Archive for August, 2010

How do you choose a hosting provider when there are thousands of web site hosting providers available online? It’s like going through the yellow pages trying to find burger restaurants. There are a number of them. Hopefully these tips will steer you in the right direction.Crucial factors in selecting a web hosting company include the percentage of server uptime. 98 to 99% uptime is the dream standard for uptime of servers, 65% is not acceptable. The higher the downtime of a server, the lower the potential for traffic at your web site.

Another consideration is how much space is provided for the files that will make up your web site. How much bandwidth is in your package? Monthly bandwidth is the amount of data transfer allowed for visitors to view and use your web site.

With today’s changing trends in web site hosting services, it is important to get as much server space and bandwidth as you can. This will allow for necessary updates and increased traffic to your site as it becomes more popular.

It is equally important when purchasing business web hosting that CGI access is provided; along with features such as MySQL, Real Audio, Real Video, and Cold Fusion (which some companies sell as an add on component). A crucial feature necessary for doing ecommerce is SSL, or Secure Socket Layer. This encrypts all order and credit card information until it reaches you. An SSL certificate can be purchased from most web hosting providers.

Displaying it on your ecommerce web site verifies that your site transactions are safe and secure. We’ve talked about this previously in other articles. You will need a domain name that reflects the nature of your business. For instance, a sports business might have a URL that is www.melbournesports.com.

To get your own unique domain name, you must first check the availability of the name with a domain name search, offered by domain registrars such as Network Solutions. There are many web hosting service providers to choose from. If you do your homework, you will find some great deals that will fit your budget.

With thousands of internet web site hosting services in the market it can be difficult if not impossible to know which web site hosting companies truly provide an excellent hosting solution at an excellent price. When you have an established domain name with a good web hosting company, you can get reports on your traffic and which of your pages your customers are visiting most often, as well as many other statistics.

Your web host will charge you a fee for a monthly service that is between $10 or $20 to the more expensive $50.00 per month. Plan to pay between $300 and $500 per year to your web host.

Always avoid very inexpensive or free website hosting services, because you may experience bouts of server downtimes and you are likely to have significant limitations in storage, number of email addresses, FTP upload etc.

Be sure your web host can accommodate e-commerce and storefronts, wireless capability, bogs, forums, chats, online interactive helps and anything else you want to add onto your site.

Estimate what your growth needs are and ensure that this web host can serve you as you grow. The last thing you want to do is change host mid way unless you really have to do so.

Check your bandwidth capability to be sure that, if your website traffic grows rapidly, your customers will not have to wait to download or view information. Three things to look for in a web hosting company are:

1. Excellent Customer Support: Your hosting provider should be there for you 24/7 and give you instant access to the technicians you need to solve your problem. Ask them how long it takes for them to typically respond to your problem. A good test is to ring them in the middle of the night to check if you get to a live, level 3 support.

2. A Sound Infrastructure: Check if they offer a multi-homed network powered by multiple bandwidth providers to ensure redundancy. Some offer a 100% guarantee on its network availability or network uptime.

3. Financial Stability: If you’re running very critical operations, you can’t afford to be with a web site hosting company that may not be in business in a few months.