When it comes to boosting performance, value and scalability of business infrastructure, enterprises desire the best of both worlds. The features and advantages that you get from critical applications such as managed Linux server or Windows server for hosting purpose must outweigh the headaches of managing and running them.
Benefits of Managed Hosting to Business
- You get network performance, and availability supports in the hosting provider SLA.
- Access to the latest technology without acquiring upgrade costs
- Peace of mind knowing that monitoring is done by experts.
- Limited IT staff costs, as support personnel don’t have to be onsite 24/7.
Windows or Managed Linux Server?
The general merits of hosting aside, selecting a Windows managed server, or a Linux-based solution is the first critical decision you have to make. You need to consider which of the two is the most appropriate in the context of the enterprise and the job that needs to be done. Pointers to consider include the scope of your hosting environment, the type of databases to be applied, and the development language used to create your application. Performance, cost, and security are also critical considerations in arriving at a choice.
Let’s carry out a comparative analysis of Windows and Linux solutions:
1. Development language
Most Linux hosting settings utilize a MySQL database or a compatible replacement. You may use a Windows managed server environment when contemplating ASP or ASP.NET-based applications, a SQL Server (MS SQL), or Access database. In either case, you need to review the developer’s recommended minimum hosting requirements for operating the application.
2. Server access
Microsoft and Linux hosting utilize FTP access, which permits users to transfer files to the server from a remote computer. Linux also offers SSH and Telnet access.
3. Security
Both Linux and Windows managed servers demand vibrant security, and businesses need to examine a hosting provider’s security provisions before signing up for a service. Microsoft experiences a high level of vulnerabilities, most likely due to the fact that there are more exploits for Windows compared to Linux.
4. Stability
The need for reboots is a common phenomenon in Windows, while the opposite is true for Linux machines. In an apples-to-apples comparison, Linux has historically delivered better when compared to Windows.
5. Cost
Cost is, and will always be, a huge factor in choosing between Windows and Linux. Linux is available for free, while Microsoft assets have costs associated with licensing.
6. Performance
Both Windows and Linux platforms perform comparably in low-stress situations, but Linux servers, under high loads, tend to be superior to Windows.
Managed Linux Servers have another merit that makes them a smart investment, which is reliability. A fully managed dedicated server is proactively managed and monitored by specialists who look for signs of trouble, and address the issues before they affect website applications. By opting for a fully managed Linux dedicated server hosting solution, you can reap returns from complementary services such as security hardening and non-stop system monitoring that you would otherwise have to handle yourself with a Windows platform.
Wrapping Up
Understanding the hosting needs of your business goes a long way in helping select the right path. At i2k2 Networks, you get absolute peace of mind knowing that your valuable assets and data are safe from any threats. To learn more on Linux managed server hosting, or secure a plan, contact us today for no obligation free consultation.