How to Choose a Web Host

There are eight main factors which you should be aware of when looking into a host for your Web pages: 

• Domain Hosting
• Available Technologies
• Security 
• Disk Space 
• Bandwidth
• Site Tracking
• Support
• Cost 

Virtual Domains

If professionalism is what you are looking for, it is important that you choose a host that can provide for virtual domains. With a virtual domain, your web site will have its own unique and identifiable domain name (i.e. http://www.your-name.com).

Available Technologies

Many of today's Web sites offer functionality beyond static HTML pages. A variety of technologies and languages, like ASP.NET, PHP, CGI, FrontPage Server Extensions, Flash, database support and Cold Fusion, are not equally supported. Be sure to consult your designer if you have any questions about the technology support needed for your site.

Security

If you plan on accepting credit cards or collecting sensitive information from your users, the Web host you choose should allow you to collect information securely. The most common method for securing (encrypting) data is the Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) Protocol. You may be interested in obtaining secure directory folders. 

In addition to online security, you might also want to ask about how the physical server machine itself is secured.  Is it monitored? How about power back-up?   

Disk Space

Most hosting plans provide for a fixed amount of disk space on their computers. This may range from 10 to 1000 megabytes of storage. 

Bandwidth

Most Web hosts limit the amount of data your site transmits. A site with a lot of graphics or a smaller, but higher trafficked, site will quickly eat up allotted bandwidth. On, the other hand, if you just need a small site with few pages and graphics, you can afford to choose a lower bandwidth plan.

Site Tracking

One important feature for e-commerce sites is site tracking. At it's most basic, it is the ability to track the raw number of visitors with some sort of on-page counter. More advanced features will allow you to see which pages are being looked at and for how long, where your visitors are located and what pages have active links to your site. It is essential for optimizing your site. 

Support

Check carefully for support hours, methods. Some hosts only offer limited hours or will only answer questions via email.  This may work for you; then again, it might not.

Price

Small business should be prepared to pay $4 to $100 a month for Web hosting depending on your needs and the technologies employed in your Web site.  For standard hosting with very few bells and whistles, deals as low as $5 a month can easily be found.  There are a number of free services which I could recommend, but each of those has a number of drawbacks.  It has been my experience that when it comes to Web hosting, you really do get what you pay for!

Recommended Web Hosts

• Blue Host professional Web Hosting plans include all the features you are looking for at the best possible price.
• EasyStreet offers secure, reliable, high-speed data services and Internet connection solutions for Portland-area businesses.
• ActiveHost offers feature-rich web hosting through our support of Microsoft technologies, such as ASP and ASP.NET Hosting, as well as through our status as a Microsoft Certified Partner.
• Brinkster web hosting, an excellent, low-cost alternative.