JennyFine started this topic @ 13:06 on 27/07/2004
If you are serious about your online business success, the choice is obvious. Why not use a web hosting service that allows you to take full advantage of the Internet's capabilities. You will most likely, not be able to compete and will be losing big money as a result. Here are the essential features you should be looking for in a quality web hosting package:
1) Fast Servers - Quality hardware and redundant OC3 or T3 connections. How fast your web pages load is directly proportional to your income. Don't let anyone tell you a server can be too fast.
2) Domain Name Support & Registration Services - Your web host must allow the use of your own domain name. They should offer free registration and work closely with Internic to get things done fast.
3) No Bandwidth, No Access, or Hit Charges - There is absolutely no reason to use a web host that charges for bandwidth, access, or hit fees. Unless you have an adult web site. The best hosting services offer unlimited bandwidth with standard packages.
4) Unlimited CGI Access (FTP/Telenet) - You will need CGI scripts at some time or another. Make sure that you have your own cgi-bin and the ability to upload any scripts you want. Never use a web host that limits you to the their scripts only.
5) Unlimited Technical Support - A good web host should have live humans to speak with on the phone. Insist on free, unlimited technical support via both email and telephone. You'll be glad you did.
6) Control Panel or Web Based Administration - Most quality web hosts have some type of interface that allows you to manage your server via the web. This is not necessary, but can be very handy for many who don't consider themselves to be the technical type.
7) Secure Server - If you plan on selling anything directly from your web site, you'll need secure server capabilities. The best offer low or no additional setup fees, and a low or no monthly fee for SSL.
8) Email Services - Your web host should offer full email services. Including, POP mailboxes, unlimited email aliases, and a generous supply autoresponders. Do not pay extra for these features.
9) No Minimum Contract - Don't ever sign a long term contract. It's not necessary. If something should happen and you decide to switch hosts, being locked into a long term contract could be very costly.
10) Money Back Guarantee - A quality web host offers a 30 day money back guarantee. You should insist on it! It is the sign of a professional company that will stand behind it's service.
[B]Evgenia Fine[/B] [COLOR=DarkSlateBlue][B][FONT=Arial][URL=http://www.webspacestation.com?f23][COLOR=DarkSlateBlue]Web & Software Development[/COLOR][/URL] | [URL=http://www.webspacestation.com/web-design/business-identity.html?f23][COLOR=DarkSlateBlue]Corporate Identity[/COLOR][/URL]
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Evgenia Fine
Web and software development
www.intetics.com
RE: Tips for choosing the right web host
simplycfhost | 27/07/2004 01:15 PM
I'm going to enjoy this! [
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I agree on the vast majority of points you have made but there is one massive misleading comment:
quote:
No Bandwidth, No Access, or Hit Charges - There is absolutely no reason to use a web host that charges for bandwidth, access, or hit fees. Unless you have an adult web site. The best hosting services offer unlimited bandwidth with standard packages.
There is no such thing as unlimited bandwidth. End of story. Read this page: http://www.findmyhosting.com/truthunlimited.htm or even this article: http://www.discountdomainsuk.com/articles/6/289/0
Any host that offers unlimited bandwidth is talking through their their teeth. I challenge you to find a hosting plan from a bona-fide host that has somewhere in their terms that they will suspend accounts who over use their resources.
You won't find one and if you do they are not a bona-fide host. The reason why is that EVERY host will have a limit on bandwidth.
It's also odd that the link in your sig, that appears to be an affiliate link BTW, leads to a company that offers hosting as part of their services. I had alook at their plans: http://www.webhoststation.com/hosting-plans.html
Shock, horror they limit the bandwidth. So you are promoting a company that goes against your argument. Smells a bit spammy to me! [

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Cheers,
Phil
www.openmindhosting.co.uk - Top quality hosting from just £4.99 per month
www.openmindmedia.co.uk - Simple, effective and powerful design solutions
www.youcangetit.co.uk - Do you get it?
Call 0845 351 0413 today and find out how we can help your business succeed online.
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Cheers, Phil
www.openmindhosting.co.uk - Top quality hosting from just £4.99 per month
www.openmindmedia.co.uk - Simple, effective and powerful design solutions
www.openminddomains.co.uk - Domain registrations from £7.77 + vat pa
RE: Tips for choosing the right web host
hirstys | 27/07/2004 02:00 PM
I agree
There are also a number of organisations that test web hosts for availability and speed, investigate your hosting company with them first and only choose a top performer.
Alternatively, insist on references from existing customers using the same "package" as you.
Regards
James