Your Guide to Web Hosting

Are you trying to decide what web hosting option to go with but feeling overwhelmed or confused by all of the choices?

Shared hosting. Dedicated hosting. Cloud hosting. And so many web hosting companies.

If you’re not sure where to start, keep reading. You’ll discover what web hosting really is, the differences between various types of hosting, and why we recommend Silverstripe's cloud hosting service, Silverstripe Cloud, to our clients.

Web hosting has to do with the storage of your site's files. 

In the same way that physical files are stored in a filing cabinet, your website is made up of files that need to be stored on a web server. Just like you would pull out physical files to look at them, when a visitor pulls up your website, your site's files are downloaded and displayed by their web browser. Your web hosting provider is the company that owns and maintains the servers your site's files are stored on.

There are a number of different types of web hosting that each have unique features. Here are a few common types and what sets them apart. 

Shared Hosting

When first starting out, many companies begin with shared hosting. With shared hosting, you share a server with other websites.

Because of this, shared hosting is often the cheapest choice. However, it can also lead to all of the websites on a particular server competing for resources. Additionally, if a different site on the server is hacked, it could impact your site.

VPS Hosting

With VPS hosting, you still share a server, or file cabinet, with other websites. However, you have your own guaranteed resources and space within the server.

Dedicated Hosting

With dedicated hosting, you have your own server. However, you also need the technical skills required to set up and maintain it.

Managed Hosting

Managed hosting is optimized to fit your site, but the hosting provider manages the server for you. Typically, it's tied to the particular system you use to manage your site.

Cloud Hosting

Cloud hosting is a newer option. It comes with many benefits that are causing its popularity to quickly increase.

What sets cloud hosting apart is the server setup. Instead of all of your files being hosted on one server, they are stored on multiple servers. This offers greater flexibility in a couple of ways.

Flexibility in Price and Scale

With cloud hosting, you can scale your resources up or down as needed so that you're paying for what you're actually using rather than predefined resources you may not be maxing out.

Flexibility for Peak Performance

If your site is experiencing a ton of visitors or a particular server has issues, your files can be speedily moved to a different server for peak performance.

If you need web hosting or are thinking about switching to a new provider, we recommend Silverstripe's cloud hosting service, Silverstripe Cloud. Here's why.

24-7 Support from the Experts

When you purchase cloud hosting from Silverstripe, you'll also gain access to 24-7 support from the company's expert team. This will ensure that your site will continue to run smoothly. It will also give you the peace of mind that comes from knowing if anything were to go wrong, you have a knowledgeable team ready to help you.

Site Recovery

Because your site's information will be spread across multiple servers, your site will remain functional should there ever be technical difficulties

Site Snapshots

When you purchase Silverstripe Cloud, you'll be able to download complete backups of your site. 

Site Security

Silverstripe offers security services for those that use its cloud hosting.  The company also offers SSL certificates to help your site remain secure.

Access to Performance Metrics

The performance metrics Silverstripe provides allow you to monitor your site's performance so you can offer visitors the best possible experience.

User Roles and Permissions

When you use Silverstripe Cloud, you can set up customized user roles with very specific permissions. This guarantees that the right people will have access to the right areas of your site for maximum security.

Are you currently using or planning on launching your site with the Silverstripe CMS? Then why not use Silverstripe Cloud, as well?

Silverstripe Cloud is managed by the same company that created the Silverstripe CMS. The two were designed to work well together. This guarantees that you'll have a seamless experience with a company that offers a proven solution. Consider the combo to take full advantage of what Silverstripe has to offer!

If you’re trying to choose a web host and aren’t sure where to start, Silverstripe Cloud is a great choice. Cloud hosting offers much-needed flexibility and Silverstripe provides great service. 

Need some help getting your website hooked up to Silverstripe Cloud? Reach out - we’d be happy to assist!

Sources: DreamHost, HostGator, Business News Daily, Digital, Silverstripe