Finding reliable hosting can be a difficult task. This is because hosting companies focusing on the higher-end corporate market often overlook the fast-growing small office/home office (SOHO) sector. For this reason, finding quality Web hosting can be a challenge, especially for individuals and businesses on a limited budget. Finding reliable hosting is possible if a buyer takes the following steps: clarify needs; gather recommendations; create a short list of potential Web hosts, and ask questions.
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Clarify your needs:
How much disk space and bandwidth is necessary?
Will you require CGI or database capacities?
What operating system will you need?
Will you have streaming media requirements?
Will you site change substantially in the future?
Are you searching for hosting only for your purposes or for clients?
Gather recommendations:
Be wary of Web hosting directories; many are owned by Web hosts.
Obtain opinions from those who have Web sites.
Query trade associations and mailing lists.
Read alt.www.webmaster newsgroup postings.
Create a shortlist:
Make a list of hosts that you see are recommended the most and
complained about the least.
Determine which hosts offer specific services that you need, with
scalability for future changes.
Determine which host fits your price range.
Ask questions:
Ask hosting firms technical questions to gauge their knowledge and
accuracy.
Ask a lot of question to determine the host's commitment to customers.
Subject host to an honesty test: offer them the opportunity to up sell
you needlessly.
Recommendations
SOHO consumers can find the most effective hosting services for their
business if they follow and understand the following recommendations:
Small business may feel most comfortable with small hosts who better
understand their needs.
Do not be seduced by hosts offering more than you need and then skimps on
support.
Note the price of affordable hosting is often that the customer is
expected to be technically knowledgeable and self-sufficient.
Choose a host who is flexible, scalable, and who can grow with your
business.
Ensure that you can add domains to a core plan and resell services.
Ensure that the host offers a knowledge base.
Check to ensure that the host offers some level of interaction.
Watch for signs of rudeness, impatience and unresponsiveness.
Do not sign a long-term contact for hosting services right away.
If you have more than one site, consider spreading them among several
hosts.
