subject: Web Hosting - Finding Some Space Of Your Own [print this page] If a website is what you need, then you have to have a host. Web hosting companies are like the real estate companies of the World Wide Web. They lease you "land" (web space) on which you build your website. The first step in the process is to decide what kind of hosting you need. Options include dedicated servers (managed and unmanaged), cloud servers, business class shared hosting, and personal shared hosting. Each of these comes with advantages and drawbacks. The two classes of shared hosting are the cheapest options. These are for the everyday person or small business who just wants a presence on the web.
Servers provide more security and possibilities for a higher price. Dedicated servers are the most expensive because they actually involve committing a physical server space to the purchaser. Because the specific size has to be built and formatted, this takes planning. Any growth in the future also takes planning because when more space is needed, more physical hardware has to be created and formatted for usage. Dedicated servers are the trusted, traditional method of web hosting for large businesses. They can be purchased as managed or unmanaged, depending on whether or not you have someone in house that can manage your server space.
Cloud servers are a newer technology that also provides secure server space, but with a different method. The cloud represents a virtual pool of resources where usage can fluctuate according to need. It is a much more cost-effective approach to web hosting. In the beginning it was considered unreliable, but as the technology has grown and developed, it has become more refined and reliable. Cloud servers are especially useful for companies that experience bursts of activity or surges of web traffic on their servers. The cloud can expand very quickly to fit the need and then shrink when the need has passed as opposed to the fixed size of dedicated servers.
Whatever kind of web hosting you choose, check out customer reviews the sites you are considering. Make sure responsive service and good technical support are standard and included in the price. Features are great but if you can't get help installing or using the features, they are worthless. If the host site has a customer forum, look at what their current clients are saying and how the staff is responding to complaints. With the proper "agent" working with you, you can build a solid website to help you accomplish you goals or advance your business.
