What are the best hosting options for an open-access journal?

When choosing the best hosting option for an open-access journal, you generally have two primary choices: self-hosted and managed hosting. Each comes with its own set of advantages and challenges.

1. Self-Hosted Solutions

A self-hosted setup gives you full control over your journal, but it requires technical expertise to maintain and secure the system.

• OJS (Open Journal Systems) Self-Hosting
• Pros: Free to use (open-source), customizable, and widely accepted in academic publishing.
• Cons: Requires technical expertise for setup, maintenance, and security. You are responsible for backups, upgrades, and server management.
• Best for: Universities, research institutions, or publishers with dedicated IT staff.
• Custom Website Solutions (e.g., WordPress with plugins)
• Pros: Full control over design and features.
• Cons: Requires custom development and ongoing maintenance.
• Best for: Journals with unique requirements beyond standard OJS features.

2. Managed Hosting Solutions

Managed hosting removes the technical burden, ensuring security, backups, and updates are handled by experts.

• OJSCloud (Managed OJS Hosting)
• Pros: Fully managed OJS hosting with technical support, regular updates, security patches, and scalability.
• Cons: Subscription-based cost.
• Best for: Journals looking for hassle-free OJS hosting with expert support.
• Scholar9
• Pros: Offers managed hosting solutions with strong security, technical support, and indexing assistance.
• Cons: Costs vary depending on features.
• Best for: Journals that want a balance between affordability and reliable support.
• Scholastica
• Pros: Provides an all-in-one journal management solution, including submission tracking, peer review, and hosting.
• Cons: Higher pricing compared to OJS-based solutions.
• Best for: Journals that prioritize a user-friendly platform with built-in publishing tools.

Key Factors to Consider

1. Cost: Self-hosting is cheaper but requires IT expertise, while managed hosting has a recurring fee but includes maintenance.
2. Security: Managed services like OJSCloud and Scholar9 ensure updates and security patches.
3. Maintenance: Managed solutions reduce workload, while self-hosting requires ongoing effort.
4. Scalability: If you expect growth, choose a solution that allows for seamless expansion.
5. Technical Support: Managed hosting services provide expert support, while self-hosting requires in-house expertise.
6. Integration with Indexing Services: Platforms like OJSCloud and Scholar9 offer indexing support, ensuring better discoverability.

Final Recommendation

If you have a dedicated IT team and want full control, self-hosting OJS may work best. However, for a hassle-free, secure, and scalable solution, OJSCloud and Scholar9 are excellent managed hosting choices that support indexing and long-term sustainability.