Posted on 01/01/2006 by Kevin McNally
Web hosting basically describes your web server, where all information on your website, such as HTLM files, graphics and data is stored. Your web hosting also includes database support and DNS (Domain Name Service), the technology that maps a domain name to a computer's IP (Internet Protocol) address. Hosting allows your website to be viewed by a universal audience - the name of the game when it comes to businesses of all ages and sizes.
There are a number of web page hosting packages out there so it pays to do a little research and choose a hosting service that is right for your needs. The idea is to retain enough service to ensure your site is always "up" but not pay for a package that is too large for your needs.
Regardless of the entire package you choose, there are several basic components to look for when deciding on a hosting plan. Server space, a reliable backbone service to the Internet, reliable DNS service, professional Statistical Software for tracking visitors, technical support, data archiving, daily back-ups and retrieval and 24/7 monitoring are the most important criteria on which to base your choice of host.
Solid and reliable customer service is an essential mark of a reputable hosting service. Knowing that your host is able to and will troubleshoot any issues that arise with quality service and speedy response should be of paramount importance when making your choice. Oftentimes, the personal touch of a smaller design, hosting and content management firm will provide that round-the-clock service necessary to keep you satisfied.
While customer service and the human resources involved in providing that service is perhaps the most key element to a sound web host, a close second is a host's ability to provide a solid back-up plan. Daily, local and remote backups are imperative, as is 24-hour monitoring and alerting.
It's also important to team up with a host that provides a variety of plans, for as your business grows so will your web hosting needs. Size of your company notwithstanding, make sure your host offers a comprehensive package of services, including domain name purchase, e-mail address and account hosting, traffic analysis reports, real-time e-mail virus scanning, and personalized service. Secure socket layer (SSL) capabilities are also a "must have." Protecting a site's data from unwanted intrusions should be a primary consideration when selecting a host.
Also, bear in mind the amount of control you will have once you've made a hosting decision. You want to be able to utilize a variety of background applications, including online forms and data management specific to your business. Comprehensive record-keeping capability is also essential. Does your host provide you with the necessary records, such as IP addresses, registrar login information and the proper logins from your FTP (File Transfer Protocol) accounts to give you the comfort level you desire?
Another point to consider - are you able to handle the technology used by your host? If the software on your site runs, for instance, on a Microsoft Internet Information Server under Windows NT, then look for a host that supports that configuration.
Other key elements to consider include the amount of available web space, guaranteed "uptime," adequate data transfer (translation: the amount of bytes transferred from your site to a visitors site when they browse your pages), proper disk space, and I'll say it again - technical support.
Remember, you don't have to go it alone when choosing a host. Seek out the advice of the software company representatives you work with or get a few referrals from industry colleagues or personal friends. The more homework you do and the more input you have will aid in your final decision.
Your ultimate goal when choosing a web host is peace of mind. With the proper plan in place, you will have the control and reliability necessary to focus on providing your services to your customer rather than providing service to your website. Doesn't that make good business sense?
Get the Most from Your Web Host
There's no question about it. In order to reach the largest audience possible, a business must have a well-designed website. But what good is that website when potential customers constantly find themselves gazing at an error message? You may have retained a knowledgeable and imaginative designer to create your site, but if your world wide audience cannot access it, then your business will suffer the consequences. Many professional website designers can provide you peace of mind by hosting your site, allowing you to focus attention on running your business-and not have to worry about current and prospective clients becoming frustrated because they cannot access the information they require.Web hosting basically describes your web server, where all information on your website, such as HTLM files, graphics and data is stored. Your web hosting also includes database support and DNS (Domain Name Service), the technology that maps a domain name to a computer's IP (Internet Protocol) address. Hosting allows your website to be viewed by a universal audience - the name of the game when it comes to businesses of all ages and sizes.
There are a number of web page hosting packages out there so it pays to do a little research and choose a hosting service that is right for your needs. The idea is to retain enough service to ensure your site is always "up" but not pay for a package that is too large for your needs.
Regardless of the entire package you choose, there are several basic components to look for when deciding on a hosting plan. Server space, a reliable backbone service to the Internet, reliable DNS service, professional Statistical Software for tracking visitors, technical support, data archiving, daily back-ups and retrieval and 24/7 monitoring are the most important criteria on which to base your choice of host.
Solid and reliable customer service is an essential mark of a reputable hosting service. Knowing that your host is able to and will troubleshoot any issues that arise with quality service and speedy response should be of paramount importance when making your choice. Oftentimes, the personal touch of a smaller design, hosting and content management firm will provide that round-the-clock service necessary to keep you satisfied.
While customer service and the human resources involved in providing that service is perhaps the most key element to a sound web host, a close second is a host's ability to provide a solid back-up plan. Daily, local and remote backups are imperative, as is 24-hour monitoring and alerting.
It's also important to team up with a host that provides a variety of plans, for as your business grows so will your web hosting needs. Size of your company notwithstanding, make sure your host offers a comprehensive package of services, including domain name purchase, e-mail address and account hosting, traffic analysis reports, real-time e-mail virus scanning, and personalized service. Secure socket layer (SSL) capabilities are also a "must have." Protecting a site's data from unwanted intrusions should be a primary consideration when selecting a host.
Also, bear in mind the amount of control you will have once you've made a hosting decision. You want to be able to utilize a variety of background applications, including online forms and data management specific to your business. Comprehensive record-keeping capability is also essential. Does your host provide you with the necessary records, such as IP addresses, registrar login information and the proper logins from your FTP (File Transfer Protocol) accounts to give you the comfort level you desire?
Another point to consider - are you able to handle the technology used by your host? If the software on your site runs, for instance, on a Microsoft Internet Information Server under Windows NT, then look for a host that supports that configuration.
Other key elements to consider include the amount of available web space, guaranteed "uptime," adequate data transfer (translation: the amount of bytes transferred from your site to a visitors site when they browse your pages), proper disk space, and I'll say it again - technical support.
Remember, you don't have to go it alone when choosing a host. Seek out the advice of the software company representatives you work with or get a few referrals from industry colleagues or personal friends. The more homework you do and the more input you have will aid in your final decision.
Your ultimate goal when choosing a web host is peace of mind. With the proper plan in place, you will have the control and reliability necessary to focus on providing your services to your customer rather than providing service to your website. Doesn't that make good business sense?