Your web business depends on your site's uptime around the clock. When you want to make a purchase online, you most likely take the time to check the ... of that ... Yet, how many of you Your web business depends on your site's uptime around the clock. When you want to make a purchase online, you most likely take the time to check the credentials of that business. Yet, how many of you actually bother to check out the credentials and competency of a web host, which is absolutely the stronghold of your web business? I've been in the hosting industry as a reseller for almost 5 years. It's become a zoo out there. With so many hosts coming and going, or sites constantly going down or getting cracked into from lack of security measures (very common), how can you really know for sure if you're going with a reliable and competent host? Emailing to test their support response is NOT a good indicator of their response time. Some will be very fast for pre-sales questions, but extremely slow or non-responsive for support once you are a customer. On the other hand, sometimes very slow for pre-sales and fast for customer support. Here are a few important tips to keep in mind when shopping for a web host: First of all, be sure they have a phone number posted on their site. There's no reason why they shouldn't be reached easily via phone. Phone them and ask questions. It's preferable to get a technically savvy person to call for you. You need to be assured that the host's staff is competent and security conscious. There are so many variables in securing servers. Only a competent technical person would know the key questions to ask, but importantly, can also tell by conversing with the host how competent they really are. I may sound redundant, but you'd be surprised at how many hosting providers wing their way i.e. they learn as they go along, thus, causing downtime and/or slowing down the speed of your website. Also, discuss with them what your needs are for your business. If you need any of the following, it's vital that you find out if the host can accommodate you: Streaming Media - for live audio and video feeds SSH (secure shell) - SSH is a secure telnet - Some programs need telnet access for installation. Also, if you want to add more data to the data base that may be too large to install using a web-based data base system like phpMyAdmin (a common program provided by most hosts), it will require telnet access. If a host provides unsecure telnet, run the other way! SSL (secure sockets layer) Certificate -This is needed if you'll be using a merchant account to take payments from the web. If you use an SSL Certificate, it is mandatory that you get an IP based account, whereby you get your own IP number instead of sharing the same IP number with several other accounts on the server. Mailing List Accommodation - Many hosts are not equipped to accommodate large mailing lists on their email servers. So, if you have a large list and use your own list software, get the specifics on this. Data Bases - Think about how many data bases you'll need to start with. For instance, if you'll be running a forum using php software, it will require one data base. You may decide to use a program to make your site data-base driven, that will be yet another data base needed. CGI and PHP -They should already have this enabled on the server. If they don't, then they aren't keeping up with the latest technology. Be sure the host can upgrade your account as your business grows. I don't recommend that you get a dedicated server unless you know how to administer one or can pay for a system administrator to handle your. A lot goes into managing a server. When a host offers 'managed' servers, it doesn't necessarily mean that they take care of everything on your server. You are responsible for maintaining it, otherwise the average tech fees are $95 per hour. Find out how many backbone providers they have. A good host would have a minimum of 2, preferably more. That's a very important factor. A few years ago, I was hosted and also was hosting sites from a popular large international hosting provider. All the sites went down for two days due to a problem with their backbone. That's when I discovered that they only had ONE backbone provider. That could have been avoided had they another provider. Had I did my homework more thoroughly, I could have avoided a full day of downtime! In the event you go over your bandwidth limit, does the site go down or do they just send you a bill with the extra costs, accordingly? You need to know this from the very start, so you don't get surprised if your site goes down from exceeding your bandwidth limit. Also, there are hosts advertising 'unlimited bandwidth'. There's no such animal. Even backbone providers couldn't guarantee such a thing. That's impossible. Most hosts who advertise unlimited bandwidth have a disclaimer attached to their sites, usually stating that your site will go down or you'll be charged for extra bandwidth if you exceed 4 gigs. Do they have daily backup? This is very important! However, be sure to do daily backup of your own sites and any important info to your hard drive for safest measures. Also, download your sites to cd or zips and keep them in a fireproof safe-box along with your other important biz docs. Word of 'Very Reliable' mouth from someone who has been with a host for at least a year, with minimal or no problems is another good factor. From time to time, problems can occur with the best of them. Importantly is the efficiency of the host, in handling the problems. You can find out if a host is a reseller by using the tools at either http://www.Samspade.org or http://www.DNSstuff.com. There's nothing wrong with going with a reseller if they are very competent and manage their business well. Actually, many of the cream-of-the-crop resellers don't even advertise their services, since they get plenty of business via word of mouth. The advantages of going with a very competent reseller are that you get more personable attention and some will even give you extra services. A reseller should tell you up front that they are a reseller. If your bread and butter is dependent on your online business, you'll go the extra miles in doing your homework when shopping for a host, less you don't mind losing business and/or moving your sites from host to host. Article Tags: Online Business, Data Base Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com .
Top blog stories
A review of Idmobile.com
Idmobile.com offers both pay-as-you-go and contract plans. Pay-as-you-go plans are ideal for customers who don't want to be tied down to a long-term contract, and they can purchase bundles of data, minutes, and texts as and when they need them.
Idmobile.com offers both pay-as-you-go and contract plans. Pay-as-you-go plans are ideal for customers who don't want to be tied down to a long-term contract, and they can purchase bundles of data, minutes, and texts as and when they need them.
AO.co is a trusted expert in TVs, washing machines, clothes dryers and other household appliances. AO.com is one of the largest retailers in the UK and it specializes in electronics, clothes and home furniture.
At Three, we believe phones are good. They just make life better. Easier. And more fun. But
we all need to find a balance that works for us. Our mission is to help our customers use
their phones to live their best lives.
We make your life easier
Since 1992, we’ve been helping customers get the best deal on their dream phone. We firmly believe in giving you the highest quality, for the lowest price. That’s why we work with three of the UK’s leading networks to do all the haggling for you,...
At Halfords, we're all about the journey. With more than 700 stores with over 10,000 colleagues, we're the UK's leading retailer of automotive and cycling products. We are also the leading operator in MOT, tyres, car servicing and car repairs - pleasing more than 750,000 customers every year.
It's important to us that everyone gets great customer service and can enjoy our products, no matter their level of sight. So, if you're blind, partially sighted or struggle to see or read the screen, we’ve a range of features to help you get the most from our products and...
Look iconic, without the hassle— using Nasty Gal discount codes, you can shop your favorite pieces for way less by simply entering one of our promotional codes (of your choice) at the checkout. From delivery offers, to promo deals, we keep ‘em coming, so you always have the offer you...
The Covid-19 has caused the school and universities to shut down around the world creating a major issue in Learning and Education. As this virus spreads through the interaction and if social distanci... The Covid-19 has caused the school and universities to shut down around the world creating a major...
Why its Important to Manage Your Holiday Calendars?
A printable calendar 2021 is a prominent online platform where you download printable calendars of your choice. These calendars can be customized as per our client requirement with photo, text, logo, or any other image. If you are thinking of planning a dream vacation tour with family and kids but...
Birthdays are very special because they come only once a year, and it’s even more special when it’s the birthday of any of your family member, including your pet. That’s correct; celebrating your pet’s birthday is just as special and exciting, especially if you remember their birth date. And even...
This article seeks to give a simple overview of how should i start to train my dog. It differentiates between training a new born puppy and older dogs. With regards to how should I start to train my dog, it depends whether you have gotten a newly born puppy or...
All dogs are intelligent and have equal emotional needs and equal anatomy. However few dogs are a notch better than others in the intelligence of understanding commands, adapatability etc. I have collated top 10 dogs who are smartest of all. Does your dog ever flabbergast you by her capacity to...
Army dog training is different from pet training as these dogs are trained under harsh conditions to do tough jobs. To train an army dog, you need to set the standards high, not just for the dog, but also for yourself as a trainer. This article highlights some of the...
Opting to train your puppy is recommended in order to avoid a variety of issues down the road. There are several details that you should take into account prior to embarking in this type of training with your puppy, so that you can ensure everything goes according to plan. At...
Camping is not merely about outdoor adventure, but it also enables you to rejuvenating your mind amidst the natural environment. You can boost this experience of yours when you plan this expedition with friends. Camping is not merely about outdoor adventure, but it also enables you to rejuvenate your mind...
A canine is a heap of adoration, blessing enveloped by hide. On the off chance that you are a fledgling pet parent or have embraced a puppy since years, the basic medical problems can be an obstacle to your pooch's prosperity is a significant concern. At times, even your canine...
Various treatments are available for the prevention of fleas on the dogs and protects them from the flea and tick infestations. Here we will learn in depth about the product Nexgard. Everyone must have heard of the song Summer of ’69, wow that song must have brought out the memories...
Different life events and habits tend to influence the personalities of different people. Surprisingly, dog’s personalities tend to change in a similar manner as they age. Although personalities may vary from species to the other, most dogs will become less active and less curious over time. Dogs can change significantly...
A well-balanced, nutritious diet is vital in keeping your dog healthy and happy. However, with many available diets, selecting the right diet for your dog can present a significant challenge. Domesticated dogs are primarily carnivores, but they tend to be omnivores in dieting. However, when deciding on what diet to...
Search topic
Dog's Diet
A well-balanced, nutritious diet is vital in keeping your dog healthy and happy. However, with many available diets, selecting the right diet for your dog can present a significant challenge. Domesticated dogs are primarily carnivores, but they tend to be omnivores in dieting. However, when deciding on what diet to...