storm will manage (install and renew) SSL certificates on your behalf to ensure that information exchanged between your server and customers are always encrypted.

Performance

Uptime and reliability is critical for eCommerce and mission-critical sites and applications. With managed hosting your dedicated SupportPod will continuously monitor performance and resource usage, and make the necessary adjustments to ensure that your sites and applications are always performing at their peak.