How to Prevent Your Web Host from Draining Your Wallet

Selecting the Right Hosting Platform

While Unix may generally be more reliable than NT, it's important to remember that any server can become unstable when overloaded. Most web hosting companies host 250+ websites on a single server, which can lead to instability. If your web host doesn't disclose the number of sites they host on a single server, it's worth asking. For reference, Windows NT allows a maximum of 255 sites per server, a limit that many web hosts exploit for their lower-end solutions.

Websites on NT/Windows 2000:

• Rapid application development with scripting languages like ASP or Cold Fusion.
• Typically easier to administer in a shared hosting environment.
• If you need ODBC to support a database-driven site.
• FrontPage tends to work better on NT.

Websites on UNIX/LINUX:

• Scripting languages such as PERL, PHP, or any CGI applications.
• If you only need email or a static site, Unix/Linux is cheaper.
• Tends to be more reliable than NT in a shared hosting environment.

Websites on a Dedicated Server:

• If uptime, user experience, branding, and site performance are a main concern.
• If you're new to hosting, consider the Cobalt RAQ.

Making the Right Choice

When it comes to price, remember that you get what you pay for. Don't expect enterprise-class uptime for a minimal monthly fee, even if it's guaranteed. Don't skimp on your options either. If you need extra email addresses, get them. Some options are essential depending on your website's functionality. Site traffic reporting tools can also be extremely useful.

Ensure your host provides 24/7 support, preferably with a toll-free number. Waiting for an email response when your site is down and you're losing business is not ideal.

Expected Costs:

• $10-15 for basic email, static site, and 25-50 Megs of space.
• $25-30 for added features like scripting support, Windows NT, basic databases, site reporting, and SSL.
• $50-150 for advanced database support, e-Commerce, and shopping carts.
• $199-375 for a dedicated Cobalt Raq server.
• $250 and up for dedicated Windows NT, and Unix servers.

Monitoring Your Site

Your website needs to be up and running 24/7 to be effective. Most top-tier web hosts offer money-back guarantees if your site is up for less than 99% of the time. Consider the following:

• An average uptime of 99.9% equates to 10 minutes of downtime per week.
• An average uptime of 99% equates to 1 ½ hours of downtime per week.
• An average uptime of 98% equates to 3 ¼ hours of downtime per week.
• An average uptime of 95% equates to 8 ½ hours of downtime per week.

This downtime is when your business is effectively closed to potential customers. It's recommended to use web-based site monitoring services for accountability between you and your provider. You can't check your site's uptime at 3 am every day, but a good website monitoring service will notify you when your site is down at any time with diagnostic data to help identify the problem. These services can potentially save you money or even justify switching providers.

References:

• HostCompare - compare web hosts
• Cobalt - rack optimized servers
• ServerPatrol - advanced website monitoring