There are many web hosting services available for today’s online businesses. Each offers a unique set of features that satisfy a wide range of needs.
But if you don’t know what to look for, you could end up with web hosting that’s inadequate for your business.
The following are the most important web hosting terms you need to know to get the most out of your hosting service.
Web Hosting
This includes all of the activity related to the storage and access of your website data. Web hosting companies provide you with the tools and technology needed for users to access your content online.
Server
Web host servers store website data, files, and other forms of content. Servers can host single or multiple clients.
Whether or not you need a dedicated or shared server depends on the size of your website and its bandwidth and control needs.
IP Address
Your Internet protocol (IP) address is a number that’s associated with a particular device used to access the Internet.
Web hosts assign a dedicated IP address to your website in order to acquire a Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) for payment processing on your site. IP addresses consist of groups of numbers that range between 0 and 255 (e.g., 203.84.241.215).
Shared Hosting
Multiple websites can share the same server. The number of websites on a single server can vary. The websites on a shared hosting server have the same operating resources.
Shared hosting reduces the cost of maintaining your website. It’s ideal for sites that have moderate levels of traffic and don’t require extensive technical knowledge for its ongoing maintenance.
Dedicated Hosting
Your website can have its own dedicated host server. This gives you the highest level of control over your data and maximizes the performance of your website.
Dedicated hosting comes at a higher cost when compared to shared hosting services. Therefore, it’s the best option for websites that require more robust hosting features.
Virtual Dedicated Hosting
This type of hosting combines the features of both shared and dedicated hosting services. A virtual private server assigns a set of resources to your website.
But the memory, CPU, and other resources available on a server are shared by multiple accounts. This is similar to a shared hosting account and provides your business with greater flexibility and control over its website maintenance.
Managed Hosting
Web hosts can lease the hardware to clients. However, the hosting company completes the ongoing management of the website’s server, which includes the security, monitoring, storage, and backup of all the related data.
Businesses who choose managed hosting services have access to skilled experts who ensure the proper configuration and maintenance to meet their needs.
Understanding these essential web hosting terms helps you determine which service would be ideal for your business. If you still have questions related to web hosting, add them to the comments below.
We can provide any additional information and resources to implement the web hosting you need for continued success and the growth of your online business.
