Web Hosting Box

Web hosting is simply a service that allows you to lease a web server, which can be used to provide server resources to all of your websites. Since each webmaster has a different set of needs and requirements, there are a plethora of hosting types and plans available on the market today. For the inexperienced or aspiring webmaster it can be extremely difficult to choose a hosting type without knowing the main attributes of each hosting environment. Although there are many sites online that review plans individually, very few actually explain the different types of hosting and how they relate to webmaster capabilities/requirements. It doesn’t make much sense to begin comparing plans and prices without first knowing the type of hosting that will be most suitable for your online endeavors. The following is an overview of the three main hosting types, which can be categorized into three levels of experience.

Novice (Shared) Hosting

Shared hosting is by far the most popular hosting type, and most people that have a shared hosting plan don’t even realize it. The shared hosting environment bears its name because you’ll be given access to a web server that is shared by dozens or even hundreds of webmasters simultaneously. Shared web servers utilize unique load-balancing technology to ensure that a single webmaster cannot overload the server with the tasks of their websites. While this prevents significant performance problems, it also limits your capabilities as a webmaster and makes it impossible to accommodate thousands of site visitors across a large network of sites. Thus, shared hosting is usually recommended for novice webmasters that only have a couple of websites.

Intermediate (VPS) Hosting

Although most webmasters start out with a shared hosting plan, it is extremely common for successful site owners to upgrade to a VPS (virtual private server) hosting plan after reaching the limits of their shared plan. VPS hosting is by far the most diverse hosting type, with plans ranging in cost from $20 per month to $200 per month depending on the capabilities and allocated server resources. Virtual private server hosting is similar to shared hosting in that you will be sharing a web server with other webmasters, however the way the server is shared is very different. Rather than sharing the entirety of the server you are given a specific partition that is solely devoted to the tasks of your websites. This enhances performance and eliminates the possibility of another website affecting the performance of your sites. VPS hosting is an economical option for webmasters that need a powerful solution but cannot yet afford a comprehensive dedicated hosting plan.

Advanced (Dedicated) Hosting

Dedicated hosting bears its name because it gives you dedicated access to a web server that is solely used to power your websites. By having access to an entire web server the amount of tasks that your websites can perform are seemingly limitless, as a vast amount of bandwidth and disk space can be accessed at any time. In fact, many large corporations and Internet entrepreneurs utilize dedicated hosting plans to host hundreds of websites simultaneously without error. Since the cost of dedicated hosting can range anywhere from $100 to more than $400 it is usually a service marketed towards advanced webmasters that have an established online business presence.

The obvious advantages of dedicated hosting are often cited by experienced webmasters when reverting to it as the ultimate hosting environment. A dedicated hosting plan lets you lease private web servers that are solely devoted to the tasks of your websites and online endeavors. Perhaps one of the most crucial aspects of building professional websites and a successful online business is SEO (Search Engine Optimization). Unfortunately, search engine optimization is an artform that can take months, if not years to perfect. Even experienced webmasters that have been optimizing their websites for search engines for years still have to remain vigilant and continuously monitor search engine trends and recently developed algorithms. If you are interested in the search engine optimization benefits of dedicated hosting, you may want to consider the following information.

Dedicated Automation Versus Human Outsourcing

The bulk of the work associated with search engine optimization involves performing simple yet repetitive tasks on a daily basis, in an effort to build a residual traffic flow and a portfolio of backlinks. Search engine optimization must be conducted gradually in order to appear natural, so link building automation must be performed on an ongoing basis in order to create a stable traffic flow. Unfortunately, webmasters that to try to manage multiple sites and perform these tasks continuously often find that the job is simply too time-consuming. Thus, there is a decision to make – use software to automate these processes, or pay human workers to complete them. Ultimately, when used properly, software is simply more effective and less expensive than outsourcing. In addition, the amount of tasks that can be performed by such software dwarf any human efforts that can occur within the same amount of time.

Dedicated Server Resources

Most search engine optimization automation software are capable of utilizing immense amount of server resources, depending on the amount of tasks that are being performed each day. For an online business owner and entrepreneur whose goal is to continually expand their network of websites and enhanced search engine optimization efforts, managing and maintaining multiple SEO campaigns simultaneously can be a difficult task. Fortunately,  many search engine optimization programs are capable of running hundreds of threads simultaneously (each thread performs a different task), gradually posting links on a scheduled basis via various methods. Unlike shared and VPS hosting plans, which utilize load-balancing technologies to evenly distribute server requests across a network of servers, dedicated hosting transmits and receives information directly, thereby expediting automated tasks performed by the server. A comprehensive dedicated hosting plan can also handle more tasks than any other type of web hosting, due to the extensive server resources provided.

Flexibility and Freedom of Dedicated Hosting

Within the shared hosting environment it is not possible to change the configuration of the server. Therefore, you cannot install certain software, or change the operating system. Many dedicated hosting plans give you complete access to the root of the web server, where you can install any type of software or operating system you would like. This also gives you the ability to install multiple operating systems, thereby providing complete compatibility with all forms of software. Thus, by utilizing the dedicated hosting plan you can create a custom hosting environment that is highly efficient and completely compatible with all search engine optimization software.

Dedicated hosting is one of the most expensive high-performance hosting types you can purchase, and has a reputation for being an ideal solution for small and large online businesses alike. The flexibility and power that you receive with a dedicated hosting plan is unprecedented by other hosting types, and even though the costs is significantly higher, hosting companies do not require you to pay for the service in advance, unlike shared hosting plans which require annual payments. Thus, contrary to popular misconception, the startup cost for a dedicated hosting plan is often only slightly more than that of shared hosting (the least powerful hosting type), depending on whether or not there are setup fees involved.

If you’re having a hard time deciding whether dedicated hosting is worthy of the additional monthly expense, the following unique uses of dedicated hosting may help you make your decision.

Software Development and Utilization

Many web developers and webmasters use dedicated hosting specifically for the control and flexibility of the server resources,  because unlike other hosting plans, dedicated plans give you the freedom to adjust the software configuration of the server. This means you can install proprietary software that helps you automate tasks as aw webmaster, including those pertaining to search engine optimization. While VPS hosting also gives you this freedom in some cases, Virtual Private Server partitions are not as powerful as an entire dedicated server. Because of this freedom and flexibility, dedicated servers are the hosting type of choice for software developers and SEO specialists.

Building Massive Site Portfolios

If you’re planning on building a massive empire of web sites that can be operated within the same hosting control panel then you may want to consider the benefits of dedicated hosting. Dedicated servers are capable of hosting hundreds of sites simultaneously without problems, especially if you select a premium plan. Although cloud VPS hosting can give dedicated hosting competition in this regards, dedicated hosting gives you a more stable expense each month hat can be factored into a budget, whereas cloud hosting bills on a per-usage basis that can be very difficult to predict. If you want infinite expandability and a flexible payment  structure then go with cloud hosting, but if you want reliable monthly expenditure and predictable server capabilities then choose dedicated hosting.

Storing Databases

Dedicated hosting gives you an unprecedented amount of storage space for storing databases that can be the life of your web sites, even if you already have other hosting plans you can utilize dedicated hosting to store your backups, and even back up your computer’s hard drive to the server.

As a website naturally progresses and becomes more popular, it’s not uncommon for a web developer to want to move onto dedicated hosting platforms.  This can come from a variety of reasons such as lack of bandwidth from shared hosting, to the lack of customizability that comes naturally with shared hosting.  Generally speaking, most people make the move to dedicated hosting when the site has out grown shared hosting in one way or another. But what is dedicated hosting and what do you get with it?

Customize the Server

One of the best things about dedicated hosting is it’s customizability. Your website is no longer made to fit in a cookie cutter mold that most shared hosting plans offer. Dedicated hosting allows you to, first and foremost, choose the operating system for the server.  Generally speaking Windows and Linux are the most common operating systems used but really any server based OS can be used by most dedicated hosting providers.

Another option is the software running on the server.   A webmaster can simply install anything that they want on the system to run whatever widget or section of their site they desire.  This makes adding new features to a site as technology changes a breeze. It does put some of the burden to keep up in your hands though, as most dedicated plans are a do it yourself type environment.

Also with dedicated hosting, the user gets to choose the control panel they prefer. Some people prefer a panel like CPanel or Plesk and with a dedicated hosting plan you get to choose this. Of course you can also self-manage in the operating system without a control panel if you prefer.

Better Backups

A lot of shared hosting plans come with back up utilities that just are rather basic, leaving many webmasters frustrated. With a dedicated hosting plan you can install a more robust back up system, making this process much better in the long run.

Cons

The one major con of dedicated hosting is the price.  Typically a plan can range from $80 to $300 dollars a month depending on the server hardware and operating system.  Because of this, most webmasters find it’s too much money for their budget and they stick with shared hosting.  Dedicated hosting is more expensive because you are the only one who has access to the resources of the server. Unlike shared hosting, when multiple users have access to the same server, with dedicated hosting you are the only user on your machine. This is the main reason it’s so expensive. But it can also be the biggest selling point.

When it’s time to make the move to dedicated hosting just be sure you have moderate experience in managing a server.  While you will get some help from your provider, it will be mostly up to you to manage and maintain your new server.

We are very excited to disclose a biggest deal from HostGator web hosting, Black Friday 2010 Promotion. This will be the best DEAL in 8+ years of HostGator’s hosting history!
Please be advised that this Black Friday promotion starts at 12:00 AM Friday November 26th CST (-6 GMT) and will run until 11:59PM CST (-6 GMT) 11/26/2010.
You do NOT want to miss out on this promotion. Get an early gift for Christmas. This is going to be a record-breaking day!

Here is Black Friday 2010 Special Offer:

1. 50% OFF EVERYTHING From 12:00AM CST – 5AM CST
2. 80% OFF EVERYTHING From 5AM – 9AM CST WHILE SUPPLIES LAST (first come, first receive; so definitely don’t miss out!)
3. From 9AM – 11:59PM CST OR after 80% OFF accounts have sold out, we will continue to offer 50% OFF EVERYTHING

This applies to ALL Accounts and ALL Term Lengths.
So, visitors and friends will have the opportunity to receive up to 80% off of up to 3 years worth of Hosting! That would come out to $35.64 for 3 FULL YEARS!
That includes Shared Hosting, Reseller Hosting, VPS Hosting AND even Dedicated Servers!
Never before HostGator allowed the promotion on EVERYTHING including reseller, vps and dedicated servers AND ALL Term Lengths!
This will apply to the client’s first invoice (first term length they sign up for whether that be 1 month or for 3 years).
This promotion gives you customers HostGator’s award winning hosting for as little as:
1. Shared Hosting – $4.95/month AS LOW AS $0.99/month
2. Reseller Hosting – $24.95/month AS LOW AS $4.99/month
3. VPS Hosting – $19.95/month AS LOW AS $3.99 First Month
4. Dedicated Servers – $174/month AS LOW AS $34.80 First Month
As you can see, this is an absolutely CRAZY DEAL!!!
Remember this offer is only running for 1 DAY on Black Friday. Don’t miss out on this incredibly LUCRATIVE offer. Black Friday is the biggest day ever for HostGator Webhosting!!!