If you want your web site to be visible to the world, you have to store it on a web server. Most small businesses and companies store their web site on a server provided a web site hosting provider. Are you looking for a web site hosting provider? Then consider the following things before you choose one. Using a web site hosting provider Renting a server from a web site hosting provider is a common option. Here are some advantages: In choosing a web site hosting provider, you must consider connection speed Most providers have very fast connections to the Internet, like full T3 fiber-optic 45Mps connections equivalent to about 2000 traditional (28K) modems or 1000 high speed (56K) modems. Consider powerful hardware A web site hosting provider often has many powerful web servers that can be shared by several companies. You can also expect them to have an effective load balancing, and necessary backup servers. Look out for security and stability A web site hosting provider is a specialist on web hosting. Expect their servers to have more than 99% up time, the latest software patches, and the best virus protection. Things to Consider Make sure your web site hosting provider offers 24-hours support. Don't put yourself in a situation where you cannot fix critical problems without having to wait until the next working day. Toll-free phone could be vital if you don't want to pay for long distance calls. Your web site hosting provider should have a daily backup Make sure your web site hosting provider runs a secure daily backup routine, otherwise you may lose some valuable data. Traffic Volume Study the web site hosting providers traffic volume restrictions. Make sure that you don't have to pay a fortune for unexpected high traffic if your web site becomes popular. Bandwidth or Content Restrictions Make sure you study the web site hosting provider. I mean their bandwidth and content restrictions. If you plan to publish pictures or broadcast video or sound, make sure that you can. Email Capabilities Make sure your web site hosting provider fully supports the email capabilities you need. (You can read more about email capabilities in a later chapter) Front Page Extensions Make sure your web site hosting provider fully supports Front Page server extensions if you plan to use Front Page to develop your site. Database Access Make sure your web site hosting provider fully supports the database access you need if you plan to use databases from your site. |
