Web hosting allows us to make our own website and put it up on the world wide web. Various service providers help us to this by leasing out places on their server. Any additional service from their behalf comes with extra charges and fees. Although there are a couple of providers who still provide free personal web hosting services, the features are very limited.

The most popularly known paid web hosting services are the “shared hosting” and “dedicated hosting”. However there are various other types of services available to us as well.

Cloud Hosting:

Although many people may not be aware of this service, it has been a topic of discussion for some time now. A cloud web hosting server will allow users to host their website in multiple connected servers, which makes the processing power, the reach, the service, etc – “unlimited”. Expansion becomes extremely easy and there are very few limitations involved. You do not have to worry about switching from one server to another, and server crashes will not affect the performance of your website at all.

The cost for cloud web hosting is also extremely reasonable, you only pay for the service based on the computing power you have consumed over a period of time. In simple words, it is like you electric bill.

Clustered Hosting:

Clustered Web Hosting allows the user to spread the load of the website across multiple physical machines, which are also known as “nodes”. Multiple front-end servers with various back-end database servers allows the user to setup and operate large websites with ease, making it more reachable among consumers.

Most web hosting services rely on single physical machine, which may also become a single point of failure. Clustered Web Hosting decreases the possibility of these failures and interruption and are therefore more reliable.

Grid Hosting:

A more loosely coupled and geographically dispersed type of web hosting service, Grid Computing involves a large number of files. It is a combination of various computing resources from multiple domains, which is usually aimed towards specialized applications. It is a type of parallel computing that is reliable upon complete computers that have all the components along with being connected to a reliable network.

Various software are used to construct a Grid Web Hosting service and the size of it may vary, depending upon the requirements of the user. It can also be constructed across various companies and networks.

Web hosting services for big businesses are of two types: the “Dedicated” server and the “Co-location” hosting. To be able to determine which one is more suited for your business needs, we have outlined the major attributes of the two:

Basic Features:

Instead of sharing your server space with hundreds of other websites, “dedicated” web hosting allows you to lease the server entirely for yourself. This allows big businesses and corporate companies to have the access to state-of-the-art equipment, superb connectivity and advanced overall service. “Co-location” means to set up shop in the service provider’s premises to give you all the flexibility you need. You get to choose the server, the software and the hardware without having to worry about maintenance issues.

Control and Reliability:

Dedicated server allows you control over your website and lets you choose the software and the operating systems. Therefore it is perfect for businesses that require personalized service without purchasing a server. However, the flexibility involved with co-location web hosting is unbeatable. Additionally, these are ideal for companies that cannot afford to have interruption in servers because a lot of effort is made to ensure the smooth running of the website 24/7.

Maintenance:

Dedicated host service providers are responsible for maintaining all the aspects of the website and they are required to replace equipments and hardware in case of failure – at no cost, but managing the server is not your responsibility. Co-location web hosting give you similar flexibility and maintenance guarantees, but it is your responsibility to upkeep the server.

Cost:

Dedicated web hosting is a superior service and allows the business to create a better platform. These websites are more personalized and interactive, which allows consumers to get a better feel of the product and the service. For businesses that have limited resources and knowledge about the technical aspects of web hosting, there are numerous service providers who also provide “managed” servers. This ensures that managing and maintaining the website becomes the provider’s responsibility. Fees are paid on a monthly basis which may range anywhere between $100 to $3000.

Co-location web hosting required a much higher capital investment because you are not only paying for the server but also the placement in the premises of the providers. The cost of the server, monthly rental of the location, equipment and maintenance charges, trained human resources, etc. can sum up to between $6000 to $8000 a month.

An individual or a company who do not have their own web servers subscribe to the web space provided by service providers. Depending on the requirement of the business or the individual, they can choose the type of web hosting that is best suited for them. These service providers charge a user fee for the space depending on the type of web-hosting and how elaborate it is.

Free Web Hosting:

Some service providers allow free web hosting services to their subscribers. This is ideal for small businesses and individuals who want to market their skills and talent without having to worry about the cost involved. Some even allow free emails in the package which makes it ideal for freelancers and people who work from home. However, since these are free, they are usually only one main page that has all the information and has minimal database and security backup.

Shared Hosting:

Some businesses who want their own space but cannot afford a server by themselves choose to share the server between 50-60 other web sites. The website gets it own domain name but it is much more cost effective. It comes with multiple software options that allow the businesses to pick which one suits them the best. However, the traffic on these shared web hosting are congested. In simple words this means that if you try to log on to a shared website, it will probably take a while for the page to load.

Collocated Hosting:

This type of web hosting allows you to set up show in the web service provider’s premises. It is ideal for business that require a level of security because it allows you to work like you’re running your own server but in a place that is designed to be capable for the load. These are very expensive but the software and backup options that come along are almost unlimited.

Dedicated Hosting:

This is probably the most expensive type of web hosting option available because the web server is completely dedicated towards the web site. It allows the subscribers to own an elaborate site that can handle the pressure of high traffic and the best expertise. It also allows multiple domain names and substantial software and security solutions.

One of the main reason that differentiate the various options in web hosting is the cost involved. Once the subscriber has understood his requirement and is able to outline the kind of consumers he wants to target, it become much easier to pick the right type of web hosting.

Web hosting options can help take your business to another level, you need to first understand a little about how the internet works in order to choose the right hosting service that fits your business. The internet is a huge network which was first introduced in 1990. It is a global platform that allows to you connect to networks in any part of the world by allowing your computer the access to the network.

Your computer connects to the internet with the help of an IP address which is a unique identifier. So if you receive spam in your email, it is because someone has access to your IP Address and has identified you as a potential buyer/customer, just like how yellow pages work. If you want to make your own website more available to the internet users, you need to put it up on a reliable server. Web hosting is done by local service providers, who not only give you this space in the server 24/7, but also include additional benefits like specific software that meet your requirement, a good security backup and they also help you maintain your websites regularly.

To be able to connect to your site from your home computer, you obviously need an internet connection. You can also transfer files and updated information to your website anytime you want. Web hosting also has other added features like free email accounts which is connected to your website. With some changes in settings, you can configure these email accounts to your personal email accounts too. Most hosts even grant a free personal hosting space where you can set up your own website showcasing your talents, hobbies etc.

Web host providers offer different packages in web hosting so you have the choice of picking the one that is most suitable and cost effective. It is like buying cable service packages where you can only pay for the channels that you want. However, it is extremely essential to understand that more personalized web hosting packages cost more money.  It is always recommended for small and medium business owners to outsource their hosting needs.

Although there are thousands of service providers and web hosting companies, it is important to find a reliable company that has good service indicators. If you are planning to hire a web designer, they should be able to recommend good service providers but it is always good to be vigilant yourself. Most reputable web hosts understand that it is not a one time business and they should be willing to stick around to provide the support even after the website  has been set-up.