Web
Hosting
A
small business need not purchase a server or have a dedicated link to
the internet to run its web site.
Instead
it is much easier and much cheaper, to use commercial web hosting services
that are available. In short (and in general) these operate from secure
units, with multiple server installations and multiple connections to
the internet. You can rent capacity on these installations.The cost
is based partly on traffic, partly on the setup cost, and partly on
any special software you need to run on your site. The main costs drivers
are the latter two points.
Before
you choose your web host, you should know if there is any special software
you need to run you websites. If you are using a web designer you should
ensure that the software you are using is not too unusual (which may
limit where you can go). This can apply to the shop software or databases
which can be expensive to licence. You may find some hosts that offer
package deals on access to domain names, web traffic statistics, shop
software, databases or secure payment services. If your web designers
will also host your site, make sure the server is not in their garage
- and ensure that you have all the information you need to move hosting
to other providers if you wish to later.
Also
ensure that you understand how to switch domain names, load up files,
maintain your site, and review statistics. Here are some commercial
web hosting services:
We
can offer hosting services as part of our offering. In our case we purchase
capacity from a large commercial provider, to allow us to offer an integrated
design, host and support package to small businesses. If this if of
interest please contact us .
