If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may want to consider looking for a new Web hosting provider.
At its most basic, a Web hosting provider stores the files that make
up your Web site, and reliably connects them to the Internet so your
constituents can see your site. Good providers specialize in Web
hosting, with dozens or hundreds of servers, all protected by carefully
designed security, climate, power, and backup systems to ensure that
your site stays up and running.
But how do you find a reliable provider that meets your
organization's needs — especially when there are thousands of hosting
services out there, a plethora of features and tools to choose from, and
pricing options ranging anywhere from $5 to $500 or more per month?
Idealware asked nine nonprofit technology consultants to share their
favorite Web hosting providers and to offer some guidance on navigating
the options. We've consolidated their advice in this primer on Web
hosting services.
Your 15-Year-Old Nephew is Not a Hosting Provider
While it's technically possible to host a Web site on any computer
with a permanent connection to the Internet, it's rarely a good idea.
Letting one of your IT staff, a board member, or an acquaintance host
your site from his or her closet or garage may seem like a good way to
save money, but it's seldom worth the risk. Power outages, crashes,
hackers, and even well-meaning staff can all take your site offline for
hours — or even days.
In other words, hosting is best left to the professionals, who can
offer a variety of safeguards: high-quality, backup Internet
connections; emergency power generators; reliable backup systems; strong
firewalls; the ability to accommodate sudden spikes in the traffic to
your site; and a lot of experience troubleshooting Web servers.
A professional outside hosting service can provide the critical
infrastructure and safeguards that few nonprofits can afford. Though
rarely free, this cost-effective alternative will offer you peace of
mind — and after all, isn't it worth a small investment to know your Web
site is up and running when donors or constituents are looking for it?
Read full article here: http://www.idealware.org/articles/fgt_web_hosting_providers.php