When you want to change your web host there are many factors that you will have to consider to make sure that everything flows smoothly without much interference of your website
When switching your web host,
something which at some point almost every site owner will have to do, this activity can be as simple as switching out older hardware for newer models. It might also (and usually does) involve seeking out a new web hosting company. When it's time to make this decision, here are some things to think about.
Switching out hardware or software, or both is a pretty straightforward process. You can either keep your own hardware and software at a hosting facility which others manage, or you might be considering an upgrade to newer systems, also maintained by someone else.
In both of these scenarios, it is question of weighing the cost and impact in the short term against the benefits in the long term. If your current systems are low on capacity, then you will be forced to make this change eventually anyway. The hardware will fail or become too overloaded to run properly, or your site will grow to the point that the extra expense that comes with a move is worthwhile.
A lot of web hosting companies simply fall short of expectations that most some more demanding website may need. Unfortunately, this is an all too common situation. In such a situation where you find that your host does not provide all the features that you need for your site, you might consider switching to a more reliable web hosting company.
Many decide to make the switch on an emotional basis. While this isn't necessarily bad, it's always best to keep a cool head. Some minor hassles here and there are usually not so bad, provided service overall is good. However, when it starts to cause a drop in your traffic, it's time to switch.
Look at the stats to know when you reach this tipping point. Get figures from your hosting company, or maintain them yourself, more so check your bandwidth usage and availability. If your server is down a lot of the time, or chronically overloaded, you should act.
You'll have to be in contact with the support staff at your hosting company at some point. Even if you maintain your own server, database and website, there is someone behind the scenes making sure that the entire infrastructure hums along as it should. For instance, if you are driving on potholed roads, it isn't sufficient to be able to fix your own car.
The web hosting company needs to have people on staff who can handle bandwidth, security, disk space and every other aspect of keeping your site up and running. When the support staff at your web host fails; whether from lack of resources, incompetence or a culture of mediocrity, it is your website that pays the price. This is actually the reason why most webmaster decides to switch web hosts.
Remember that even if your web host is great at first, things change. Staff turnovers, new management and corporate takeovers can all impact their service. In some cases, it's not the hardware or software that needs changing.
