Hosting for ‘Managed Service Providers’

UK Hosting for Managed Service Providers (MSPs): What to Look For and the Best Providers

Managed Service Providers (MSPs) are increasingly in demand to deliver reliable IT support, cybersecurity, cloud services, and network solutions to businesses across the UK. MSPs need strong, secure, and scalable hosting solutions that can handle multiple clients, comply with industry standards, and support a variety of IT services. This blog will cover key features MSPs should look for in a hosting provider and review some of the best UK hosting providers catering specifically to MSPs.

Key Hosting Features MSPs Should Look For

When selecting a hosting provider, MSPs need more than just a standard web hosting solution. Here are the essential factors to consider:

Reliability and Uptime
Downtime can disrupt client operations and damage the MSP’s reputation. Look for hosting providers that guarantee at least 99.99% uptime and have proven reliability records.
Scalability
MSPs need hosting that can grow with their business. Scalable hosting solutions allow providers to expand resources, add new services, and onboard new clients without significant disruption.
Security and Compliance
Data security is critical. MSPs should choose providers that offer advanced security measures, such as firewalls, DDoS protection, regular vulnerability scans, and encryption. Compliance with UK data protection laws and standards like GDPR is essential.
Managed Services
Managed hosting can save MSPs time and resources by offloading server maintenance, updates, backups, and support to the hosting provider. This is especially useful for MSPs managing multiple clients who may have different IT needs.
Support Availability and Expertise
Round-the-clock support is essential for MSPs who need to ensure their clients’ systems are operational at all times. Look for hosting providers with 24/7 support and teams skilled in troubleshooting complex IT issues.
Performance and Speed
Fast load times and minimal latency are essential for client satisfaction, especially if the MSP’s clients rely on web-based applications. Hosting providers with SSD storage, data centres in the UK, and advanced caching are ideal for delivering high performance.
Backup and Disaster Recovery
Regular backups and a robust disaster recovery plan protect clients’ data against unexpected events. Hosting providers with automated backups, failover solutions, and disaster recovery options are key for MSPs.

Top UK Hosting Providers for MSPs and Their Reviews

Here’s a look at some of the top hosting providers in the UK that offer services designed to meet the unique needs of MSPs.

1. UKFast

UKFast is a leading hosting provider in the UK, known for its high-speed hosting and secure data centres. UKFast offers scalable solutions for MSPs, with cloud hosting and dedicated servers tailored to their needs.

Key Features: 99.99% uptime SLA, high-level security options, dedicated account managers, and managed hosting services.
Pros: Excellent performance and speed, robust security measures, 24/7 support with a UK-based team.
Cons: Premium pricing; may be costly for small MSPs.
Reviews Summary: UKFast is praised for its performance, reliability, and customer service. Some users note that while pricing is higher, the quality of service justifies the cost.

2. Hyve Managed Hosting

Hyve specializes in managed hosting solutions with a focus on performance, security, and scalability. They offer cloud, hybrid cloud, and dedicated servers, which can be tailored to the specific needs of MSPs.

Key Features: 100% uptime SLA, enterprise-level security, managed backup solutions, fully managed service.
Pros: Exceptional uptime and reliability, strong security features, proactive support team.
Cons: Higher costs, additional features can add up in pricing.
Reviews Summary: Customers rate Hyve highly for uptime and responsive support. MSPs appreciate the dedicated account management and tailored solutions, though some mention that it’s best suited for mid-sized to larger MSPs due to pricing.

3. HostDime UK

HostDime offers a variety of hosting solutions, including cloud, VPS, and dedicated servers. They focus on providing MSPs with secure and flexible solutions, including a range of customizations and managed services.

Key Features: Tier 4 UK-based data centre, 99.99% uptime, managed support, security packages.
Pros: Strong security, flexible hosting options, UK-based support.
Cons: Limited service offerings outside standard hosting solutions.
Reviews Summary: HostDime UK receives positive reviews for reliability and high-quality data centres. MSPs appreciate the security focus but note that options for specialized managed services may be limited compared to other providers.

4. Fasthosts

Fasthosts is one of the UK’s longest-standing hosting providers, offering a range of services, from cloud hosting to dedicated servers. Fasthosts is particularly suitable for MSPs looking for flexible and cost-effective options.

Key Features: Cloud and dedicated servers, scalable plans, 24/7 UK-based support, optional managed hosting.
Pros: Affordable pricing, wide range of hosting types, scalability options.
Cons: Limited advanced managed service options, some users report slower response times for complex support needs.
Reviews Summary: Fasthosts is praised for affordability and user-friendliness, though it may not offer as robust security or advanced managed services as some premium providers.

5. iomart

iomart provides enterprise-grade hosting with a focus on security and compliance, making it a strong choice for MSPs handling sensitive data. They offer cloud hosting, private cloud, and managed servers with an emphasis on secure data solutions.

Key Features: Private cloud options, high-security standards, 24/7 support, backup and disaster recovery services.
Pros: Advanced security and compliance, strong backup options, high uptime.
Cons: Premium pricing, may be more suited to larger MSPs.
Reviews Summary: iomart is known for top-tier security, which MSPs managing sensitive or regulated data value highly. Users note that it’s on the pricier side, making it ideal for MSPs with large-scale operations or compliance requirements.

6. Cloudways

Cloudways offers cloud hosting with managed services, allowing MSPs to deploy on popular cloud platforms like AWS, Google Cloud, and DigitalOcean. This flexibility makes it easy for MSPs to pick the best platform for their clients.

Key Features: Pay-as-you-go pricing, managed services on multiple cloud platforms, 24/7 support, easy scalability.
Pros: Flexible cloud platform options, good value, pay-as-you-go flexibility.
Cons: Limited support for certain advanced configurations, may require cloud knowledge.
Reviews Summary: Users like Cloudways for flexibility, speed, and ease of use, though some note it’s best suited for MSPs comfortable working with cloud solutions. The support team receives high marks for responsiveness.

Conclusion: Which UK Hosting Provider Is Best for MSPs?

The best hosting provider will depend on the size of your MSP, budget, and specific client needs. Here’s a quick overview to help with your decision:

Best for High Performance and Security: UKFast and Hyve are ideal for MSPs needing top-level security and managed support.
Best for Flexible, Affordable Hosting: Fasthosts provides solid hosting at a lower price point with good scalability options.
Best for Compliance and Secure Data Hosting: iomart excels in secure, compliant hosting solutions, making it ideal for regulated industries.
Best for Cloud Flexibility: Cloudways gives MSPs control over cloud platforms with managed support, perfect for those seeking flexibility and scalability.

Final Thoughts

Selecting the right hosting provider can significantly impact an MSP’s ability to provide high-quality, reliable services to clients. By focusing on uptime, security, support, scalability, and managed services, MSPs can ensure they’re equipped to deliver the best experience for their clients. The providers listed here represent some of the best options for UK-based MSPs, each offering unique strengths for different types of managed service needs.