Shared Hosting

Shared hosting, also called virtual hosting, refers to the storage of multiple customer web sites on one server. When a customer opts for a shared solution, not only is the server shared, but also everything related to the server is shared, such as the hard disk, CPU, and network bandwidth. A server is partitioned among many, typically hundreds, of customers. They share the connection to the internet as well as applications, bandwidth, processor speed, hard drive, and data transfer.

Shared servers offer the ability to host their web site on a managed server, at a low monthly cost. However, the customers have little flexibility regarding applications or configuration. Shared hosting is primarily for low-cost, entry-level web sites and small businesses.

What to look for

When choosing a shared hosting plan, you want to make sure that it provides slightly more than you need. If you buy a package that has just what you need, the chances are that you will go over and end up paying more.

You should look in the features list like how many POP3 mailboxes you get, if you can have e-mail aliasing, FTP access, how much diskspace you get and how much bandwidth you get. Added bonuses would include SSL, scripting features, databases etc.

In addition, make sure the package you want can grow with your site. Ensure that it is easy to upgrade.

Pros and Cons of shared web hosting

Who should choose shared hosting?

Many small businesses, intermediate to large web sites, and professional web sites require only a fraction of the resources of a complete web server. It would be expensive for these sites to all reside on their own server, which makes shared hosting the perfect choice.

Shared hosting is ideal for:

• low traffic sites
• entry-level websites
• small business sitess
• intermediate or large professional sites but don't need the whole server's space

Shared Hosting Companies