What is Web-Hosting?
Web Hosting refers to the process of hosting Web Pages, blog and Websites on powerful yet meticulous pieces of hardware data receptors, called servers. Your entire website related data is hosted on these servers such as files, text, videos, images, infographics etc. which is then used and accessed by a web host.
These servers or hardware are available and located in data centers which are usually managed or monitored by various web hosting companies. Web hosts are able to equip users and website owners alike to be able to access information online, by providing technical and storage equipment to Websites and webpages.
There are commonly 4 types of Web hosting available currently, with an additional 2 available to provide support majorly depending on the kind of server or webhosting you are already using. In order for you to have a better understanding they have been listed and explained below.
6 types of Web Hosting:
The six commonly available types of web hosting includes
- Shared Hosting
- VPS which is also known as Virtual Private server Hosting
- Dedicated Hosting
- Cloud Hosting
- Reseller Hosting
- WordPress Hosting
Shared Hosting:
Shared Hosting is one of the easiest, basic and cost effective formats of Web Hosting. As the name suggests, Websites running on a Shared Hosting, share resources with other websites on a singular level, which allows them to be cost effective and a great format for basic/new websites.
The shared resources are defined by targeted hosting plans. Considering the nature of shared resources it comes with its own set of pros and cons. But it is usually advised for beginners or clients with a tight budget to have a shared hosting format for their webpages.
Pros:
- Highly cost effective
- Very easy to set up, run and execute plans on shared hosting
- No to very less technical knowledge is required to run it effectively
- Great for small businesses and clients on a tight budget
Cons:
- Sharing resources with other sites can cause slight issues like, traffic spikes. If you are sharing a host with a webpage that is facing a technical glitch or a traffic spike the performance of your webpage may also suffer some of the same issues.
- Performance issues
- Slower loading time
- Lower uptime rates
- Shared hosting is not scalable
VPS Hosting:
VPS is usually advised once the website outgrows their previous shared hosting format. One you have upgraded to a VPS you will be sharing your webpage with a considerably low amount of websites.
Your website will have a dedicated resource within a VPS hosting which will allow you the benefits of hosting your content, excluding shared resources. This automatically boosts the performance of your website, with an increased loading time, less chances of traffic spikes and glitches. However you will still be sharing a certain amount of resources that can cause some limitations.
VPS hosting is a great option for mid-sized businesses and organizations, people who are tech-savvy and not a tight budget.
Pros:
- Dedicated Server resources which allow you to work independently of shared resources
- You can make customizations within configuration of your server
- Great uptime rate
- Great loading speed
- Cost effective
Cons:
- A small amount of shared resources with a considerably less amount of websites
- You need to tech savvy in order to successfully run your webpage
- Limited control to certain features
Dedicated Hosting:
Dedicated servers allow hosts and webpage users complete control of customization and features which are independent of any variables that fall under shared resources. It is one of the most expensive types of hosting formats available but come in handy especially for big businesses and organizations.
Considering no shared resources you will be able to enjoy premium-optimum performance with great technical control over all server settings. Some of the best yet cheap dedicated server providers in the US are offering great deals and features.
If your website hosts a greater volume of traffic then you should definitely consider a dedicated hosting format in order to enjoy premium features like great speed, complete server control and so much more. It can cost up to $2,000 per month which is why you should really research for some of the best yet cheap providers in US, before getting yourself equipped with a cheap usa dedicated server.
Pros:
- Immaculate speed
- Great loading time
- High security
- Complete independent control over server rights and features
- Optimal performance
- No shared resources
Cons:
- Highly expensive
- Requires technical support
Cloud Hosting:
Cloud hosting is a considerably newer format which is almost a hybrid of VPS hosting but highly cost effective. It provides the ability to control and host using remote hosting formats which allows for more technical support in case of a spike.
It is a great option for both medium and small scale businesses with sufficient technical knowledge. It allows for an optimum performance, especially when you are hosting a much more fluid income of traffic.
Pros:
- Great Security
- Scalable
- Optimum loading speed
- Optimum performance
- Less unexpected downtime
- Can be controlled remotely
- Remote technical troubleshooting
Cons:
- Variable pricing
- Limited customization control
- Unpredictable traffic or an influx can proportionality increase web hosting cost
Choosing the right server:
The type and format of the server that you choose impacts and effects
- Performance
- Security
- Scalability
- Management
- Server control
- Customization
- Cost
When making a decision to choose between servers you should take the following elements and factors into consideration
- The amount of traffic your server/webpage receives
- Your preferred performance
- Budget
- Security
- The size of your business – if you have a small scale business than you can always begin with a shared hosting plan which can be upgraded to a VPS hosting format
- If you have an enterprise level business than you should always consider a Dedicated hosting plan
- If you have a mid-ranged business module than you can choose between a Cloud Hosting plan or VPS hosting
It is always important to research thoroughly or seek professional web server help in order to choose wisely and make your decision and money count!