Managed Databases vs Self-Hosted
Almost every application needs a database, and the cloud lets you either run one yourself on a server or use a managed service where the provider handles the heavy lifting. The choice affects effort, cost and reliability.
This article weighs up the two.
What Managed Means
With a managed database, the provider handles patching, backups, failover and scaling. You simply use the database and let them keep it healthy. Self-hosting gives you more control but puts all that work on your team.
| Factor | Managed | Self-hosted |
|---|---|---|
| Maintenance effort | Low — provider handles it | High — your responsibility |
| Control | Some limits | Full control |
| Cost | Higher per hour | Lower per hour, more labour |
| Best for | Most businesses | Specialist or unusual needs |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which do you recommend?
For most clients, managed databases — the time saved on maintenance usually outweighs the higher hourly rate.
Can we move to managed later?
Yes. Many clients start self-hosted and migrate to a managed service once the maintenance burden becomes apparent.
If you need a hand with any of this, your Progressive Robot delivery team is ready to help. Raise a ticket from the Support area of your client portal or speak to your account manager and we will guide you through the next steps.