It's difficult to chose right web hosting service for your web site at the time when there are numerous of web hosting providers all assuring for identical web hosting packages. So its necessary to take care of 3 aspects before starting a web hosting search which are given below. Features required for web hosting Technical requirements for a web site is the most important point to be taken into consideration which includes-
a) Hardware requirements and platform for server
According to your need such as if you want to set up a website that uses programming environments such as Active Server Pages (ASP), Visual Basic scripts, Cold Fusion or Microsoft Access or Microsoft SQL database, then a need for a web hosting service will arise that supports Windows platform such as Windows NT or Windows 2000 servers.
Similarly as for programming languages such as Perl, CGI, SSI, PHP or mySQL database, then any web hosting plans that support Unix/Linux platform can be helpful. After having these types of requirements in mind one can decide for the best web hosting plan.
b) Disk space & Bandwidth requirement
Next technical requirement to be taken care of is disk space and bandwidth requirement, however disk space requirement may not be a big deal if you want to publish website with very less contents. Generally 200 MB to 500MB disk space will be quite enough as hosting requirements. Further for hosting a website with enormous amount of graphic pictures, mp3 or video files, a web hosting providing huge disk space example 500 to 1000 MB will be crucial. In the same manner site traffic estimation can be held responsible for bandwidth requirement .A website that attracts high traffic will tend to consume monthly bandwidth allowance very fast, then in that case one web hosting service that offers huge bandwidth with 40GB to 100 GB per month is needed.
Web hosting service that provides sufficient amount of disk space and bandwidth can be opted as per website requirement and that consideration will help not only to reduce costs but also tend to proper disk management.
c) Some other hosting features
Apart from above there are many other hosting features that are to taken into consideration such as Is web hosting provider supports video clips on the website? Is there any plan for setting a virtual store online? Is the host providing e-commerce facilities without charging more and top of all finding number of email accounts provided, number of FTP accounts, web statistic software etc.
Trustworthiness and scalability
If the web-hosting provider is offering reliable server uptime and fast Internet connection then it can be considered as a good host. For selecting an appropriate provider one must look for a web hosting service that guarantee 99% server uptime with high speed internet using at least OC3 (Optical Carrier) lines (155 Megabits per second) or above instead of T1 or T3 lines. A trustworthy hosting provider invests hugely on high performance servers, high speed multiple backbones providers with fail-over redundancy, backup power generators and firewall software protection in place so as to ensure they fulfill the uptime guarantee specified in the terms of service.
In the same manner selection would depend upon the hosting service that can ensure hardware facilities that are designed for scalability, so that they can also expand with user's business. For example if requirement emerges for increasing disk space, bandwidth or number of mySQL databases, there should not emerge any problem and that all can be upgraded easily.
Customer service and support
Last but not the least excellent customer service and support is also important while selecting appropriate host provider. A web hosting provider must provide 24 hours a day, 7 days a week technical support with highly experienced technicians, so as to ensure timely resolution of any problem. Checking must be made by sending inquiry emails to the web-hosting provider so as to check the responsiveness of the customer support. Generally if a response comes within 24 hours can be considered as indication of acceptance but if no response comes then it is taken as a poor customer service. In world of competition, a web hosting provider must be also equipped with multiple support like Toll-free phone support, 24/7 email support, live chat, FAQ etc.
Apart of above important factors some other minor factors must also brew taken care of while selecting an appropriate web hosting provider like since how long that provider is in business and quantity of customers they hold as these shows the credibility and stability of the company. Cost of web hosting is an important factor also but due to growing competition now their charges have come to as low as US$10 per month and so this major factor needs to be ignored. Thus besides of all most important is that the website hosting requirements are met, website is always accessible with good speed, there is scalability in provider to grow and expand the website and that it also offers best customer support.
Related Articles
Web Hosting Scams
By: Jennifer Charleston | 15/12/2006 | Web Hosting
Learn how to avoid getting scammed by webhosting companies. Review the top 4 tips for what to avoid in a hosting company.
What to Do When You Need to Find a Quality, Cheap Web Hosting Package
By: Kevin Nelson | 24/06/2006 | Web Hosting
Finding affordable web hosting is a critical step in getting your personal or business website on the web. Here is an overview of the various web hosting options available to you and some quick tips that will allow you to enjoy all the benefits of having your website online while avoiding the headaches of choosing a bad web host.
The 5-Minute Guide for Using Free Ecommerce Web Hosting
By: Kevin Nelson | 24/06/2006 | Web Hosting
Free ecommerce web hosting can be a good option for brand new online businesses. However, as your business grows, you may need to seek out other options. Here's how to use ecommerce web hosting to get your business off the ground and some tips on when you should seek out more feature-rich options.
Simple Tips for Choosing Good Webhosting
By: Ryan Bauer | 29/10/2005 | Web Hosting
When you start your own website, you want to make sure that you have reliable, decent hosting - if your host is down all of the time, your site might as well not even exist in the first place.
What Do I Look for in a Hosting Company ?
By: Dr Watson Goh | 10/05/2007 | Web Hosting
Are You Always At A Loss To Finding A Realiable Web Hosting Provider ?
If So, Look No Further, As You Have Come To The Right Place For Such Information.
A Simple No Nonsense Reply To Finding Realiable Web Hosting Provider.
Web Hosting: Design Comes Standard
By: Scott Lindsay | 26/05/2007 | Internet
It seems there is a misconception about what web hosting means. Many website owners think web hosting is simply the server where your web site is stored for access by online consumers.
A web host DOES provide this service, but web hosting is essentially a provider who makes a variety of...
Web Hosting - Disadvantages of Choosing the Wrong Server
By: Host Gator | 19/11/2007 | Web Hosting
Selecting the right web server is considered very crucial decision in online business.
A Comparison: Windows Vs. Linux Hosting
By: Host Gator | 21/11/2007 | Web Hosting
Linux and Windows 2000 are the types of software also known as operating systems that web servers use to perform, the kind of thing that web servers perform.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
Better than bluehost? Is there any?
By: denen | 21-04-2008
Better than bluehost? Is there any?
I can't access my email at Kangaweb - is there any ...
By: lashirt | 17-04-2008
I can't access my email at Kangaweb - is there any other way? When I try to sign in the message Intenet Explorer cannot open this address etc. Can anyone help - I've never had this happen before
Invalid Domain Specified. Domain already in use by ...
By: rajabasha | 14-04-2008
Invalid Domain Specified. Domain already in use by another hosting customer. How to solve this problem
Hosting a Super Bowl party
By: Jackyp | 03-02-2008
I am hosting a Super Bowl party tonight and don't know what kinds of snacks to serve. I have a big screen t.v and my boyfriend and his friends convinced me to let them watch the game at my place. I am not much of a football fan. What to I need to know to be a good hostess?
Is the SimpleUpload.net website safe to...
By: gustavlliaa | 02-01-2008
Is the SimpleUpload.net one click file hosting website safe to download from? Did someone try it in the past? What do you have to tell about the prices as well as about the servers speed. Thanks.
If I have windows xp can I host with a linux ...
By: jdizine | 13-12-2007
If I have windows xp can I host with a linux hosting service such as hostgator?
Q&A Powered by:
Latest Web Hosting Articles
Web Hosting - How To Find The Right Provider For Your Needs
By: Greg Shuey | 12/05/2008
Finding a web hosting provider can be pretty difficult since there are so many out there today. Follow these steps and you will be on your way to finding the perfect web hosting company and being completely happy with your decision.
Is cPanel Hosting The Easiest Kind Of Webhosting?
By: Koz Huseyin | 11/05/2008
Hosting has been taken by storm recently with more and more hosting companies opting to use cPanel hosting as their hosting control panel. cPanel hosting has many great features which make managing your web site so much more easier.
Frontpage Web Hosting Fundas
By: Brad Manu | 09/05/2008
FrontPage web hosting is counted to be a great option for small businesses, individuals and most companies that cannot afford for high paid designers.
Discount Web Hosting – Shopping for What's Right
By: Dave Marrow | 08/05/2008
Discount web hosting packages are designed to target customers who need something cheap and affordable, but don't need to many resources. Read on to find out what you need to look for.
Take Care of Navigation in Website Development
By: Naman Jain | 08/05/2008
Online marketing cannot be completed without a website, and a website cannot be completed without a website development. Website development takes care of the complete growth of the website.
Best Webhosting Options
By: Dave Marrow | 07/05/2008
if you don't expect a lot of traffic, other than from a few friends who want to see what your new blog post is about, you can get by with minimal requirements and don't really need to pay attention to the features. The cheapest plan available, or even free webhosting platforms, would probably do the trick.
Web Server Working Methodology
By: Brainpulse India | 07/05/2008
Apart from all these above listed steps server has to perform many other responsibilities. Although this seems to be more technical information an average person should understand. But each webmaster should understand the process precisely in order to get affordable and right web hosting company. Hosting your site on the correct server can help your business boom.
Questions to Ask a Web Host
By: John Ralph | 06/05/2008
Choosing a web hosting company can be tricky. This article will provide you with information on the questions you need answered from your web host provider.
More from Web Host
What is Web Hosting?
By: Web Host | 23/11/2007 | Web Hosting
In the era of computerization where most of the work is dependent on computers,web Hosting is serving as a boon for business for any sector or any activity.
Guidelines to be Followed for Web Hosting
By: Web Host | 23/11/2007 | Web Hosting
Role of Personal Computers as servers or ISP The one who wants to view its site over the Internet needs a server, which can be of his own or of ISP (Internet Service Provider).
How to Choose an Ideal Web Hosting Company
By: Web Host | 23/11/2007 | Web Hosting
Before coming directly to characteristics of good and cheap web host first it's better to have review of the fundamentals.
How to Calculate Cost for Bandwidth?
By: Web Host | 23/11/2007 | Web Hosting
Bandwidth is the next term in web hosting to which one have to be getting acquainted with. It means within a given period of time the amount of data moves across the network wire.
Handsome Earning Through Reseller Hosting
By: Web Host | 23/11/2007 | Web Hosting
Web hosting is the smartest choice for the business owner who wants to achieve the title of the successful businessman .
Start for Web Hosting
By: Web Host | 23/11/2007 | Web Hosting
Even for a layman , its important to know the concept of web hosting. Visiting any website shows a web page that is downloaded from the web server onto the user's web browser.
Finding a Cheaper Web Hosting
By: Web Host | 23/11/2007 | Web Hosting
The motto of the user is to choose web-hosting company, which in within his boundary of budget but to select one from several available it is both overwhelming and challenging.
Dedicated Hosting-need of the Hour
By: Web Host | 23/11/2007 | Web Hosting
Now we get to know that what is dedicated and what are its needs. Firstly, it is worthwhile to note that dedicated server is quite an expensive service and so its optimum utilization is must.
Internet 
