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How To Get The Most From Your Managed Webhost Service
When you have a managed server contract or Service Level Agreement, you need to know how to get the best from your managed hosting service. Not all SLAs are constructed the same way, because different companies have different needs. Additionally, managed hosting companies have different strengths and abilities so that the perfect fit with the needs of the client is possible. To maximize your experience with the host pros, here are some suggestions.
Make sure you have a clear vision of your needs. If you don’t know how to express these in industry terms, you can contract with a company that is willing to explain and identify the type of services that are best for your business. Business owners are not expected to link needs and solutions. That is the benefit that is available by working with a qualified hosting services organization.
The goal of almost every business is to grow and expand. The larger the business grows, the more space it needs on its managed dedicated servers. Any hosting company that is selected, should be able to allow for growth of a business easily and smoothly. Preparing for expansion is an important part of the host companies offerings to the client. Most clients don’t want to start out with too much capacity.
Each aspect of the agreement between a client and the hosting organization should be formalized in writing. This action protects both parties. Some of the elements to be included are the level of operations, acceptable downtime and under what circumstances, the type of equipment and the administrative responsibilities. Typically the host installs and administers the operating system and printer software. The host also installs any applications that clients use, but does not administer this software. Application software operation is up to clients and their software providers.
The SLA will specify when the equipment should be replaced. This is typically either at a particular age, or a particular level of obsolescence. The host company must handle scheduled maintenance, usually at times that will be least disruptive to the recipient of services. The server equipment must have a minimum of downtime in order to respond to the needs of a client.
It is expected that the client should be able to reach someone at the host company during reasonable hours. In a global economy, this can be problematic. If the administration of the host business is not available when the client is typically on the job, it can lead to major frustrations. Downtimes can be increased just waiting for a response from administration of the host company.
The host provider should ensure that there will be enough space on the servers to accomplish the needs and expectations of clients. This includes an operating system, backup space and space for printer software and applications that the client requires to operate the business efficiently. The client doesn’t want to lose customers due to sluggish or non-operational websites.
Learning how to get the best from your managed hosting service is a matter of putting several common sense stipulations into the managed server contract. The Service Level Agreement is the working and final document of understanding between the host company and client. It covers such things as administration, equipment and storage space, service level and speed and repairs.
