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Web Hosting in Washington DC

Web hosting is becoming an increasingly important need for businesses operating in the nation’s capital. This crucial service can help organizations of all sizes raise awareness, build an audience, and even increase profits. While there are a countless number of service providers in the U.S. alone, the convenience of choosing a Washington DC-based company could make local web hosting a wise move.

Not to be confused with the state of Washington that resides in the Pacific Northwest Region of the country, Washington DC stands alone as not an official city, but its own entity overseen by the U.S. federal government.

Despite its serious persona, it does have landmarks and amenities you would find in other cities. Although the government has a major impact on DC from an economic standpoint, accounting for an estimated 27% of the local workforce, the area’s economy has become far more diverse over the years. Education, finance, and scientific research are among the sectors that drive revenue for the economy outside of government. (1)

The web hosting market in Washington DC has taken off in recent times. There are actually quite a few hosts in the area, but the most popular of the bunch is Site5, which has been operating since 1999. (2) This particular company is maintained by a team of IT experts, and for the most part, in good standings in the industry.

As a region that houses so many important operations, it should come as no surprise that Washington DC is abundant in internet access. The options for internet service in DC range from broadband with AOL and satellite-based access with DirecTV to more demanding needs that can only be serviced by colocation.

Washington DC Web Hosting vs. National Web Hosting

A thriving internet community makes Washington DC an ideal spot for local web hosting. Should you choose a company in the area, just being close to where they operate could pay off on multiple fronts.

For example, the close proximity to their data centers could result in exceptionally fast page loads, since the connection from server to browser is established over a much shorter distance.

Another potential advantage lies in local support. Should any major issues arise, you can possibly meet with representatives to resolve them in person, instead of being restricted to the phone. This is just not possible or logical when your service provider is located thousands of miles away.

The case for Washington DC web hosting is compelling indeed, but national web hosting is the safest bet you can make here. In many instances, the company with a national presence has distinct competitive advantages that enable it to outclass its local counterparts. These firms usually have access to a significantly greater pool of resources, meaning they can provide capacity that ensures your site performs like a champ from DC to British Columbia.

National companies tend to outperform local competitors in the support department as well. While most hosts on the national scene deliver support around the clock, many on the local scene are limited in what they can provide due to the mere lack of manpower.

Deciding between Washington DC and national web hosting may not be as easy as it sounds. This is especially the case if keeping your investment local is something that is important to you. There is nothing wrong with supporting the local economy, but keep in mind that by doing so, you may be limiting your potential to make a real impact online.

Web Hosting in the United States

Sources of Research:

1. http://www.does.dc.gov/does/frames.asp?doc=/does/lib/does/DC_Industry_Employment_2008.pdf
2. http://www.site5.com/p/washington-dc-web-hosting

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