Website Hosting Providers

If you want the whole world to see your website, you must store it on a web server.

Most small businesses and companies store their websites on servers provided by an ISP.

Using your own hosting

Storing your website on your own server has always been an option. However, there are some issues to consider:

Hardware costs

To run a 'real' website, you must purchase some high-performance server hardware. Don't expect that low-cost PCs can do this job. At the same time, you need a continuous high-speed connection that can reach your office, and such a connection is very expensive.

Software costs

Don't forget to calculate additional costs for software licensing. Remember that the price of server licenses is usually much higher than that of client licenses. Also, be aware that some server software licenses may limit the number of concurrent users.

Labor costs

Don't expect very low labor costs. Remember that you will have to install this software and hardware, deal with vulnerabilities and viruses, and keep the server running uninterrupted in an environment where 'anything can happen'.

Using an ISP

Renting a server from an ISP is the most common practice. The benefits of doing so include:

Connection speed

Most providers have extremely fast Internet connections, such as full T3 fiber-optic connections of 45Mps, which is equivalent to more than 2000 28k modems, or 1000 56k modems.

Robust Hardware

Service providers usually have many powerful web servers that can be shared by multiple companies. They can provide load balancing and necessary backup services.

Security and Stability

ISP is an expert in the field of website hosting. They can provide over 99% of normal service time, the latest software vulnerability patches, and the best virus protection.

Things to Consider

24-Hour Support

Make sure the ISP you choose provides 24-hour support. Do not put yourself in a situation where you have to wait until the next working day to fix urgent problems. If you do not want to spend a lot of long-distance phone bills, free call-in service is also important.

Daily Backups

Make sure the ISP you choose provides routine daily security backups; otherwise, you may lose a lot of valuable data.

Traffic Restrictions

Review the provider's traffic restriction terms. Make sure that if your website becomes popular, you do not have to pay extra for unexpected high traffic.

Bandwidth or Content Restrictions

Review the provider's bandwidth and content restriction terms. If you plan to publish images, broadcasts, or sound, make sure you have the right to do so.

Email Performance

Make sure the provider fully supports the email performance you need. (You can find more information about email performance in the following chapters.)

FrontPage Extensions

If you plan to develop a website using FrontPage, make sure your provider fully supports the FrontPage server extensions.

Database Access

If you plan to use a database on your website, make sure your provider fully supports the database access you need. (You can read more about database access in the following chapters.)