Getting into the marketplace - Page 2
October 31, 2001
E-commerce takes form in many sizes. For some, it is a small shopping
cart, for others it can be a massive undertaking. Either way, if the
host doesn't offer it, it won't happen.
While there are hosted e-commerce solutions, should users wish to use
something more in line with their web site and most customizable, it
is necessary to have the host offer e-commerce as an option.
That means a usable shopping cart and/or payment system, and it is
also vital to make sure that you are allowed enough bandwidth should
your sales go through the roof.
Other Considerations
- File Backup: If the host does not back up its files on a
regular basis, that makes it imperative that the user regularly back
up the site, which can eat away at available hard drive space and time.
With today's computers sporting massive storage, that is not the
problem it once was, but time remains a consideration.
- CGI-bin access: Whether you know how to use cgi or not,
having its capability is important. That is because there are numerous
scripts available on the internet at no charge for users to adapt to
their web sites. Should the user want an order form on their site,
some type of script is going to be necessary to provide viewable
results and security. Another feature that can be provided through
cgi is a hit counter, which can give you an idea of the traffic your
site is generating. It is also important for the host to offer
Telnet Access to enable users to take advantage of this feature.
- Security: One of the reasons e-commerce has not replaced
going to the mall more than it has is because many people are insecure
with the security offered by shopping online. If your host offers
secure shopping, mentioning that on your web site can make a huge
difference in the way potential clients react to your sales pitches
and products.
- E-mail: This has become one of the most important parts of
the internet. Whether people are in business on the web or just want
to keep in touch with family or friends, e-mail plays a key role.
Your host should provide you with at least one or two e-mail accounts
with something@yourdomain.com as an email address. Before committing
to a host, make sure you know what, if any, cost is involved with
having multiple e-mail accounts associated with one web site. Using
Yahoo and similar e-mail addresses are fine for individuals, but
they - like domain names - reflect upon the image of your business.
That is why it is vital to have one that appears to be professional.
Businesses may also want to have auto responders available to confirm
receipt of e-mails from clients, and some hosting companies do not
provide such items.
- Server Extensions: Some hosts do not provide for FrontPage
server extensions, which is of importance only if the web builder is
using that program.
- Resales: Some users want to resell space on their web
sites, in effect becoming a hosting company themselves. Not all hosting
companies will allow such activities, so if that is the goal, make
sure beforehand it can be done.
- Miscellaneous: Some users will need streaming audio on
their sites, others need such items as
Java applets,
image maps,
server-side includes and
database access. Having previously determined
your needs, make sure the hosting company allows those specifically
needed items.
It's time to ante up
Pricing is something that is vital to all of us. The urge to take the
lowest offer is always strong, but it can be like going to the
dentist and finding out that he had the lowest grades among his
graduating class. He's still a dentist, but you get what you pay for
-- and that could be painful.
In most cases, the more options you require the greater the cost will
be. Sometimes people make the mistake of thinking that a mere
presence on the web will result in overwhelming sales; therefore,
they get in over their head buying hosting services, size, and
features they do not really need. They would be better off starting
smaller but making sure the service is expandable.
If the host company is offering little more than storage space, then
the price you pay should be fairly small. Basically, they are
providing little if any service.
When considering a hosting company, take a look at all of the hosting
plans it offers. If it offers only one, go somewhere else. Most
companies will offer several plans, enabling the user to choose one
that is balanced between need and financial ability.
Where can I go to get some answers?
Most of us are deluged with offers from hosting companies, as well
as other spam, and it is difficult to know which company to choose.
One of the best sources to help make that determination is
http://webhost.thelist.com/,
which provides extensive information for business hosting, personal
hosting, co-location facilities, and dedicated hosts.
There you can search for hosts by country and area code, then sort
through the multitude of choices listed to find one that best fills
the bill.
Conclusion
It isn't easy to turn one's back on a great price, but when it comes
to web hosting there are many more factors other than cost that must
be considered. A great price is not necessarily a great deal. Service
and services are of utmost importance, as well as off-line access.
Make a checklist of your needs for a web site, and then contact
prospective companies and ask them specifically what they offer to
best meet your needs. If they are too busy to answer your questions
now, then there is a good chance they will have an excuse after you
sign up not to help you when it is really needed.
Once a host site is found, it is usually a good idea to use it for a
short trial period to see if it lives up to its billing. Many host
companies want to lock users into a year's contract, offering
discounts for the longer signup period, but if the company proves to
be what you want, you can always sign up for the longer period.
Additional Resources:
Web Hosting List
Web Hosting List FAQ
Finding the Web Hosting Co. That's Right for You
Finding the Web Hosting Co. That's Right for You
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