The WebDev Buzz

Now that the website is ready, it needs to be launched using a web host. Should the website owners utilize a free hosting service or should they create their own domain name? Using a free hosting service sounds like the less expensive choice. But there are some crucial characteristics of free hosting that the website owner must know before he decides to register his Internet business.

• The free web hosting services are not really concerned about the business of the websites they host. Their primary aim is to increase their own profits. This is why they place their own banner ads in every page of the website.
• The free web hosting services have the right, at any time, to shut down the website. It means that it is very possible to find one’s website inaccessible and the message “The page cannot be displayed” appears. All the hard work in creating the website, including the traffic, the customers, and the search engine positioning goes down the drain.
• Most Search Engines do not include in their lists the websites that are connected to URLs offering free web hosting.

Due to the above major reasons, many businessmen and web developers chose to purchase their own domain name. In the world of business, a domain name is a necessity. It establishes authenticity and seriousness of intention.Once the web developers have decided to have their own domain name, they will still need to search for an excellent web host. Since the hosting will not be free anymore, there are certain services that the website owners must demand from a web host. Here are some of them:

• Fast connections
• Satisfied customers
• Excellent, immediate, and friendly customer support
• The presence of a “shopping cart software” that will facilitate the orders

There are also some technical considerations, such as these:

• The appearance of the distinct domain name in the format www.businessname.com
• The presence of one’s own True POP email account, such as name@businessname.com
• An unrestricted cgi-bin
• Secure and safe transactions due to the use of SSL Encryption
• The capacity to create and send autoresponders
• Protection for the files and directories using the htaccess Password Protection
• The capability of transferring at least 1 GB everyday
• The capability to have online invoices, account tracking and payment history. Such software can help the businessman monitor his financial status by looking at records such the account balance, the monthly invoices and the past payments.
• The presence of a server backup
• An uncomplicated method of accessing the log files
• The presence of a Statistics software

The prices for web hosting widely varies. But what the web developers must keep in mind is that the amount they paid should be equal to the services they will be getting.