What It Is
With managed hosting, the hosting company does more than provide a server. Its team also takes care of the technical chores: installing security patches, watching for problems, running backups and fixing server issues. It is the difference between leasing a car and leasing a car with a maintenance plan. Someone else changes the oil, rotates the tires and deals with warning lights.
Why It Matters for Your Business
Most small business owners do not have time to learn server administration, and they should not have to. A contractor would rather be on a job site than reading about a server vulnerability. Managed hosting costs more than unmanaged plans, but the time saved and the problems avoided often make it the better deal, especially if your website brings in leads or sales.
Good to Know
"Managed" can mean very different things from one host to the next. Ask exactly what is covered: server updates only, or also WordPress and plugin updates? Are backups included and tested? Will they help clean up a hacked site, and is there an extra fee? Get the answers in writing, ideally in the SLA or the plan description.