First things First. Why would you like to have Windows Based
Hosting when there are Linux packages for cheaper rates ? The
answer is – it depends on what application you are looking to
use for your hosting. Consider the tools and scripting languages
you plan to use – if you use PHP, Perl or MySQL, Linux is the
way forward. If apps are Microsoft-specific, then Windows is
what you need. Clear…?
Now let’s proceed with the essential ingredients of any Windows
Hosting Plan.
1.ASP Support – The clear reason why you chose a windows plan
is to use Microsoft Specific Languages. Active Server Pages,
Microsoft's technology to enables HTML pages to be dynamic and
interactive by embedding scripts. Check all the windows hosting
plans and make sure, the host doesn’t charge for this extra.
2..NET Support – ASP.net is the next generation of Microsoft's
Active Server Page (ASP), a feature of their Internet
Information Server (IIS). ASP.net is different from ASP in two
major ways: it supports code written in compiled languages like
C++, Visual Basic, and Perl, and, it features server controls
that can separate the code from the content, allowing WYSIWYG
editing of pages. Most of the hosts give this feature free of
charge while few charge extra. Go for it if you really need it.
3.CDONTS - CDONTS stands for 'Collaboration Data Objects for
Windows NT Server' and it’s a Messaging Component comes along
with Windows NT/2000. A windows hosting plan without this is
Incomplete. This provides you the easiest solution for your
messaging thro’ your website ASP pages, provided you have SMTP
support.
4.DATABASES – Microsoft Access 2000 Database is supported by all
the windows hosting plans. This will do if you are a starter.
For experienced campaigners, MS-Sql is a must have. This is an
advanced feature and most of the hosting companies charge extra.
The control for the Databases must be provided in the Control
Panel. Check that.
5.DATABASE Connection – DSN or DSNless Connections, whatever the
case may be, please check if the host has provided the option in
the Control Panel to create/manage DSNs. (Data Source Name). If
DSNs are NOT allowed, ask for the Connection String for DSNless
connections.
6.ASP Components – Apart from the default components, there are
loads of third party software. Check the list of such components
that the host provides. ASP Upload, ASPImage, Dundas Mailer,
ASPjpeg, ASPEncrypt are few popular components. At times you may
require to have your own components (DLLs) installed. This is
provided by most of the hosts, but after the DLL undergoes a
complete test in the server environment. This does not come free.
7.PHP & Coldfusion – ColdFusion is a server-side scripting
language web development tool. It uses HTML-like tags called
CFML to enable back-end ODBC database connectivity as well as
data manipulation and validation within webpages.. This is again
an advanced option and NOT every hosting provider provide this.
But PHP, Mysql is also bundled with windows hosting plans. Keep
an eye on both of these.
8.Control Panel – This is the nucleus of your website. In a
Control Panel, popularly known as CP, you can literally do
anything. The moment you signup for a Hosting Pack, you must be
provided with a CP to manage your webspace.
9.POP3 email Ids & Aliases - yourname@yourdomain.com is an
example POP3 ID. You must be provided with ample of POP3 email
ids and it depends on the Package size.
10.FTP Account – This is where you upload your files, delete
them, update them. This again comes along with the CP.
11.Backup – Most of the Hosts take Automated Backups. But users
do not take much care on this while choosing the Hosting Pack.
This feature is as essential as anyother in this list.
12.Web Statistics - Analysis of your website visitors plays a
key role in the success of your website. Say, your website has
been launched and you get NIL Visits or More than 100 Visits per
day. Whatever the case may be, you can view the Report using
Statistics Application that run in the server backend.
13.Bandwidth – Choose the Hosting Plan that gives enough
Bandwidth for your website. Even though you cannot judge at the
beginning, as time progresses, you can easily deduct the
Bandwidth required.
14.Webmail, SMTP & SPAM – Email becomes key part in your life
once you launch the website. Check if the Hosts provide with
WEBMAIL (mail.yourdomain.com) to check your mails thru a web
based interface using Squirrelmail or Horde. Corporate Users
prefer downloading mails thru Email Clients such as Eudora or
Outlook Express. Only if SMTP or IMAP support is enabled you can
use this option. Hence check if SMTP support is provided.No
email user is free from a spam attack. Hence you need to have
Spam Filters installed on the server where your website resides.
15.IP – If your website prefers SSL Support (https://) as time
grows, makes ure you get a DEDICATED IP. Most of the websites
are hosted on shared IPs. Ask your Hosting Provider about the
extra charges involved in getting a dedicated IP and SSL
Support. Note : For SSL (https://), you need to buy a Digital
Certificate.
Do write to me with your comments and views. My email :
siva@aalphanet.com
Teeyes Siva
Sales Head – Aalphanet.com
About the author:
Teeyes Siva heads the Sales Operations @ aalpha NET
(www.aalphanet.com) , India’s leading domain name registration,
web hosting service provider. He can be reached @
siva@aalphanet.com or 00 91 452 3105858.
