By: Steven Gearing
Submitted: 2011-03-02 11:53:21 | Word Count: 560
How do you choose a web hosting provider when there are literally tens of thousands of hosting companies available to choose from online? It’s like going through the yellow pages trying to find burger restaurants. There are lots of them. Hopefully these tips will help to steer you in the right direction. Some of the most important factors in selecting a web hosting company include the percentage of server uptime. 98 to 99% uptime is the dream standard for server uptime, 65% or below is unacceptable, especially if you run an ecommerce type website.
The higher the downtime of a server, the lower the potential for traffic at your web site to view your products or services. Another consideration is how much space is provided for the files that will make up your web site. How much bandwidth is also included in your package? Monthly bandwidth is the amount of data transfer allowed for visitors to view and use your web site. If you run out of bandwidth, visitors and customers will not be allowed to access your website.
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With today’s changing trends in web hosting products and services, it is important to get as much server space and bandwidth as you can for the lowest price. This will allow for necessary updates and increased traffic to your site as it becomes more popular. Although, sometimes it can be as simple as upgrading your hosting plan to the next one up, which should give you more bandwidth and disk space for a slightly higher monthly fee.
It is equally important when purchasing business web hosting that CGI access is provided; along with other important features such as MySQL, Real Audio, Real Video, and Cold Fusion which some companies might sell as an add on component. 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 transactions are safe and secure.
You will also need to acquire a domain name that reflects the nature of your online business. For instance, a sports business might have a URL that is www.coloradosports.com. To get your own unique domain name, you must first check the availability of the name with a domain name search which you can do for free, offered by domain registrars such as Network Solutions.
There are many service providers to choose from. If you do your homework, you will find some good deals that will fit your budget. It's also a good idea to read through reviews other people have written about the company you wish to sign up with as this can save you a lot of problems in the future. Some companies promise the world but after you have given your credit card to them, their services sometimes won't turn out as you expected.
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If your budget isn't enough, then you'll be able to always pass for free webhosting. However keep in mind that e-mails and blogs would possibly absorb your precious disk space. Now, a computer and a competent internet connection are all you wish to have to start transacting with your customers. hostgator
