Monday, July 18, 2005
Choosing a good shared web host
Welcome back.
In today's issue I will look at some of the characteristics of a good
shared web host.
A good, shared Web host must provide reliable and reasonable quality
of service. Many times, a consumer will sign up with the least expensive
provider only to experience many technical difficulties and the inevitable
and frustrating experience of changing Web hosts.
To avoid this experience, it is best if the consumer chooses the right
hosting company. Ensuring that a shared Web hosting firm has the following characteristics will increase the probability of consumer satisfaction.
Quality Server Technology
The use of quality server technology is important.Since shared hosting services utilize multiplexed equipment, consumers must ensure that the server and server technology used can accommodate the number of users on your particular server.
You would also want to make sure that knowledgeable system administrators are operating your hosting company’s technology.
Network Redundancy.
Your shared hosting package must have multiple connections to the Internet.
Network redundancy ensures that if one Internet connection goes down, traffic
can be re-routed through another connection. It is important to find the fastest internet connection possible. Since you are competing with other users for resources in a shared hosting environment, you should ensure that you have at least T3 connection that is using less than 50 per cent of available bandwidth.
You should also consider the following factors before selecting any type
of shared hosting solution for your Web site. By considering these factors,
you will save money in the long run by selecting a solution that grows with
your business. Purchase only what you need. Select a Web hosting solution that corresponds with your business needs. Only purchase services that your site will require to provide your specific content. Don't sign up for an all-inclusive account with a hosting firm if you won't use most of their services. This will unnecessarily increase your costs.
Select a scalable solution
Make sure that your hosting solution can grow as your site grows in complexity. Ensure that you can upgrade your site to accommodate increased bandwidth and other demanding resource requirements such as server-side scripting, database support and multimedia streaming.
Find prompt tech support
Only use a host that provides prompt and knowledgeable customer care. A dependable host should offer 24x7 toll-free technical support rendered by experienced and professionally trained technicians.
Check references
Before you commit to a particular hosting firm, ask for
references. Make sure to canvass other webmasters running sites with similar specifications. Browse their Web sites and measure response times at both
peak and non-peak periods.
Watch your billing and keep your receipt
Many hosting firms are notorious for their horrid billing practices. Check your credit card statements to ensure that you are not being overcharged or billed at an incorrect frequency. Most purchases occur online, so make sure to print out your receipt. Most companies will require you to remit that receipt by fax in order to cancel.
Back up all your data
Do not depend on your host to recover any data you publish on the Web. Most hosting firms are only equipped to recover files in the event of a system failure. Ensure that you have a copy of any data that you post to the Web on your own hard drive.
Own your own domain
Make sure that your Web host will not hold you hostage to their service by exercising administrative control over your domain name. Your host should only be listed as a technical contact. You should exercise administrative control over the domain from the point of purchase.
In the next posting we will look at some further good characteristics of good
shared web hosting.
==========================================================
For all your hosting needs under one roof look no further. Cheap and affordable package includes your own domain name, website
building tools, file management and of course we will host your site for you!
==========================================================
In today's issue I will look at some of the characteristics of a good
shared web host.
A good, shared Web host must provide reliable and reasonable quality
of service. Many times, a consumer will sign up with the least expensive
provider only to experience many technical difficulties and the inevitable
and frustrating experience of changing Web hosts.
To avoid this experience, it is best if the consumer chooses the right
hosting company. Ensuring that a shared Web hosting firm has the following characteristics will increase the probability of consumer satisfaction.
Quality Server Technology
The use of quality server technology is important.Since shared hosting services utilize multiplexed equipment, consumers must ensure that the server and server technology used can accommodate the number of users on your particular server.
You would also want to make sure that knowledgeable system administrators are operating your hosting company’s technology.
Network Redundancy.
Your shared hosting package must have multiple connections to the Internet.
Network redundancy ensures that if one Internet connection goes down, traffic
can be re-routed through another connection. It is important to find the fastest internet connection possible. Since you are competing with other users for resources in a shared hosting environment, you should ensure that you have at least T3 connection that is using less than 50 per cent of available bandwidth.
You should also consider the following factors before selecting any type
of shared hosting solution for your Web site. By considering these factors,
you will save money in the long run by selecting a solution that grows with
your business. Purchase only what you need. Select a Web hosting solution that corresponds with your business needs. Only purchase services that your site will require to provide your specific content. Don't sign up for an all-inclusive account with a hosting firm if you won't use most of their services. This will unnecessarily increase your costs.
Select a scalable solution
Make sure that your hosting solution can grow as your site grows in complexity. Ensure that you can upgrade your site to accommodate increased bandwidth and other demanding resource requirements such as server-side scripting, database support and multimedia streaming.
Find prompt tech support
Only use a host that provides prompt and knowledgeable customer care. A dependable host should offer 24x7 toll-free technical support rendered by experienced and professionally trained technicians.
Check references
Before you commit to a particular hosting firm, ask for
references. Make sure to canvass other webmasters running sites with similar specifications. Browse their Web sites and measure response times at both
peak and non-peak periods.
Watch your billing and keep your receipt
Many hosting firms are notorious for their horrid billing practices. Check your credit card statements to ensure that you are not being overcharged or billed at an incorrect frequency. Most purchases occur online, so make sure to print out your receipt. Most companies will require you to remit that receipt by fax in order to cancel.
Back up all your data
Do not depend on your host to recover any data you publish on the Web. Most hosting firms are only equipped to recover files in the event of a system failure. Ensure that you have a copy of any data that you post to the Web on your own hard drive.
Own your own domain
Make sure that your Web host will not hold you hostage to their service by exercising administrative control over your domain name. Your host should only be listed as a technical contact. You should exercise administrative control over the domain from the point of purchase.
In the next posting we will look at some further good characteristics of good
shared web hosting.
==========================================================
For all your hosting needs under one roof look no further. Cheap and affordable package includes your own domain name, website
building tools, file management and of course we will host your site for you!
==========================================================
