Hosting terms
What is managed hosting? Who looks after your website?
Key takeaway
Managed hosting means a provider takes responsibility for agreed parts of keeping a website running. Check whether that includes server upkeep, website software, backups and support. Everyday website changes are an additional inclusion on Lightning’s NZ$99 + GST plan with Arc.
In this guide
What does “managed” mean?
Managed hosting means the provider takes responsibility for an agreed set of jobs involved in running your website. You are buying a service, as well as somewhere for the website to live.
The word does not define the whole package. Ask what the provider manages, what you still need to do and who helps when something fails. The answers should be clear before the website moves.
A simple example
Suppose your website is online, but its enquiry form stops sending messages. One host may confirm only that the server is running. Another may also support the form. Both might describe their service as managed, while covering different work.
The same applies to software updates. Server maintenance does not automatically include WordPress themes, plugins or a booking service. Ask about the functions your business actually relies on.
Does managed hosting include website changes?
Sometimes it does, and sometimes it does not. Changing a heading or replacing a photograph is separate from maintaining the hosting service. Check the scope instead of assuming those jobs are included.
Our Lightning plan includes Arc for everyday text, uploaded image and simple layout changes, subject to fair use. You review a private preview and approve publication. New pages, blogs, larger redesigns and special features need agreed scope.
What does Lightning look after?
Our standard service is a managed website platform on AWS. Both Thunder and Lightning include SSL, CloudFront CDN, platform security, daily AWS website backups, free domain registration and DNS. We assess the website and confirm compatibility before setup.
Thunder is NZ$55 + GST a month per website. Lightning is NZ$99 + GST and adds the everyday update service. Complex manual work is NZ$120 + GST an hour, with an estimate agreed first. Hosting billing starts when your website is live with us.
Compare the plansCompare shared, VPS and managed hostingCompare the full hosting costThe security a host should look after