What to look for in a Hosting Provider?

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At AppsHosting, we believe there are certain key qualities you should look for when selecting a hosting provider for your business:

What to look for:

The criteria to adhere to when choosing a hosting company will depend on the type of hosting that is required. Many types of hosting are available. The choice will depend on various factors, including comfort level with administering systems, applications, databases, websites etc. Business requirements (security, performance, service, application criticality) will also need to be considered. There are options available for businesses and individuals that wish to outsource entire applications, to those that wish to maintain full control of their applications, and anything in between. Let's get started by getting familiar with various hosting options available in the marketplace.

Managed Server Hosting

Managed server hosting involves a hosting provider providing end-to-end administration of a server (whether UNIX based, Windows based, etc.) The client generally has access to the server for installing and maintaining applications, databases, etc., but typically does not have access to administer or reboot the server. Managed server hosting may involve a dedicated server or a virtual server. The hosting provider may offer tape or network backup as an option.

Managed Application Hosting

In this scenario, a hosting provider typically has complete control of the server, operating system, and the hosted application(s). End-user access is provided via the Internet, generally through a secure tunnel (depending on security requirements). Any application, server, or operating system issues are handled by the hosting provider. One advantage of managed application hosting is that the client may not need to employ in-house systems, database, or application administrators.

Managed Database Hosting

Managed database hosting involves a hosting provider making a database available to the end user. There are many databases that providers generally support, the most popular of which are MySQL, PostGreSQL, and Oracle. Scheduled backups and monitoring are generally included with database hosting.

Web Hosting

Web hosting involves a hosting company providing server resources for hosting client web sites. In addition to static web pages, the hosting company frequently provide access to client to run CGI scripts, Java applications, PHP etc. In many cases, MySQL database hosting is provided with web hosting service. Clients upload their web pages using FTP or Secure FTP onto the server. The hosting company usually handles server backups.

Unmanaged Server Hosting

In this scenario, a hosting provider typically hosts a server which is completely administered by the client. Any operating system issues are handled by the client, including patching, reboots, and other SysAdmin tasks. Hardware issues, however, are handled by the hosting provider in accordance with the service level agreement. The client also is responsible for installing and maintaining any applications, databases, websites etc. The Hosting Provider may offer tape or network backup as an option.

Colocation

Colocation may be the perfect solution when a client already owns servers and the expertise to fully manage them. Colocation involves a hosting company providing data center space, power, and network bandwidth. The client provides the server hardware and fully manages the server. If there are any hardware or software issues, the client is responsible for handling these. The hosting companies is simply responsible for ensuring power and network connectivity are always available.

Security Certifications

Security certifications are definitely a plus point (SAS70 Certified etc.) for companies that have to comply with audit requirements or deal with sensitive data.

How to Choose?

At some point, every client will have special needs that have to be met. This will require flexibility on the part of the hosting provider. Keeping this in mind, flexibility and customer service are two important requirements that a client should look for in a hosting company.

Many times, customers go through the hard route of signing up with a hosting company, only to realize later that many key requirements are not met. This may require, in some cases, for a client to switch hosting companies, causing addition effort and expense.

No matter what type of hosting is required, the following are some basic criteria that a client should look for when selecting a hosting provider: Customer Service, Flexibility, Availability, Performance, Features, Security, and Price.

It is important for a client to do some online research and obtain recommendations from others prior to signing up with a hosting company.

The Bottom Line

Customer Service, Customer Service, and Flexibility!

Please contact AppsHosting with any questions, comments, or suggestions; as we constantly strive for improvement in these areas.