Root access or managed server: who does what?
With a rented server you choose not only the machine but also how it is run. Here is the difference, and who each option suits.
When you rent a server, there are two questions to answer. The first is how large a machine you need. The second is who looks after the system on it. That is what root access and the managed service are for.
Root access
With root access you get full administrator rights to the server. You install the software, you configure the system, and you keep it updated. The machine, the power and the network are our job; everything that runs on the machine is yours.
- Full freedom in the settings.
- A good choice if you have your own IT staff or an IT partner.
- Daily backups can be added.
Managed server
With a managed server we look after the system as well: we install the server, carry out the system updates and monitor how it runs. You can focus on your applications and leave the server maintenance to us.
- No need for a system administrator because of the server.
- System updates happen regularly.
- Daily backups are included.
Who does what?
In short: the machine, the data centre and the network are our job in both cases. The operating system is yours with root access and ours with a managed server. Applications, such as the online shop or the ERP system, are yours by default in both cases, but if you would like us to take those on too, we can agree on it.
Which one to choose?
If someone at your company likes to work on the server and does so regularly, root access gives the most freedom. If the goal is a server that simply works without needing your attention, the managed service is the better choice.
If you want to switch later, let us know and we will arrange it with you. If you are not sure which one suits you, tell us how you work today and we will make a recommendation.