7 point checklist to choose a web hosting service by
Josh Bender
Before you can launch your web site, you'll need to engage the services
of a web hosting company.
A web host, quite simply, allows you to
rent space on a web server. Your web pages are then stored on this server,
and the host computer allows other people connected to the Internet to
view them.
There are literally hundreds of web hosting companies to
choose from. How to choose the right one?
As with trying out any
new service, you won't really know how good a web hosting company is until
you try it. Therefore, ask around and see whether you can get any
recommendations from those who already use a web hosting company. You
might also want to consider how long the company has been in business, how
reliable it is known to be, and how expensive it would be if you want to
upgrade your plan in future.
Other areas to consider
include:
* Disk space
How much disk space do you need? Does you
website have less than 10 pages? You'll need only a small amount of space.
Is it a huge site that has thousands of pages? You'll be needing a lot of
disk space. Most web hosting plans limit how much space you will have, so
make sure the plan you choose meets your needs.
* E-mail
accounts
How many e-mail accounts do you need? You'll probably need one
for each employee and one for each department (sales, accounts, support).
Make sure you purchase a hosting plan that has enough e-mail accounts.
Also, do you want full POPS access, Web-based e- mail, or both?
*
Data transfer
How much data do you need to transfer? Most hosting plans
limit how much data transfer you are allotted each month. If you expect a
lot of people to visit your site, you'll need a plan that allows for
plenty of data transfer.
* E-commerce
Will you be selling goods
or services through your site? If not, there's no need to sign up for an
e-commerce web hosting service. If you are, e-commerce web hosting
services such as shopping cart software, SSL support and a merchant
account will be vital.
* Database, script and extension
support
Some hosts will try to blind you with all the features they
provide: Frontpage, MS Access, MySQL, MS SQL, Peri support, PHP support,
ASP support and SSI support. Do you really need all these features? If
not, make sure you are not paying for extras you'll never use.
*
Operating systems
Do you want a UNIX hosting plan or a Windows hosting
plan? Unix is the most commonly used operating system among Web servers.
It is known for its flexibility, reliability and stability. Windows
hosting plans give you the ability to utilize many forms of dynamic
content and specialized databases. Windows hosting plans are often used
for sites utilizing Frontpage, ASP, MS Access databases, MS SQL Servers
and other Microsoft applications.
* Support
Is customer and
technical support available 24/7? Can you easily get through on the
customer support hotline? Or are you on hold for hours?
About the Author
Josh has been involved in web development since 1996. He now helps
business owners get their own websites up and running with a free
easy-to-understand guide, and 7-part e-course at
http://www.1st-For-Businsess-Web-Hosting.com
