So Many Web Hosting Providers- Which One Is For Me?

You have finally reached the point in your business where you need to set up a web site. There are several things you will need before you do. One of the first things you will need is web hosting. But how does one sift through the countless web hosting providers to find the right one?

Basic Features

Important factors in selecting a web hosting company include the percentage of server uptime provided. Whereas 98 to 99% uptime would be preferred, 70% would not. The higher the downtime of a server, the lower the potential for traffic at your web site.

Another consideration is how much server space is provided for the files that will make up your site. As well as how much monthly bandwidth is provided in the 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 marketing, it is important to get as much server space and bandwidth as possible. This will allow for necessary updates and increased traffic to your site as it becomes more popular.

Applications for Ecommerce

It is equally important when purchasing business web hosting that CGI access is provided; along with other features such as MySQL, Real Audio, Real Video, and Cold Fusion. These are the type of features that allow for cutting-edge technology in today’s global marketing strategy.

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 is secure.

Selecting the Right Name

Along with your ecommerce web hosting, you will need a domain name that reflects the nature of your business. For instance, an import business might have something like jonesimports.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 GoDaddy.com. Many hosting companies also offer domain name search and registration services.

Finally, a good web hosting company will provide for a number of sub-domains, which can be set up as separate web sites “chipped off” the main domain. An example would be http://collectibles.jonesimports.com.

Max Sheppard is Co-Owner of Acecomp Plus at http://www.acecomp.com Customer Website Design, Website Development, E-Commerce and Content Management Solutions to maximize our clients online potential.

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