An Overview
Companies sometimes reach a point where their web hosting requirement expands beyond the capability of one or two servers. The requirements of their websites become complex and they may be considering enterprise-level web hosting solutions.
Enterprise web hosting services are generally high capacity, even redundant hosting solutions that provide the complex requirements of your website. The web hosting service is handled by multiple servers that are load- balanced and connected to large-scale databases. It is backed by a security appliance and is generally developed by network architects.
Companies who are considering enterprise hosting plans for the complex requirements of their websites are actually looking for the following features:
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More hard drive space
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More Bandwidth
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Better Technical Support
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Need for Advanced Features
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Need for Extended Services
Web Space
When you finally decide to get an enterprise hosting packages, it is imperative that you get the most out of this investment. Make sure that you make a list of the present space requirement and how much space you will need in the future.
Bandwidth
The quality of exchange of information between your company and your clients is mainly determined by the bandwidth allotted to your website by your web host. With an enterprise site, bandwidth would not be a problem. When searching for an enterprise hosting provider, look for one that has at least a T-3 backbone connection. This internet connection can pass data at speeds up to 45 Mbps.
Another aspect on bandwidth to consider is how much bandwidth is being used by existing demands on the system or simply the demand by the host provider’s customers. An ideal bandwidth should be less than 30% utilized during off-peak hours and not more than 70% during peak hours.
Finally, when looking for the ideal hosting provider, select one that is closest to the Internet backbone connection. The reason for this is because the more ‘upstream’ connections a host provider has to the Internet backbone connection, the more chances for data loss and bandwidth loss for your website.
Technical Support
Always select a web hosting provider with reliable, 24/7 technical support team. Quality technical support is one key contributor to the overall cost of your account.
Platform Support
The platform is composed of all the hardware running from Internet connectors to the software bundled on the system. The platform is basically the heart and soul of the web hosting service. Before you make your decision, consider first the track record of your provider. Determine whether the provider specializes in a particular platform. Seek important and relevant information from their customers. Consider other technical information to determine the reliability of the platform of this particular provider.
Advanced Features and Add-ons
Determine the add-ons and value-added features provided in the hosting plans. However, you must look ahead of these special add-ons. Look at the extra services that also go with the plan. This could include developer training, consulting, access to development and design teams.
E-Commerce Concerns
Many web hosting providers now incorporate in their hosting plans E-commerce software bundles. Some hosting providers offer the basic features, while others offer a complete package. Before choosing the hosting provider, try to compare the E-commerce package that is most appropriate for your company. Finally, make sure that when running an E-commerce site off an enterprise hosting package; make sure they have SSL support.
