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- Hardware fee
- Software fee
- Labor cost
- Connection speed
- Powerful hardware
- Security and stability
- 24-hour support
- Daily backup
- Traffic limit
- Bandwidth or content restrictions
- Email Performance
- Front page Extension
- Database Access
Use your host
Storing a website on your server is always an option. However, some problems need to be considered:
Hardware fee
To run a "real" website, you must purchase high-performance server hardware. Do not expect low-cost PCs to do this. At the same time, you also need uninterrupted high-speed connections that can reach your office, which is expensive.
Software fee
Do not forget to calculate additional fees for software licenses. Remember that the price of server licenses is generally higher than that of client licenses. At the same time, you must note that some server software licenses limit the number of concurrent users.
Labor cost
Do not count on low labor costs. Remember that you have to install these software and hardware. You also need to deal with vulnerabilities and viruses and keep the server running continuously in an environment where "anything may happen.
Use an ISP
Renting a server from an ISP is the most common practice. These benefits include:
Connection speed
Most providers have extremely fast Internet connections, for example, full T3 fiber-optic 45mps connections are equal to 2000 + 28 K modems, or 1000 56 K modems.
Powerful hardware
Service providers usually have many powerful web servers that can be shared by multiple companies. They provide load balancing and necessary backup services.
Security and stability
ISP is an expert in website hosting. They provide over 99% normal service times, the latest software vulnerability patches, and the best virus protection.
24-hour support
Make sure that your ISP provides 24-hour support. Do not place yourself in a situation where you need to wait for the next workday to fix critical problems. If you do not want to spend a lot of long-distance phone fees, it is also important to be called for free.
Daily backup
Make sure that the ISP you selected provides daily routine security backup, otherwise you may lose a lot of valuable data.
Traffic limit
Please study the provider's traffic restrictions. Make sure that you do not have to pay additional fees for unexpected high traffic when your website is popular.
Bandwidth or content restrictions
Please study the provider's bandwidth and content restrictions. If you plan to publish images, broadcasts, or sounds, determine if you have such rights.
Email Performance
Make sure that the provider fully supports the email performance you need. (You can get more information about email performance in the following sections)
Front page Extension
If you plan to use FrontPage for website development, make sure that your provider fully supports the FrontPage Server Extension.
Database Access
if you plan to use a database on your website, make sure that your provider fully supports the database you need. (You can read more about database access in the following chapter)