Hosting decisions.
WHAT THE OPTIONS ARE
Shared hosting A virtual private server A dedicated server Managed platform services
WHAT SHARED HOSTING SUITS
Standard applications Modest traffic Teams without system administration capability
WHAT A VIRTUAL SERVER SUITS
Applications needing specific software Higher or more predictable load Full control
WHAT IT DEMANDS
Sustained system administration.
THAT POINT
An unmaintained server is worse than shared hosting, because everything is your responsibility.
WHAT MANAGED PLATFORMS SUIT
Teams wanting control without administration.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH BEFORE CHOOSING
Who maintains it What happens when that person is unavailable What your application actually requires What an hour of downtime costs
WHAT TO PREFER
The most managed option that meets the requirement.
WHY
Every layer you manage is a layer you must secure and maintain.
WHAT TO AVOID
Choosing raw infrastructure for the feeling of control.