subject: An Introduction To Unlimited Hosting [print this page] Many web hosting providers now offer unlimited web hosting packages. But what exactly is unlimited hosting, and is it possible for it to be completely unlimited?
The answer to whether it can be completely unlimited is no. It is not actually unlimited but the term is used to describe a package that is effectively beyond any reasonable limits. The vast majority of website will not get near the limits for bandwidth, email accounts, sub-domain names, or anything else included. So it is not unlimited, but does reach the limits of what customers are likely to require. These packages may give the impression that there are no limits at all, but that is simply impossible.
So are customers being fooled? Well, not really. In most cases they are getting everything that they would expect, so it isnt really a problem that the unlimited package is limited. Of course, some would argue that they shouldnt be calling it something it isnt regardless of whether or not it will make a difference.
Even if you expect an unlimited package to include all your requirements (as it will for most websites) you shouldnt just assume that this is the case. Especially if you require high bandwidth, for example, you need to make sure you are getting what you need because you never know. It is always wise to double check all the limits, and if the hosting company insist it is unlimited, you should insist they clarify what unlimited really means. You dont want to get caught short. If it doesnt meet your needs they may be able to extend the terms (assuming they have the capabilities to do so) as they had stated it was unlimited.
There are benefits for web hosts claiming they are providing unlimited hosting. It sounds good to customers, who feel that they dont need to worry about reaching any limitations (and in reality they probably dont need to worry). It means customers wont think they need to start looking too deeply into exactly what they need and which packages provide this, and this all makes it easier. A package advertised as unlimited catches the attention of potential customers.
Assuming customers dont near the limits, the main advantage for them is that there is the scope for using more of the variables that go towards hosting. So, should they suddenly require more bandwidth than before they wont need to worry about upgrading to another package.
The price of unlimited hosting is usually more than the most basic packages but not exceedingly high. They are not as much as the most advances packages. Providers know that most customers will not take full advantages of everything on offer so they can afford to keep prices relatively low. If unlimited hosting is all they offer, then they are taking away the cheapest and most expensive packages, and all customers are paying something in between.
