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Technology

What Are the Different Types of SQL Database Hosting?

By Alex Newth
Updated Feb 09, 2024
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Structured query language (SQL) database hosting is used to host a website’s or business’s database online, which makes it easier and usually cheaper than managing a database server in-house. Shared SQL database hosting is a cheaper solution and the user owns part of a server, but this is usually only good for a small database. Dedicated SQL database hosting means the user owns an entire server space, but the user also is responsible for maintaining that space. Managed database hosting is similar to dedicated hosting, but the host’s staff provides more support and there are more analytical tools for the user to take utilize. Co-location database hosting involves the user owning a server but placing it at the host’s location so it can be better managed.

Shared SQL database hosting is the cheapest type of database hosting, because instead of owning an entire server, the user only owns a section of a server. This means the amount of traffic, memory and bandwidth the user has available for his or her SQL database is limited, depending on the host. Such limitations mean shared hosting typically is only good for small databases; business databases normally require more than these restrictions allow.

Dedicated SQL database hosting means the user owns the space rights to an entire server, so he or she does not have the same restrictions and the database can grow as needed. This type of hosting is typically much more expensive than shared, but it also can normally host a full-size database, which a user may find attractive. The host’s staff may be less willing to help out with server issues, so the user should be prepared to run and maintain a server from his or her location.

Managed SQL database hosting is similar to dedicated hosting in terms of size. The database is still able to grow naturally, because the user still owns the space rights to an entire server. With this hosting, however, the staff is more willing to help with issues, and the user typically gains access to advanced analytical tools that can help determine the database’s effectiveness on the host’s server.

Co-location SQL database hosting is usually cheaper than managed, because the user owns the server, not just the space rights. The user buys a server and brings it to the host, so it can be better managed. Owning the actual rights to the server means the owner is expected to perform most of the maintenance. Depending on the size of the server, the database should be able to grow naturally without being impeded.

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