Web Hosting and Site Hosts

Using Commercial Web Hosting

By Ammon Johns

There are a huge range of commercial hosts available and they are far from all being the same. What is important is that you find a host that suits you and your needs.

Don't be talked into paying for extras you don't want or need, and don't be talked into settling for less quality than you need either.

Some key issues to consider include costs, up-times, technical support and of course, customer support.

Unix and Linux servers are more reliable, and have generally much better up-times than NT. It's not that Microsoft are bad per se, its simply that Unix has been refined over 30 years, while Windows is still a relative adolescent system, with all the virtual acne to match.

Pricing is something you need to think carefully about. There's no point having a great service that you simply can't afford to sustain. Likewise, there is no point having something cheap that ends up costing you business because it doesn't have the services and reliability you need.

The technical support is vital. This determines whether the server offers the features and support you need, or affects how quickly and surely such things can be added as your needs and market demands. If there is any fault, you need it fixed fast, and if the fault is theirs some guarantees or compensation would be nice.

Customer support is the final major area of concern. You need a company that is as commited to your business as you are. Ideally, your commercial host is like a partner in your business and is genuinely interested in helping you to succeed.