Server management overview
Server management is the maintenance of web servers. When you have a fully managed server, your web host is responsible for some or all server maintenance. If your server is not fully managed, you are responsible for maintaining it or for hiring someone to maintain it for you.
There is no commonly accepted definition of exactly what is included when a server is fully managed. When discussing server management services, it’s a good idea to cover specifics to come to an agreement on what services will be done. Below are some of the common services that server management companies offer.
Server setup
Initial server setup
Control panel installation and configuration
Firewall installation and configuration
Software and script installation and configuration
Anti-spam and anti-virus installation
Mail server setup
MySQL server setup
DNS setup and configuration
Monitoring
Constant server monitoring, often from different locations
Downtime notifications
Uptime reports
Monitoring of notable changes to bandwidth use
Security
Security hardening
Security updates to software
Security audits
Proactive services and updates
Server optimization
Critical patches to the operating system and web server
Control panel updates
Software updates and upgrades
Kernel updates and upgrades
Log auditing/analysis
Other server management services
Server backup and restoration
Server migration
Disaster recovery
Software support
Factors to consider when choosing a server management company
In addition to offering different server support services, server management companies typically support specific (and probably not all) operating systems, server types (Linux/Unix or Windows), and control panels.
As with any service providers, read reviews and pay attention to how the company responds to your inquiries.
source: www.webhostingtalk.com
