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Shared hosting is recommended for those companies or individuals who require a basic web site configured, and who have limited to no knowledge of how websites work. Though some shared hosting providers will permit more advanced web development packages, the headaches of dealing with the hosting providers technical support may not be worth the extra money spent on choosing a different hosting package.

DEDICATED HOSTING:

Dedicated hosting is similar to shared hosting in that a robust web server is provided by the hosting provider. However, by selecting a dedicated hosting package, the client is taking the responsibility for managing the hosting server. This management responsibility may be shared with the hosting provider. With a dedicated host, the client is responsible for the configuration of the server, and possibly the installation of any web-specific application packages. Whatever applications the client needs installed can be installed either by the hosting provider or by remote installation by the clients themselves.

The principle advantage of this type of hosting is that the client company has nearly total control over how the server is configured. However, this is a dual-edged sword in that a misconfiguration of the server on the client's part can shut down their web page and possibly their e-mail server.

The disadvantages of this type of package are that it is generally the most expensive third party hosting solution (because the client has to pay for the equipment and the administration of the equipment) and as mentioned earlier, a minor mistake on the clients part can eliminate their web site from the Internet. Technical support on the part of the hosting provider is available, but once again, it can be slow in responding.

MANAGED HOSTING:

The last type of hosting to discuss is managed hosting. With this type of hosting, the client purchases their own web server, performs their own configuration, sets their own security, and then places the server in the internet data center of the third party provider on a contract basis. This type of hosting is almost exactly like dedicated hosting except that the client owns the server rather than the hosting provider (in dedicated hosting), and the client has more freedom to do as they please with the paid for web site.

The third party provider is responsible only for providing direct technical support (if required) in the case of hardware issues. Incorrect configurations, incompatible software and other administrative issues are generally the responsibility of the client to fix.

This type of hosting is generally very cost effective for medium size companies as this allows the client to purchase and install their own proprietary software package(s). As the hosting provider is only providing a domain name, an IP address and possibly backup and recovery services, the direct costs for this type of hosting is relatively low. However, hardware and equipment costs become the sole responsibility of the client.

SUMMARY:

The hosting package you choose will be dependent upon many different factors. Your selection should be based upon your own business requirements and/or personal preferences. If you cannot find a hosting package that permits you to build the web site you think you want, then it is usually not that expensive to find another. I hope this article will help you choose.

Learn more about this author, Alan Fernald.
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