Website Hosting

Web Hosting in Portland

Are you trying to get more exposure for a Portland-based business or non-profit organization? If so, web hosting could be the answer to your needs. This crucial internet service will enable you to create and manage a website that is accessible to users around the world. And while there are literally thousands of service providers scattered throughout the country, choosing a company in the Portland area could actually be a viable option.

With nearly 600,000 residents calling it home, Portland is the largest city in the state of Oregon and the third most populous city in the Pacific Northwest behind Seattle and Canada’s Vancouver. The town is well known for its breathtaking parks and lush landscapes, a list that includes the world renowned International Rose Test Garden in Washington Park.

Portland and its surrounding areas thrive on small business activity. In fact, a 2005 study revealed that it had the strongest small business community of any metropolitan area in the country. (1) Other industries that contribute to the local economy include retail, health care, and tourism.

Colocation and hosted IT services in general are on the rise in the Portland area. According to the Data Center Map, there are currently 10 data centers located in Greater Portland, including the SAS 70 Type II certified facility on Northwest 12th Avenue maintained by SunGard.(2) This particular building has world-class connections powered by industry leading carriers and the best breed of network hardware.

The city itself is well connected, and this is a factor that can be seen it its blazing internet speed. A recent article published by CNN showed that the state of Oregon has the 24th fastest internet access speed in the country. (3) As the major city in the state, the bustling internet activity in Portland undoubtedly attributed to Oregon’s respectable ranking.

Portland Web Hosting vs. National Web Hosting

A robust internet infrastructure alone makes a solid case for Portland web hosting. However, it is not the only variable that could make this a good move. The major selling point in this case is proximity. Being in close range of the data center your web host is using to house their servers usually means that your site will perform well for the simple fact that the connection is established over a much shorter distance.

This proximity could also benefit you from a support standpoint. For example, if any serious technical issues arise, you can drive out to the local office and resolve them in person, instead of taking the often frustrating route of trying to hash out confusing technicalities on the phone.

While Portland web hosting has its perks, national web hosting is the safest bet. Why? Because you have access to a greater variety of options. There are thousands of hosts on the national scene compared to the handful of companies in the Portland area. This gives you the opportunity to obtain a service that is better in terms of price, flexibility, and security.

When considering that the nationally established company can typically deliver faster, more responsive support, it becomes clear to see which route you must travel to land the most reliable service for your needs.

Choosing a web hosting company can be a complicated process. That process can get even more difficult when using location as one of your determining factors. While this ordeal may be grueling, you can make it a little less stressful by realizing that with the proper research, a nationally known host is fully capable of supporting your needs, regardless of where you are located.

Web Hosting in the United States

Sources of Research:

1. http://www.city-data.com/us-cities/The-Northeast/Portland-Economy.html
2. http://www.datacentermap.com/usa/oregon/portland/
3. http://tech.fortune.cnn.com/2011/01/23/the-world%E2%80%99s-fastest-internet-access%E2%80%94who%E2%80%99s-got-it/

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