There are a lot of different web Hosting options out there. Any provider can have a multitude of options. If you have not worked with web hosting, you might feel totally lost when it comes to figuring out just what you need. Cirrus Hosting provides an array of services, and we’re here to help you sort through the details to figure out just what type of hosting you need for your business.

Understand the Types of Hosting

Before you can figure out just what you need, you need to be familiar with the different types of hosting options out there. These are the most common:

• Shared hosting
• VPS (virtual private server) hosting
• Cloud hosting
• Dedicated server hosting

You will find that different hosting companies will potentially have different services available for their customers. Here’s a brief overview.

Shared Hosting

Shared hosting is pretty much exactly as it sounds. You are sharing your Server space with other users. This is generally the most affordable hosting option out there. For some users, it’s sufficient. If you’re just getting started or don’t need to worry about heavy volume and traffic, this could be a good option for you. With Shared Hosting, there could be thousands of users on the same server. The server is managed by the host, so it’s up to them to control the users.

The downside of shared hosting is that you never know what resources you will have available. You can be affected by the action of others with things like malware or viruses. Your speed could suffer based on other traffic. Some providers that offer shared hosting will also allow you to upgrade. They help you transition to a different type of hosting when you are ready or your site grows.

VPS Hosting

VPS stands for virtual private server. This is very similar to shared hosting, but there are some safeguards in place. This helps you not have to worry as much about security from what others are doing. On a VPS, you are on a shared server, but you are offered your own spot on that server. That spot is yours and no one else can tap into it or subject you to their risks from it, either.

Cloud Hosting

Cloud hosting takes it all to the cloud for you. You have resources, speed, and storage on demand and you can adjust your cloud based on your needs. With cloud hosting, you rely on your provider. It is up to them to have the appropriate measures in place, and you just work within your cloud. You can manage it, add software and applications, and customize everything however you need it.

Dedicated Server Hosting

Dedicated server hosting is the top level. This is the ultimate form of hosting service and the more expensive option. You get an entire server dedicated solely to your needs. Within that server, you can do whatever you want to the space. You can customize it, manage it, add security, add tools, and work within your server. You don’t have to worry about anyone else on the server. It’s dedicated to you so the resources are ALL YOURS! The best part is you also do not have to maintain the server. That’s what we’re for!

Tips to Make Your Type of Hosting Decision

Now, let’s take a look at a few simple tips to help you know just what to look for before you choose a type of hosting.

Available Features

Think about the different hosting service options and the features of each one. What type of features do you specifically want or need? How can you be successful with your hosting plan? If you have any idea what type of storage you need or the traffic that you can expect, this could be very helpful. Determine what you NEED and then work from there.

Think about the security you will need and whether you will have high traffic or even need to be able to handle e-commerce on the site. Now, what type of hosting feels most suitable to those needs?

Security

Some sites don’t require a lot of security, while other sites demand high security protocols. The type of hosting that you choose will probably have something to do with the security that you need. You also will want to be familiar with how much support your provider offers in terms of security. What do they have in place for security, and how will that benefit your site? What type of added security do you need, and can you implement additional security measures?

Keep in mind that shared hosting offers very little security and you can’t really do much to add it. VPS has a similar setup to shared hosting, but offers you a layer of security between you and the next person there.

Budget

It’s quite possible that if you are just starting out, you might not have much of a budget. It’s safe to say that your budget will affect the type of hosting that you end up choosing in the end. Remember that shared hosting is the most affordable. Dedicated server hosting is the most expensive. You might need one of these or you might need somewhere in between.

We can help you choose the right fit for you based on your needs.

Let Cirrus Hosting Serve Your Needs

When you find yourself faced with choosing the type of hosting for your site, let Cirrus Hosting help you out! Not only do we offer multiple types of hosting plans and services, but we also offer you a company with experience in the field. We are a secure and reliable hosting provider that has been operating since 1999. We would love the opportunity to work with you for your hosting needs. Contact us today to get started.

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