|
Price? |
Cheaper is not necessarily better, but
a large price tag doesn't mean your getting
the best out there either. There are many
start-up companies offering unbelievable prices.
Be wary of "deals" that sound too good to
be true. |
|
Customer Services? |
The
Internet market is suitable for the old saying
"you get what you pay for." A quality host
should offer an online area with FAQs (frequently
asked questions), guides, tips, and other
resources. Can they help you find a designer
or programmer for your site? Make sure you're
getting your money's worth.
|
|
Technical Support? |
This
should be the number one consideration if
you're not a technical guru. Is their tech
support available seven days a week, 24 hours
a day? How many members do they have on their
support staff? How many customers do they
have to support?
|
|
Services, Scripts &
Softwares |
A
sharp hosting company should have a hefty
library of scripts that you can use to add
guestbook, forms, statistics, counters and
so on to your site. The host should also have
support for Java, Shockwave, Cybercast, Real
Audio, Real Video, VRML, secure transactions,
and other utilities available to their customers.
|
| Bandwidth |
A number
of businesses have had to move their Web site
because their host couldn't handle the number
of hits, or charged exorbitant fees for hits
above a certain level. What is the policy
if your site becomes popular? How many other
Web sites share your server? |
Speedy
Connection & Peering
|
T3
lines, also known as DS-3, are a must. Anything
less means the host, as a whole, runs slower;
thus your customers will have to wait. Ask
your host what the collision or saturation
rate is. If it's over 50% it may cause problems.
|
| Flexiblity |
Does your host honor
special requests or instructions? Can you start
out with an economy package and then upgrade
as your needs and budget increase? |
| Security |
What security features
does your host offer or support? Many hosting
companies claim to be secure, but when closely
examined fall far short of their claim. Do they
support "Adult Only" sites, SPAM, or other practices
you might not want your company associated with? |
