10 Point Checklist when Finding a Host

Finding a new host for your web site is easy with this 10-point checklist. Using the checklist as a base, write your own top ten list and use this as a benchmark when comparing hosting offers.

Checklist

In no particular order, the ten points to consider are:

• Space & Bandwith
  Hosts have varying methods for allocating file space and bandwidth however most base their plans on a combination of server disc space + bandwidth. You will need to calculate how much space your files will need on the server's hard drive and allow for growth (particularly if you intend to update your web site regularly by adding new content, images, videos, etc).
  Ask the prospective host how they allocate space. Some allocate based on total disc space used, which includes the system files, log files, etc. Some calculate space only on the public web space. This will make a difference to your calculations so you need to ask.
  Once you have calculated your space requirements, estimate the number of visitors your site is likely to receive each month and multiply this by the total space used by your files. This will give you a generous approximation of the bandwidth you are likely to need.
• Upgrade Path
  New sites grow and sites can become more popular than expected so it is important that, if your site outgrows its hosting plan, that an upgrade path is available. Check that the host is able to upgrade your plan seamlessly, when the need arises.
• Application Support
  Make sure you know what programming languages, databases and other server-side tools you require. Look for a host that keeps their server applications up-to-date (an important consideration for security) and that they are running the right versions of these applications to support the software you intend to use. If you intend to use applications or scripts that require a LAMPP (Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP and Perl) server then make sure the host offers this. If you are using Microsoft applications then look for Microsoft hosting. If your application requires Java, then ensure your prospective hosts offer Java hosting.
  
• Control of files, passwords and domains
  Almost all shared hosts allow file uploads through FTP however not all permit root access, telnet or SSH. If your site requires this then make sure you arrange this before you sign up to a plan. If you wish to password-protect areas of your site then make sure this is possible. Some hosts also provide domain registration services which you may be tempted to use - make sure you retain control of the domain name and that you are able to transfer it if you should decide to leave that host.
• Configuration Access
  Will you need an SSL certificate or does the host provide shared SSL? If your application requires the use of Apache modules, such as mod_rewrite or needs htaccess overrides, does the host provide for this? Ask! If you have particular configuration needs, such as disallowing register_globals or fopen, make sure you ask your host about these too.
• Logging & Statistics
  Logs are an important feature for web site management. Does the host provide access to log files if you need to track server intrusions or look for causes of errors? Is a statistics program available so you can monitor your bandwidth use and traffic?
• Control Panel
  Many hosts offer web space control panels such as cPanel, Plesk or Webmin. Some offer a control panel as part of the hosting package while others offer it as an optional extra, at additional cost. Don't assume that your web space will have a control panel, or that it will be one you are familiar with - always ask.
• Email
  If you are running a business site you will most likely want to be able to send and receive email from your own domain. Check if this is offered and, if so, whether any email management features are offered as part of the plan.
  If you plan to run a mailing list, check on any limits on mass email. If a host offers unlimited mass emails to customers this may be an alert that the host allows spammers to use their servers and, if this is the case, you could find your own domain on email blacklists.
• Service Level Agreement & Uptime
  A Service Level Agreement (SLA) outlines the hosts commitment to its customers. Often, this document also spells out what the host expects from its customers. Reading the SLA is a good way of getting a feel for the type of hosting being provided.
  Many hosts make "Uptime Guarantees". Be suspicious of hosts that guarantee 100% uptime - it sounds good but is almost impossible to achieve. For any uptime guarantee look for independent verification. Most hosts have external server monitoring so should be able to show you a report of their server reliability.
• Customer Support
  You need to consider the level of customer service you are likely to need from a host. Does the host have a ticketing system, provide online live support, or a telephone help desk? If your web site is a critical part of your business then reaching a skilled technician quickly in the event of a problem is important. What kind of response time does the host have? Ask the host and also look at their customer forums or use search engines to find independent information about the quality of support.

You will note that I have not included pricing in this checklist. Pricing is subjective - you know what you can afford. Look for the host that can best meet your needs and compare the prices of those that do. Cheap hosting often relies on overselling of server space and can cost you wasted time and a lot of frustration. Very expensive hosting is often no better than the hosting provided at a mid-range price. Use search engines and sites such as Web Hosting Talk to do your research and you are sure to find just the right host for your site.

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!