To be clear, we’re not talking about server offloading, or moving security and performance functions from the server itself to an application network infrastructure device. Rather, it’s a self-management tactic that offloads the most time-consuming and less mission-critical server management tasks to third-party providers like Liquid Web.
From implementing the managed hosting tools you need to maintain control of your infrastructure, to providing experts who can lead your project and ensure your efforts to offload server management tasks don’t fail. , there are various ways to make your work easier. .
That being said, if you would like to consider changes to your data architecture such as server offloading, we can help with that as well.
What is server management?
Server management is the maintenance of the hardware and software of a hosting environment.
You probably rely on server infrastructure for more IT functions than most people realize. Of course, hosting your website is the most obvious part, but what about data storage, internal email, and running all the applications that enable your operations? You can also use centrally located remote or cloud servers.
In either case, make sure your hardware is connected and running smoothly, your software is updated and patched, your security and data protection is taken care of, your data is actively backed up, and all operations are compliant with regulations and corporate practices. You will be involved in server management, including ensuring compliance with both. Terms and conditions.
Proper server management means minimizing downtime and ideally eliminating unplanned downtime. This means building and maintaining a secure data environment while making sure your servers have everything they need to meet the demands of your business now and for the foreseeable future.
Finally, server management can be handled both in-house and with third-party providers.
Outsource server management to qualified professionals
As you can imagine, using a trusted third-party provider is one of the fastest, easiest, and most reliable ways to offload server management tasks without compromising performance or reliability. Ideally, this company would already provide the server infrastructure, but this is not always the case.
server management tools
Server management tools are a subset of managed hosting tools that help you manage your server in some way, usually by automating some of the server management processes. For example, troubleshooting is an important task for any good server management toolset, as is automating backups and security updates.
Server management roles
Depending on the size of your business, server management tasks may be divided into several different roles. For example, a specialist may focus solely on assembling new hardware and software systems. Another person may be responsible for troubleshooting the issue. And she may be the third person responsible for installing and configuring new workstations.
One person will probably have two or more of these responsibilities. However, if you have more tasks than your in-house team can complete in a day and you can’t easily scale your team, you may want to consider outsourcing some of these roles.
Use managed hosting services
If you’re juggling all of these roles and more, you may think your workload is unreasonable. In this case, off-roading may not cost as much as you might expect.
What is a managed hosting service and what does it offer?
Managed hosting can be anything you want it to be. For example, Liquid Web could take over simple (but important) things like updates and backups. We can be your server troubleshooting team, or we can take over management of your server completely. You can also upgrade to dedicated servers and other advanced data architectures.
Delegate routine tasks and maintenance
Of course, there are other ways to reduce the burden of server management. If you have a local team, he can separate one or more of the server management roles currently held and assign them to the most capable team members who have the time.
Automate as many processes as possible
We may also implement a little automation. For example, with Liquid Web, you get all kinds of the best managed hosting tools. When you have a large number of servers to serve, automating tasks that require little or no judgment can be a huge relief with little downside.
prioritize time
If you cannot offload server management, the next best option is prioritization. Try to complete the most mission-critical tasks first and work on other tasks as much as possible. Of course, this can be risky.
take time for yourself
Another option is to hire a skilled server management provider for a fixed period of time, ranging from a few months to a year or more. This allows you to focus on other things for a while and proves the practicality of outsourcing. After a break, you can always go back to work full-time. But don’t let the backlog bother you.
final thoughts
So what kind of burden can we take off your shoulders? As the name Liquid Web suggests, we are very flexible. Of course, there are other possibilities besides those listed here.
contact us today to speak with one of The Most Helpful Human In Hosting®.
