Shared Hosting

This is the most common type of web hosting whereby the server resides at, and is entirely owned by the ISP, but several users are allocated space and certain features on the same machine. This is the option offered by many ISPs for inexpensive, or even free, web hosting. By its very nature, because of the need to ensure the integrity of the server, the options available are much more restricted. Usually only basic web hosting is allowed with limitations for running server-side programs, databases and other technical components. However phone support is usually provided, although this will vary from ISP to ISP, and the day-to-day operation of the server and its environment is not your responsibility.

The advantages of using an external ISP are as follows:

ISP has responsibility for the hosting platform environment; hardware, software, operating systems, Internet access;
No specialized skills or resources needed to maintain the system, except for the design, development and operation of the web site itself;
It is usually very affordable, depending on the services used;
Assistance, advice and support provided as part of the service;
The ISP will also have the necessary technical capabilities for hosting your domain name and dealing with other Internet connectivity matters;
It is possible to move your web site, with certain provisos, to another ISP.

The disadvantages of this particular approach include:

You are dependent upon the ISP for certain changes in your system;
If problems occur at the ISP, you have little control over your service;
There will be some restrictions on what you can do with your web site and/or the ISP may not have the technical facilities you require;
Maintaining the web site requires suitable Internet communication between your systems and the ISP;
Moving to another ISP has implications for the stability of the web site, domain names will have to be transferred for example;
ISPs impose contractual obligations for the service.