Web Hosting Geeks' Blog » hosting platform http://webhostinggeeks.com/blog Web Hosting Industry News, Latest Trends, and Analyses. Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:48:19 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Windows Server 2003: Still Getting the Job Donehttp://webhostinggeeks.com/blog/2009/06/02/windows-server-2003-still-getting-the-job-done/ http://webhostinggeeks.com/blog/2009/06/02/windows-server-2003-still-getting-the-job-done/#comments Tue, 02 Jun 2009 18:42:26 +0000 Art http://webhostinggeeks.com/blog/?p=358 Microsoft is behind a number of technologies that suit the needs of home and business users in both the desktop and server environment.  In general, Microsoft separates its server operating systems into four main categories: Applications, Collaboration, IT Operations and Security, essentially covering all the vital aspects required to running a highly efficient network.

The Windows Server operating system represents a line of fully integrated software tools developed by Microsoft.  While functionality varies among version releases, each aims to form the solid infrastructure needed for operating with various network components.  In addition, most of the company’s server solutions provide support for the Visual Studio software package, helping designers and IT developers in the process of creating and managing web environments by utilizing their own custom set of programming tools.  This article will introduce you to one of Microsoft’s most popular and successful server operating systems: Windows Server 2003.

Why it’s Still Prevalent

Even though Microsoft released Windows Server 2008 only a short time ago, Windows Server 2003 is still widely used in hosting and network environments.  Why?  The answer is simple – it continues to be one of the most reliable hosting platforms available.  This server operating system made its debut in April of 2003.  Since then, it has been highly regarded as a more secure and powerful solution than its predecessor, Windows 2000 Server.  Because of its efficiency in the network setting and seamlessly compatibility with Microsoft .Net technologies, Windows Server 2003 was referred to as “the .Net Server” for a considerable amount of time.

Windows Server 2003 offers many enhancements over previous versions, including the ability to improve identity and access administration while reducing storage management expense at the same time.  It includes a highly competitive web platform, offering cost-efficient server management for enterprises and small businesses alike.  The software incorporates features and technological characteristics of past releases into a single package, offering a tightly integrated suite of tools that aid in development, data management and security.  With the launch of Windows Server 2003, Microsoft greatly simplified the task of network management and improved security and efficiency across a broad range of network environments.

Enhanced Data Management

What makes Windows Server 2003 so powerful is its seamless compatibility with various Microsoft technologies, mainly the SQL Server.  Released in November of 2004, Microsoft SQL Server is an RDBMS (relational database management system) that utilizes Transact-SQL as its primary query language.  Whereas most of the prevision versions of SQL Server were mainly used for small to medium sized databases, the 2005 release brought forth capabilities that made it ideal for large databases as well, making it a reliable solution for small businesses or large enterprises.  SQL Server 2005 provides for the easy management of data, integrating efficient security tools and enhanced access to business data.   The server offers a robust, state of the art, fully integrated management system that is relied on by businesses and organizations across the world.

While you can argue that Microsoft technologies are expensive, there is no denying the power they deliver.  Dynamic platforms such as the SQL Server make Windows 2003 a highly extensible networking tool capable of handling the simplest to the most complex needs.

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]]> http://webhostinggeeks.com/blog/2009/06/02/windows-server-2003-still-getting-the-job-done/feed/ 0 Choosing a Hosting Platform for Your Businesshttp://webhostinggeeks.com/blog/2009/04/23/choosing-a-hosting-platform-for-your-business/ http://webhostinggeeks.com/blog/2009/04/23/choosing-a-hosting-platform-for-your-business/#comments Thu, 23 Apr 2009 15:08:13 +0000 Art http://webhostinggeeks.com/blog/?p=301 If you are looking to make your mark as an online business owner, one of the first things you need to do is find yourself a web hosting solution.  The web has grown tremendously over the years and so have your choices.  Web hosting services are not hard to find as companies have the industry covered from every angle of the market.  While there are many critical factors involved in choosing a service, one of the most important is the platform your business site is hosted on.

What is a Platform?

In web hosting terms, a platform refers to an operating system like Mac OS X or even an something older like DOS.  This type of software stores critical files, gives basic commands, tells the server how to interact with applications.  In the early days of the internet and World Wide Web, most servers ran on the Unix platform, a very powerful system that while flexible, has always required a considerable amount of technical skill to administer.  Though still a popular choice, hosting customers now have a greater variety to choose from in platforms such as Linux, Windows and FreeBSD.

Linux

Linux is a newer version of Unix and perhaps the most popular variation.  This platform is incredibly versatile and made to perform in the server environment.  It is makes an ideal solution for demanding tasks and activities such as messaging and multimedia streaming. Unlike Unix, Linux is an open-source system under the GNU General Public License, making it a cost effective solution for both web hosting providers and their customers.  Perhaps the greatest advantage of this platform is its compatibility with various open-source technologies.  A Linux hosting package typically means you also get the benefit of tools like Apache, PHP and MySQL.

Windows

Often regarded as the main competitor to Linux, Windows is the server version of the popular Microsoft desktop operating system.  Upon first entering the server environment, these platforms were powered by systems like Windows NT and 2000.  Most plans now are based on either Windows 2003 or 2008.  What makes this system so popular is the user-friendly interface that gives IT teams a familiar environment to work with.  Not only is it supported by a large number of applications, but also Microsoft technologies that were specifically designed to work with the platform.  Some of the main selling points of Windows hosting include ASP or ASP.NET programing, the SQL Server and other services like Exchange and SharePoint.

FreeBSD

The FreeBSD platform is based on the BSD system, which is one of the many Unix variants.  Similar to Linux, FreeBDS offer cost efficiency as an open-source system.  Extremely well integrated, this platform is well known for its speed and stability, making it an excellent choice for mission-critical operations.  FreeBSD is becoming increasingly popular and offers support for a growing number of technologies.

Choosing a Platform

All the platforms mentioned in this article are great for business hosting, Windows especially.  The key is finding a web host that delivers a reliable infrastructure and enables the chosen system to effectively meet your needs.

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