Web Hosting Options
In order for your web site to be noticed by the world, you should store it on a web server.
Hosting your own web site
There is always an option to host your web site on your own server. Some of the points to be considered are as follows:
Software expenses: You should note that server-licenses are usually more expensive compared to client-licenses. Also it is to be remembered that server-licenses could put a limit on the number of users.
Hardware expenses: In order to run an actual web site you need to purchases a powerful server. You cannot a low cost PC will be adequate for hosting you own web site. Also, you will require a high-speed permanent (24 hours a day) internet connection.
Labor expenses: Low labor expenses should not be expected. You need to install your own software and hardware. You should also handle problems with virus and bugs and have to run your server continuously in an environment where it is possible for everything to happen.
Renting from an Internet Service Provider
It is a common option to rent a server from an Internet Service Provider (ISP).
A lot of small companies store their web site on a web server that is offered by an ISP. Some of the advantages here are:
Connection speed: Almost all ISPs have high speed internet connections.
Security and Stability: ISPs specialize in web hosting. It can be expected that their servers have above 99% up time, the best protection against virus and the most recent software patches.
Powerful Hardware: Usually ISPs have powerful web servers which could be shared between many companies. ISP’s can be expected to have effective load balancing as well as necessary backup servers.
Here are some of the points to be considered with an ISP:
24-hour support: ensure that the ISP can offer 24-hours support. Never get into a situation where you are not in a position to handle critical problems without waiting till the next working day. In case you do not want to bear the bills for long distance calls you can use toll-free phone.
Daily backup: Ensure that your ISP runs a backup routine daily else you could lose valuable data.
Volume of traffic: Make a study of the traffic volume restrictions of the ISP. Ensure that you do not have to pay a huge sum for any surprising high traffic in case your web site turns out to be popular.
Content or bandwidth restrictions: Learn about the content and bandwidth restrictions of the ISP. Make sure that you can publish pictures and broadcast sound and video if you have any intention of doing so.
E-mail capabilities: Ensure that the ISP can support the e-mail capabilities you require.
FrontPage extensions: If you happen to use FrontPage for the development of your web site, ensure that the ISP can support FrontPage server extensions.
Access to database: In case you intend to make use of data from databases on your web site, ensure the ISP can support the database access you require.
