Choosing Provider

If you opt for either a co-location or shared server solution then you will need to select an ISP to host your site. As part of this process there are a number of factors to take into account from a web hosting perspective. Some of the more important include:

• What type of operating system and CGI scripts do they use, since this will be important for any development work undertaken on your web site?
• What merchant server applications do they support in relation to e-commerce facilities? It is important that they are able to provide you with a secure, scalable and flexible environment if you wish to offer e-commerce services from your web site?
• What hardware technology is used and what are the management and back-up procedures?
• How quick and reliable is their connection speed to the Internet? Do they have access to the Internet backbone and is there a second connection to ensure that your web site and mail service is not disrupted if something happens to the first connection?
• How long have they been in business and how experienced and reliable are they? Some of the larger ISPs will guarantee the quality of their service.
• What level of support do they offer, and does this match your own business requirements? For example, will you require 24 hour, seven day a week support because of the nature of your business.
• What happens if there is a technical problem? How long will it take to resolve and will you have direct access to technical staff?

There are a number of technical issues that need to be taken into account when developing your web site hosting strategy. Some will be instrumental in determining whether you go for an in-house or external solution, whilst others need to be addressed irrespective of the chosen route.