Friday, March 04, 2005

The pros and cons of virtual hosting

Virtual hosting is the term used to describe multiple domains that are hosted on the same server. It can be compared to leasing an item as opposed to purchasing it. In this case, you are leasing a service offered by a provider that generally includes the following:
* Basic server features
* Internet connection services
* Domain name registration
* File storage and directory services
* An e-mail account with related services.
In addition, a provider of virtual hosting may provide web site and web page design.

Like most other leasing situations, whether likened to tools, cars, or apartments, there are advantages and disadvantages.

Disadvantages of Virtual Hosting
* Limitations. Since you share the virtual host's services with your provider's other clients, your customers compete for access. As a result, your site may have slower server response times during peak periods and could time out with "Web Site Not Responding" messages as visitors try to browse your pages.
* Risks. You may end up sharing an IP address with scammers, spammers, or adult sites. Since all hosted sites are treated as a group, you could easily end up banned from search engines that actively seek to block questionable activity.
* Control. Users share software components. The result is an inability to configure individual settings independent of the other clients serviced by your virtual hosting provider.

Advantages of Virtual Hosting
* Support. Providers generally offer round the clock support, providing you with the security of available help when you need it most. In addition, many companies have measures in place to keep your site from hackers.
* Flexibility. You are can try a variety of features without the burden of long-term commitment. You can also customize your virtual hosting arrangements with the bandwidth and database access that matches your business needs.
* Cost. Virtual hosting is a great value for small or medium companies on a tight budget. With no major equipment purchases required, it is also ideal for start up companies trying to minimize their initial investment

When sharing a server, you are receiving a low cost service with others. Be sure to think through how this might impact your business. There are definite advantages and disadvantages to virtual hosting. Evaluate them in light of your business goals, budget, personal style, and target audience.

Thursday, Mar 3, 2005

MidPhase Offers Non-Profits Free Web Hosting

News MidPhase Services, Inc. (midphase.com) announced on Thursday it is offering free Web hosting services for nonprofit organizations in a partnership with United Way of Metropolitan Chicago's Teaming for Technology program.

Since the program's start, midPhase has provided free Web hosting for three nonprofit organizations in the general Chicago-land area. Teaming for Technology provides free technology consulting, as well as low-cost and free Web, networking, software, and hardware solutions to these companies.

"As a business, we've been very fortunate. It's time for us to help the less fortunate by assisting local charities with their otherwise costly web hosting needs," says Zak Boca, VP of sales for midPhase. "In helping these organizations, and hopefully many more in the future, we feel that we're doing our part in helping to build a better world."

Wednesday, Mar 2, 2005

Top Web Hosting Companies We Recommend

Top Web Hosting Companies We Recommend
Company Name	Disk Space	Data Xfer	Special Offer
	1000MB	100GB	Free Setup
	800MB	40GB	$50.00 at Overture
	3000MB	40GB	Unlimited Email
	500MB	24GB	No Setup Fee
	1000GB	60 GB HD	Free Setup & 50% off Servers
	250 GB	2000 GB	Premium Tier 1 Bandwidth
	5 GB	50GB	Unlimited domains

Tuesday, Mar 1, 2005

Hyatt Picks AT&T Web Hosting

AT&T (att.com) announced on Tuesday it has renewed a three-year contract with Hyatt Corp. to provide a complete set of managed hosting services for its Web site, Hyatt.com. The contract expands on an existing agreement, continuing AT&T’s ongoing relationship with Hyatt as its primary networking services provider.

Hyatt.com will continue to be hosted at AT&T’s Chicago-area Internet data center - one of 26 IDCs that AT&T owns and operates around the globe. Under the new agreement, AT&T will fully manage applications that support the Hyatt.com interface, online reservations and an interactive loyalty program experience.

"AT&T's scalability and technical expertise in critical areas like bandwidth and performance management are impressive," says Joan Lowell, vice president of electronic distribution for Hyatt. "AT&T’s fully managed solution allows us to focus on our core business, while offering our customers superior performance on Hyatt.com."

AT&T says its BusinessDirect portal enables Hyatt 24-7 online access to real-time reports on network performance, as well as direct connection to electronic billing and trouble management systems.

Monday, Feb 28, 2005

Cogent Picks 365 Main for Hosting

Data center operator 365 Main (365main.com) announced on Tuesday that it would provide hosting, colocation and management for Internet service provider Cogent Communications (cogentco.com) out of its Bay Area facility.

"Cogent is now added to our list of over twelve providers that sell services to our customers," says Chris Dolan, president of 365 Main. "Adding Cogent to our list of providers has enabled customers to purchase cost effective bandwidth. Customers today in many cases are shopping for the best value. 365 Main is recognized as one of the few financially sound data centers of its kind in the industry, while placing additional focus on customer service and value added offerings that most critical facilities are currently without."

Cogent, based in Washington DC, is a provider of low-cost bandwidth to Web hosting and other service providers. The company has a presence in over 85 markets throughout the US and Europe.

"365 Main has all the critical support systems we need including security, redundant power, and most importantly, a large customer base with which to cross-connect," says Dave Schaeffer, CEO of Cogent. "By utilizing 365Main’s presence in Bay Area, we can now extend our footprint and reach customers that previously could not directly connect to Cogent."