Let's face it, when it comes to researching web site hosting companies you don't have time to follow every link to determine who is going to treat you right. Your time should be spent doing what you do best...running your business! We've cut to the chase for you! Below we have listed the important features you should consider when choosing your hosting service.
Technical Support?
This should be the number one consideration if you're not a technical guru. Is their tech support available seven days a week, 24 hours a day? Do they have escalation support? Is escalation available 24 hours per day? How many members do they have on their support staff? How many customers do they have to support? There are many companies that have over extended themselves and can't offer adequate support. What kind of systems do they offer to handle their support calls, email, but most importantly your pending circumstances with your server? Are they in-house, remote, or does a separate company handle their support calls. Be sure to ask your potential hosting company what the procedures are for handling problems with your server. Make sure they give you a thorough answer, you'll be glad you did in the long run.
Services/Scripts/Software
A sharp hosting company should not only have a hefty library of scripts that you can use to add guestbooks, forms, statistics, counters and so on to your site, the host should also be prepared for for e-commerce with shopping cart software, merchant account setup support, real-time processing availability, and more. They should also have support for Java, Shockwave, Cybercash, Real Audio, Real Video, VRML, secure transactions, and other utilities. Check to see what types of value-added services they offer when you become a client. Sometimes hosting companies have affiliations with other programs that allow them to offer other services for free or at a discounted rate. One last thing, don't be fooled by cheaper prices for hosting services, you may not be getting the essentials you'll need to run your website to it's full potential.
Bandwidth
A number of businesses have had to move their Web site because their host couldn't handle the number of hits, or charged exorbitant fees for hits above a certain level. What is the policy if your site becomes popular? How many other Web sites share your server? This may be a concern if the other Web sites on your server are flooded with visitors, your customers may not get through.
Speedy Connections, Peering?
T3 lines, also known as DS-3, are a must. Anything less means the host, as a whole, runs slower; thus your customers will have to wait. Ask your host what the collision or saturation rate is. If it's over 50% it may cause problems. A new technology hot on the market is called peering. Peering is when your host has multiple Internet connections and can automatically route traffic to the fastest line out. Less than 2% of hosts have this technology. Does yours?
Site Administration
You'll need to update your pages, manage files, collect orders, retrieve data from forms, get statistics, make counters, and perform other housekeeping chores to your site. How secure and user-friendly is the software you'll be using to do these things?
Flexibility?
Does your host honor special requests or instructions? Can you start out with an economy package and then upgrade as your needs and budget increase? Can you transfer from another hosting company without complications and extra charges? Don't get tied down to a lengthy contract once you've decided on a host. Make sure you have an out.
Security
What security features does your host offer or support? Many hosting companies claim to be secure, but when closely examined fall far short of their claim. Can they truly protect your data from the growing menace of hackers? The company should have a maintenance crew quick enough to dispose of such attempts.
Customer Services?
The Internet market is suitable for the old saying "you get what you pay for." A quality host should offer an online area with FAQs (frequently asked questions), guides, tips, and other resources. Can they help you find a designer or programmer for your site? Make sure you're getting your money's worth.
Price
Cheaper is not necessarily better, but a large price tag doesn't mean your getting the best out there either. There are many start-up companies offering unbelievable prices. Be wary of "deals" that sound too good to be true. Often these "great deal" companies go under or can't really live up to their promises. Make sure your hosting company has a lengthy track record. Good service, support, and connections are worth a lot to your company image.
Townsend Smith
AMT Internet Resource Center
http://www.amtinternet.com
