web hosting

Meet the Web Server

There is a lot that goes into running a web hosting business.  The provider needs an internet connection, bandwidth and data facility to store the equipment that enables the service.  While numerous components are required, almost all of them revolve around the web server.

What is a Web Server?

There term web server actually describes to different elements.  One is the computer that stores the data for a website.  The other is a software application that runs on the computer and processes requests from web browsers and other client-side technologies.  Though often used interchangeably, these two components are quite different.  For this reason, one should always clarify the mentioning of a web server as it can refer to either a machine or an application.  This article will focus on the latter and give a brief overview on how this type of software works.

The Web Server in Action

A web server application helps the actual hardware serve web pages upon the request of a browser such as Internet Explorer or Opera.  Because it deals primarily in HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) requests, this type of application if often referred to as an HTTP server.  After receiving a request, the server runs HTTP, which is a protocol for transferring data over the internet and enabling two computers to communicate with each other.  When using your web browser to access any given website, a request is transmitted to a web server on a remote computer.  The server application then processes the browser’s request and attempts to locate the requested web page.  If it is found, the server sends the page to your browser which then displays the appropriate content.

Commonly Used Web Servers

The Netcraft Web Server Usage Survey reports that the Apache HTTP server is the most the widely installed web server in the world, claiming that it has nearly 60% of the market share.  As an open-source application, Apache supports numerous open-source technologies such as the Linux operating system and MySQL database server.

The main competitor to Apache is IIS (Internet Information Services), a robust server application developed by Microsoft.  This web server was designed to work with various server editions of the Windows operating system.  Though it is compatible with MySQL and other open-source technologies, IIS was designed to be integrated with Microsoft products such as ASP (Active Server Pages) and the SQL Server.  Other web server applications exist but they are rarely used in comparison to Apache and IIS.

Using a Web Server off the Web

While primarily intended for the web hosting arena, web server applications can also be used for other purposes as well.  For example, many techies have the Apache server installed on their Windows-based computers.  This is great for someone who scripts custom programs for their own servers.  Several developers find this method much easier than working on a remote server.   So, if you have a powerful computer with a need to create PHP or ASP scripts, a web server like Apache or IIS could work wonders on your system.

Managed vs Shared Hosting – Which Type to Consider

Before deciding on a web host, it is important to know that web hosting is available in many different variations.  Two of the most common forms of hosting are shared and managed hosting.  While quite similar, the differences set these types of web hosting apart by far.

Shared Hosting

For someone who only requires a small, basic website, leasing an entire web server just isn’t practical.  If this sounds like you, then shared hosting would be the perfect solution.  It is cost effective and specifically designed to suite the needs of small websites.  With shared hosting, the web host stores multiple websites on single server, allowing them to offer a service that is much cheaper than dedicated hosting.

Web servers are more powerful than the average computer used in the desktop setting.  They offer plenty of disk space as well as RAM and CPU.  The catch is that you are required to share these resources with other customers, a factor that could lead to performance and security issues. If your requirements are minimal, you should be able to find a shared hosting provider able to supply all the resources you need.  However, as your site becomes more popular, it is very likely that you will exceed the resources the web host is able to provide.  In this case, you need to either consider purchasing upgrades that supply you with additional bandwidth, storage capacity and other essential components.  If the provider is not able to accommodate your needs, it is time to move up to a dedicated server and possibly consider managed hosting.

Managed Hosting

Websites that experience a high volume of traffic and run mission-critical business operations are best suited for a dedicated server.  Unlike shared hosting, a dedicated server provides you with all the resources on the machine.  This includes disk space, RAM, CPU and guaranteed bandwidth as well.  On the other hand, a dedicated server calls for you to deal with server administrative tasks that can be very complex and time consuming.

In its purest form, having a dedicated server means you are responsible for all the maintenance.  This includes basic administration to keep the machine thriving on a day to day basis as well addressing any security issues that may arise.  Those who require a dedicated server but are not up for all the technical challenges often opt for managed hosting.

Managed hosting offers benefits to the website owner or business that either lacks the skills required to maintain a dedicated server or simply do not have the time to invest.  You can generally select the options that best suit your needs, freeing you up to concentrate on other vital aspects while the server is maintained by the web host.   When viewing it from this perspective, managed hosting is pretty much like outsourcing your dedicated server tasks to a third-party company.

Making a Choice

Managed hosting is the perfect alternative to the limitations of the shared server and complexity of a dedicated server.  Keep in mind that these benefits come with a higher price tag.  Therefore, it is very important to make sure you truly require this type of service before making an investment.

The Beauty of Cheap Web Hosting

It seems as if everyone is working on a tighter budget these days.  Harsh economics times have not only affected consumers, but also caused several organizations to the rethink the significance of budgeting.  As elementary as it may seem, this presents a tremendous challenge for many professionals.  For most companies, budgeting involves critical aspects such as advertising and promotions, IT resources and general expenses.  Small businesses and large enterprises today both have to factor web hosting fees into the budget as well.

Saving Money on Your Web Presence

Owning an entire web server isn’t practical for every company.  After all, purchasing the hardware is quite expensive and the operation becomes even more costly when considering administrative tasks.  This is where web hosting comes in as it allows you to establish a web presence for a fraction of what it costs to maintain your own internet-based infrastructure.  Web hosting companies give you the power to run your business online while bypassing the cost associated with housing and maintaining a server.  Not only do they provide you with the hardware, but also vital resources such as memory, bandwidth and disk space.  They set you with useful features that allow you to create a dynamic site with relative ease.  You can pay a premium price for such a service or save yourself a bundle by opting for cheap web hosting.

The Evolution of Cheap Hosting

The birth of cheap services can be attributed to the highly competitive market that is the web hosting industry.  Whereas such services were simple and limited in the past, today’s web hosts offer a greater range of options at a price most small businesses can afford.  Although a dedicated server is a totally different environment, cheap web hosting isn’t necessarily limited to a shared server.  For example, you can easily find a VPS (Virtual Private Server) plan at a very reasonable price.  A VPS is the perfect medium in between a shared and dedicated server.  It provides the stability and performance that may be jeopardized by sharing resources with thousands of website owners and a level of flexibility that is similar to dedicated hosting.  Fierce competition in the market has raised the standards of cheap hosting, meaning you shouldn’t have to sacrifice on much of anything.

Cheap Isn’t Always What it Seems

Many people have a misconception of cheap web hosting, believing it requires you to trade features, flexibility and quality of service for an amazingly low price.  This is understandably so, as a number of companies have blemished the market with their shady practices.  Fortunately, there are several outstanding web hosting providers that offer a wide range of features and services to their customers.   Some of the most inexpensive hosting packages will provide you with numerous email accounts, e-commerce tools, security mechanisms and enough server capacity to support the growth of your website.  Can you accomplish more with a high-end web hosting solution?  Probably.  Be that as it may, a cheap alternative can set you up just as well and put you on the path to success.

What is Managed Hosting?

Most large enterprises have an infrastructure in place that allows them to host their own web servers.  They have a team of IT experts to handle all the technical aspects along with developers to step in when updates are required.  However, if you are running a successful yet small to medium sized business, there is a good chance that you don’t have such resources.  In this case, you just may need a managed hosting provider.

Managed hosting refers to a hosting solution in which the provider tends to all the administrative tasks and operation of a dedicated server.  This type of arrangement is ideal for business owners who need a full turnkey service for managing hardware and software components, storage, network connectivity and all the requirements associated with a dedicated server.  Managed hosting is preferred by the those who desire a high level of support and services while  maintaining significant control over their server.  Because so many businesses rely on dedicated servers for mission critical tasks, the technical support, responsiveness and infrastructure of a managed hosting solution is typically greater than any other form of web hosting.

Though more expensive on the surface, managed hosting is actually a cost effective solution as it spares you of the large up front investment on the necessary software and hardware for the server.  Instead, you simply pay a monthly fee in return for a fully managed hosting solution.  In this regard, managed hosting is quite similar to outsourcing the technical aspects of your business to a team of professionals who are better equipped to handle them.

Who Needs Managed Hosting?

Ideal for the business who lacks technical knowledge and resources, managed hosting is also the perfect solution for those who need to focus on the core of their business.  This environment alleviates the hassle of maintaining a web server as well as the performance and security issues that come along with shared hosting.  The backing of a reliable infrastructure pretty much guarantees stability and all the flexibility you need at a fixed cost.

Managed Hosting Features

The services provided by a managed host range widely but generally include private networks, security products and database administration.  Some also extend their services to fully managed SQL server hosting.  In regard to server administration which is the standard feature, you can expect services like managed storage, connectivity, load balancing and monitoring and reporting of the server.  In most cases, physical maintenance such as servicing of the equipment is covered by the provider as well.  Add-on features such as software management can usually be obtained for an additional fee.

Summary

Managed hosting can be viewed as a tailor made hosting solution, allowing organizations to focus on marketing and actually running their businesses while all the complex tasks are handled by the experts.  As this solution doesn’t require a large up front investment, businesses can enjoy significant cost savings on handling a dedicated server.  When signing up with a good provider, you can better assure the availability of your online business with a server that puts out the best performance.