Resources for Web Hosting

In today's business world, a Web site is a must-have marketing tool. Whether you need a simple site that describes your services, or you're launching a full-blown e-commerce store, you'll need a Web host. These Internet service providers rent space on their computers and allow access to your Web pages. To find the best Web hosting service for your business, you need to choose one that fits your site requirements and your budget. But don't forget to factor in the intangibles, such as reliability and customer service.

Despite the potential cost savings, businesses should avoid free hosting. These free services routinely place banner ads on your site, offer limited security and database support and don't provide you with a unique domain name.

Three other types of hosting that are suitable for small businesses are:

1. Shared (virtual). Pay a monthly fee for a powerful server to host your site, along with hundreds of others. Widely used and low cost, this offers good support and your own domain name (Web address). But speed suffers at peak traffic times, and security isn't as tight due to multiple sites on one server.
2. Dedicated. The costliest form, this gives you a server dedicated to your Web site -great if you have lots of e-commerce or thousands of visitors a day.
3. Collocated. You own your server, placed in the data center of the service provider, which provides a fast Internet connection. Advantages: High band width, up-time, and security, plus unlimited software choices. You pay for maintenance and band width.

Discover the range of options online

Get rapid, reliable service that's existed for years, has a physical address, doesn't overload its servers and has plenty of available bandwidth.

Get what you need in one place

Many Web hosting services cater to companies that require large-scale solutions. But for many small businesses, especially those that aren't involved in e-commerce and don't expect high traffic, a modest hosting package will suffice.

Look for reliability

Pricing is important, of course, but remember that lower fees may mean lower technical support. A cheaper host may go out of business soon, and you don't want to move to another host later. Be certain the host backs up server, Web site and database files daily.

Look for live support

Call the tech support phone number, not sales, and see how quickly you get to a technician. Try it at 3 a.m. A real person needs to answer the phone 24/7.

Use a host with solid financials

If you're depending on the Internet to sell products, partner with a host that won't shut down in six months. A financially shaky host could hurt your business. Ask for and read the financials.

Find a host that grows with you

When your business grows, you'll need to upgrade – and that means more than just increased storage and bandwidth. Does the host offers e-commerce products, SPAM filters, anti-virus protection and marketing software?

Get help with site creation

Many hosting services also offer Web creation tools that will help you get your Web site up and running quickly. Look for design templates and easy online store set-up tools.

Avoid host networks that have been blackholed

Some networks will host any Web sites, including porn sites and spammers. If a network gets blackholed – or blacklisted for spamming – that will affect your customers, too.

• Get specific about charges. Which are free versus fee-based?
• If you're selling products, choose a host that will link you to PayPal, Amazon or eBay.
• Try a service for a month before you lock into a one-year contract.
• Look for a refund on any unused hosting, if you cancel before the contract expires.