Every website on the Internet is there because of a hosting provider who provides the services that are necessary for the website features to function. Understanding the difference between hosting providers and comparing the services, security, expertise and cost will help you choose the right one.

Understanding the Different Types of Hosting Services

Every website on the Internet is there because of a hosting provider who provides the services that are necessary for the website features to function. The vast number of hosting solutions and types of services offered help to meet the specific needs of each webmaster. The providers of these services offer three common packages – shared, virtual and dedicated hosting. Understanding the differences along with comparing the services, security, expertise and cost will help you choose the right one.

1. Shared Hosting

First-time webmasters often sign on for the least expensive ‘shared hosting’. As the name implies, your site will be sharing a server with possibly hundreds of other websites. Customers will agree to not exceed a specified percentage of the server’s CPU usage.

Shared Hosting is offered on the assumption that customers won’t use all the storage (bandwidth) they’ve been promised. In fact, beginning webmasters typically run small websites with traffic volumes that only require a fraction of the bandwidth included in their agreement. Although a rare occurrence, sudden peaks in website traffic and data transfers may cause your website to exceed the limit, giving the provider the right to temporarily seize the website.

2. Virtual Private Hosting

Unlike Shared Hosting, with a Virtual Private Server (VPS) you will have a dedicated server. Also called Virtual Dedicated Server (VDS), with this type of hosting, you will still share a server with other clients but have your own environment on the server. A single server can be divided into individual unites that run on their own operative system and can individually booted. However, you will still be sharing the physical server’s CPU-usage, disk space and bandwidth with other VPS users.

3. Dedicated Hosting

Unlimited, all-inclusive and most extensive option, Dedicated Hosting gives you a server dedicated to your website alone. No more sharing! The only limitations are based on the actual performance standards and size of the server, which can always be upgraded.

Advanced Hosting Service: A Managed Hosting Service

This form of hosting is a more advanced type of dedicated hosting service, offering extended support, comprehensive Internet infrastructure and services that will relieve IT personnel of many critical and expensive responsibilities. Requiring a more significant investment of finances, time and human resources than shared hosting, you lease pre-configured, dedicated equipment and connectivity from the provider. The provider owns the data centers, maintains the network, the server and other devices, and is responsible for the hardware, deploying, maintaining and monitoring them.

You generally retain control of the operating systems and applications and the hosting environment. This balance of responsibilities allows for levels of security, scalability and up-time that far exceed basic dedicated hosting and other hosting options. Service typically include dedicated devices, advanced monitoring, load balancing, managed security, data storage, managed backup, premium bandwidth, service level guarantees and industry-leading technical expertise.

Compare numerous web hosting providers and domain name services. Read articles and reviews to help you choose the right host company for your web site needs. You will find information on dedicated servers, shared hosting, budget, e-commerce and other web publishing services.

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