SFTP

SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol) is an updated secure variation of FTP(File Transfer Protocol). Basic FTP is not fully secure, in that the files being transferred could possibly be intercepted by an outsider. In fact, the perpetrator can even change the data within the files, and view the files discreetly without disrupting their path. With SFTP you’ll have an extra layer of security since the files will be encrypted using government standard 128-bit encryption.

SSL

SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is extremely crucial for any ecommerce site. With SSL all private information such as credit card/bank account information, phone numbers, addresses, and email addresses are kept private. Without this kind of security measure in place, you and you’re customers are being left susceptible to credit card fraud and identity theft. In many cases the credit card information can be stolen instantly, and online purchases can be made before the cardholder even knows what hit them. Aside from the lack of security that is associated with not having SSL enabled on your server, you’re also going to lose business. Every site with SSL enabled receives an SSL certificate which is then placed on the checkout page. Many customers look for this when shopping online, and will refuse to shop with you if you do not have this certificate.

Data Backups

Many people realize the importance of backing up their personal computer, however the importance of backing up your websites files is often overlooked. A lot of work is put into building a website, as I am sure you are probably aware of, and you may find it shocking to learn that all of this information can be wiped out and lost forever in just one hour. If you do not backup your data, this data loss would be permanent, and you would literally have to start back at square one! If you want to keep this from happening then you will need to make sure you choose a web hosting plan that automatically conducts routine server backups.

Overall Network Security

When choosing a web hosting plan, the above factors are definitely of great importance. However, there are many more important aspects to consider in regards to overall server and network security. To ensure the safety of your website and your online business, you’ll need to choose a web hosting solution that is reputable and known for having top notch security.

Related posts:

• March 6, 2009 – SSL For Your E-commerce Site
• February 25, 2011 – The Benefits of Using Multiple Domain Hosting for E-Commerce
• October 20, 2010 – Web Hosting Security – Difference Between SSL, TLS and SSH
• July 15, 2009 – How to Install osCommerce and Activate SSL Through cPanel
• November 21, 2008 – VeriSign Passes a Tremendous Milestone
• November 7, 2008 – SSL for Your Online Store
• September 1, 2011 – Premium Web Hosting and Security Features Available in the Public Domain
• July 29, 2011 – Is SSL Essential for eCommerce Sites?
• April 13, 2011 – Using Captcha Scripts to Prevent Spam
• March 18, 2011 – Securing Windows for Web Hosting Safety

Compatibility

Cube Panel supports all three major operating systems; Windows, Linux and Unix. This is a very important feature because even the famed cPanel is not capable of this!  Even though Plesk is compatible with all three of these operating systems as well, it is not nearly as efficient as Cube Panel in it’s basic functions.  This attribute is listed first because it alone puts Cube Panel ahead of nearly every other control panel.

Simplicity Combined With Power

Even though Cube Panel is loaded with incredible features, it is also extremely easy to use, with a maximum learning curve of only a few hours. The user-interface is lined with simple navigational screens that make using this control panel a breeze even to the most novice users. Almost every feature you would need is located conveniently on the main page. You can also find crucial domain statistics to the left in a well designed statistic panel. Even though Cube Panel licenses cost $100, they are so confident in their control panel that they allow user to trial the Lite version for free. This free version is still highly capable of carrying out all of the basic functions of an efficient control panel.

Domain Statistics and Options

There are two main domain option categories; Domain Limits and Domain Permissions. The Domain Limits category concerns all of the options that regard your the limits placed on your domain at any given time. Here you’ll find information like how much free disk space you have, how many email accounts you can have, and how much bandwidth your account has been allotted.  On the other hand, the Domain Permissions area displays information concerning your hosting account, such as the kind of programming support available to you, and your FTP access details. Both of these features allow you to monitor the status of your hosting account, so it will be easy to recognize when an upgrade is needed.

Easy Backups

Of course backing up your data is very important to the existence of your website, and Cube Panel makes doing so very easy. Cube Panel contains an integrated backup utility that when used regularly will prevent you from ever having to worry about losing data due to unforeseen events. Backing up data in Cube Panel is as easy as clicking the “backup data” button.  After you have clicked the “backup data” button you can then select from a list of options that will allow you to make a one time backup or arrange for weekly/monthly backups to occur automatically.

The features above make Cube Panel a formidable contender for the best control panel on the market today, and it would not be surprising to see it competing with cPanel in the near future.

Related posts:

• September 11, 2009 – Top Four Reasons to use Cube Panel
• December 7, 2009 – Top Three Control Panels to Consider When Choosing a Web Host
• April 28, 2009 – Plesk: The Multipurpose Control Panel
• December 17, 2008 – The Advantages and Disadvantages of Ensim
• October 18, 2011 – coLinux: can Linux and Windows co-exist?
• January 21, 2010 – Parallel’s Plesk: Flexibility and Functionality
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1.) Simplified Administration – Managed hosting gives you an additional level of support that stems beyond what the typical hosting service can offer.  This often includes server administration and various other management tasks.

2.) Cost Effective – Though it is more expensive than most types of web hosting, managed hosting can be a very cost effective option due to the fact that it can free up time and help an organization be more productive.

3.) Enhanced Security – In the ideal arrangement, managed hosting provides an added layer of security with features such as critical system updates, disaster recovery, and data backup.  Companies that are truly reliant on their web presence will benefit tremendously from a service that takes the necessary measures to ensure they are protected.

4.) Extensive Monitoring – Managed hosting typically provides an environment that is monitored 24/7.  This often includes monitoring of the hardware, systems and the network itself.  With such extensive monitoring, you can better assure superb performance and availability as any problems will be addressed as soon as they are detected.

5.) High-Performance – The hardware you get from a managed hosting provider usually towers over what is provided in a shared hosting arrangement.  This is because you normally receive high quality dedicated equipment and are not forced to share with other customers.  In the ideal environment, managed hosting can deliver performance that puts its shared counterpart to shame.

6.) Increased Reliability – Many new customers who upgrade to a dedicated server incur a significant amount of downtime because of all the technical challenges.  Managed hosting can help you elude these crucial periods of downtime by putting the technical burdens on the shoulders of trained IT experts.

7.) Guaranteed Resources and Features - While all types of web hosting tend to offer great feature and resource allotments, managed hosting tends to give you significantly more.  For example, you get more disk storage and bandwidth as well as more flexibility with features like programming languages, web applications, and services.

8.) Cost Savings -  Managed hosting can be so advantageous that it eliminates the need for a full-time system administrator.  Since the web hosting company is taking care of the bulk of administration, you can save the money that would normally be needed to pay someone to maintain your systems.

9.) Personalized Support - Because managed hosting is modeled around the concept of dedicated support, this sort of arrangement often makes it much easier to obtain the assistance you need.   Almost all managed hosting services offer 24/7 support, ensuring that you can reach the IT experts when you need them.

Related posts:

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• March 18, 2009 – Hosting Considerations for E-commerce
• October 6, 2011 – 5 Hosting providers that re-define “Managed”
• September 20, 2011 – Dedicated Hosting: Managed or Unmanaged?
• September 15, 2011 – From Dedicated Servers To Managed Hosting – Life In The Fast Lane
• June 22, 2011 – Global Event and Media Group Managed Hosting Solutions
• June 14, 2011 – Ascent to Partner with Comcast
• February 28, 2011 – What Does a Managed Web Hosting Provider Do?
• February 21, 2011 – New Partner Program Announced by Tenzing
• January 16, 2011 – What Makes a Top Web Hosting Site?

1.) Powerful and Intuitive

While the software is loaded with a host of features, the Cube Panel interface is simple and refreshingly intuitive.  Similar to cPanel, the main page is where you will find the most essential features and virtually everything you need.  There is a small column to the left of the page that gives a brief overview of your statistics as well as information on resources such as email accounts, FTP accounts and MySQL databases.  Whether it is composing mailing lists or installing SSL certificates, Cube Panel makes sure it can all be done with ease.

2.) Cross-Platform Solution

Unlike cPanel, Cube Panel not only supports the Linux operating system, but Unix and Windows platforms as well.  And unlike Plesk, it does so with maximum efficiency to give you the best performance possible.  This factor alone gives it a considerable advantage over some of the most popular control panel programs.

3.) Integrated Data Backup Functionality

Losing the important data on your server can result in major headaches and detrimental ramifications for your business.  Cube Panel makes this a less likely scenario by providing a built-in utility that enables you to backup every piece of data.  All you have to do is click the “Backup copies” button to launch the Backup Management feature.  From here, you can instantly create a single copy of your website, or choose increments based on a daily, weekly or monthly schedule.  Cube Panel makes it simple to protect your data and easily restore it directly from a user-friendly interface.

4.) Extensive Domain Options

Cube Panel’s domain features serve as a great benefit to the hosting customer.  Its domain options are divided into two separate pages: Domain Permissions and Domain Limits.  The Domain Permissions page gives you an overview of the features specific to your web hosting account.  This includes what type of server-side programming support you have, where you stand in regard to FTP access and so forth.  The Domain Limits page displays all the services and resources specific to your account.  For example, it shows the total number of email accounts you are able to create, how much disk space is available to you, bandwidth allotment and much more.  These features allow you to easily keep track of your account and determine when upgrades are required.

Conclusion

The selling point of Cube Panel is simplicity.  Even though it provides many useful features, the mere design of the software makes for convenient navigation and great performance.  Although a license will cost you around a $100, you can test out it for free with Cube Panel Lite,  a limited version that still lends a great deal of power to server administrators.  Keep your eyes on this control panel because it could be a major player in the very near future.

Related posts:

• December 17, 2009 – The Power of Cube Panel
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34SP.com co-founder Stuart Melling expressed that the company’s existing base of clients already recognize the highly reliable service and excellent support being provided, citing that survey results show 98% of them would recommend the service.  However, Melling also went on to admit that its original message was not being effectively conveyed to new website visitors and potential customers.  For this reason, 34SP made the decision to work closely with its internal team of highly skilled designers and developers to a create a site that devoted more focus on the new visitor.  Melling remarks that the company is very happy with the results.

The new 34SP.com website features moving testimonials from customers who have benefited greatly from the service.  Among these testimonials is a passage from Russell Hirst, an online business owner and employee of Manchester-based award-winning PR agency Tangerine Public Relations.  Aside from being nominated as Marketing Services Company of the Year at the 2009 Drum Awards, the company is renown for garnering publicity for popular brand names such as Atkins, Dulux Paints, SurgiCare, TJ Hughes, Wilkinson Stores and WeightWatchers among others.

Hirst explained how poor service from another hosting provider was ultimately the driving factor that led him to 34SP.  Basically stating that his old web hosting company got too big for its britches, he decided to give 34SP.com a shot for a few microsites.   Mr. Hirst was impressed with responsive support that saw emails being answered in less than an hour along with great prices and unparalleled reliability.  This is one of numerous examples of how 34SP.com has been exceeding the standards for nearly a decade.  Whether it is quickly responding to inquiries or ensuring that customers have the scripting and database support they need, the company has proved time and again it is always there to lend a hand.

About 34SP.com

Founded in the year 2000, 34SP.com specializes in professional web hosting solutions designed to suit the needs of developers, designers and business customers looking for affordable prices.  With headquarters in Manchester, England, the company has a team of IT experts and staff members who deliver world-class customer service and technical support to thousands of clients.  Its current portfolio of hosting services include business hosting, VPS hosting, reseller hosting and UK domain name registration.  All 34SP.com hosting packages come equipped with a money-back guarantee to ensure that the customers are truly satisfied.

Related posts:

• March 11, 2010 – Top 3 Important Aspects of Web Hosting Security
• February 2, 2010 – Accessing the Money Back Guarantee in Web Hosting
• December 28, 2009 – Factors to Consider When Choosing a Web Host
• December 17, 2009 – The Power of Cube Panel
• December 1, 2009 – Nine Unique Advantages of Managed Hosting
• September 11, 2009 – Top Four Reasons to use Cube Panel
• March 25, 2009 – Avoiding Common Web Hosting Traps
• March 18, 2009 – Hosting Considerations for E-commerce
• March 16, 2009 – 34SP Recognized by Netcraft

In-house vs. Colocation

Hosting your e-commerce business in-house is a do-it-yourself solution that calls for you to purchase the hardware, software applications and lease an internet application.  It also means you need an expert staff to maintain these vital components.  You need to think about server administration, network monitoring, data backups, security and much more.  This is independent method is the most costly way to run your business online.

Colocation is the perfect alternative to hosting your business in-house.  This is the kind of arrangement where you store your server hardware in the provider’s data facility.  They supply you with you an internet connection and the power necessary to run the equipment.  The major benefit to colocation in comparison to an in-house solution is cost savings.  The key is finding a provider you can rely on to keep you online.

Shared vs. Dedicated Hosting

Shared hosting is the most affordable way to get your e-commerce business going, a situation where you share a web server with other users.  With this type of hosting, you are sharing the actual hardware along with the operating system and other critical resources.  Shared hosting is often the first choice of small businesses who don’t have demanding needs.  It also quite limited in terms of control and is prone to more stability and security issues when compared to having your own server.

With dedicated hosting, you sign up for a hosting plan and have the server all to yourself.  You have your own internet connection, operating system and all the other resources that are tied up in shared hosting.  The server can be enhanced with your own software applications, programming technologies and security mechanisms.  Because performing these tasks are more complex than a shared hosting solution, managed hosting exists to aid those with limited server administration skills.

Dedicated and managed hosting services are geared towards businesses that receive a high level of traffic and require maximum stability.  The major difference between these solutions and colocation is cost as you are paying a monthly or annual fee just to lease the server opposed to owning it.

Conclusion

As you can see, there is lot more that goes into e-commerce besides opening up a store and marketing your products.  Finding the right type of service is so critical because it forms the very backbone of your online business.  Ultimately, the solution for you depends on your expertise, manpower, budget and requirements.

Related posts:

• September 15, 2009 – How Will You Host Your E-commerce Site?
• September 22, 2009 – Server Options for E-commerce Hosting
• February 10, 2009 – Managed vs Shared Hosting – Which Type to Consider
• February 3, 2009 – Benefitting From VPS Hosting
• January 16, 2009 – The Many Faces of Web Hosting
• December 12, 2008 – Do You Need Dedicated Hosting?
• October 15, 2008 – What Type of Hosting Do You Need?
• January 18, 2012 – InMotion Hosting In-Depth Analysis
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• September 20, 2011 – Dedicated Hosting: Managed or Unmanaged?