Things to consider before you choose web hosting service for your business

Web Hosting Services

Web hosting solutions are picking a fast momentum and represent one of the strongest sectors operational on the internet. However, it is not possible for any website to start running of its own and one needs to invest considerable amount of time, money and energy in launching the same. Certain basic information about web hosting services needs to be known, in order to start-up a website and run it on the World Wide Web. Interestingly, this information is provided by a number of companies in the market that allocate server space for business. Similar to Windows, systems that run on Linux can be connected through a server as part of Linux hosting.

Familiarization with different types of hosting is pivotal to choose the best solutions available for a particular business. For individual blogs, complementary hosts can be used, whereas businesses require several additional features. Owing to the same, a company needs to pay a specific monthly fee for any paid hosting service. Different types of web hosting services available in the industry are free, shared, dedicated, ecommerce and reseller plans.

Description of different web hosting services

In case of shared hosting plans, websites are placed in the same server as several other portals. Dedicated hosting plans are available for large businesses, where a single server is provided to an entire business. Strong database, unlimited data capacity and reliable email solutions are some of the benefits of dedicated hosting. Additionally, electronic payment processors and Secure Socket Layer (SSL) certificates are available, in order to get secure payment transactions at these websites. The final type of hosting, referred to as reseller, is ideal for persons who want to rent space to other companies on their server. In simple words, web hosting services help in earning a good amount of income.

Hosting through different Operating Systems

Windows hosting is usually ideal for small business purposes as it provides a limited amount of storage space. Flexible hosting plans are available, which serve as a good value for money. A certain number of mail boxes, webmail, a control panel and instant activation are some of the features provided with these solutions. Few experts are also of a view that Linux hosting is well suited for small business websites. Owing to the user friendly control panel, several minor or major changes can be made to the company website. In addition, 24x7 customer support can also be availed from hosting companies. Interestingly, feature rich packages for such hosting can be purchased at affordable prices as these companies offer customized solutions to their clients. Professional windows hosting and Linux hosting plans are usually used to facilitate businesses in getting their websites online within a short period of time.

What Types of SSL Certificates can be used for Online Shopping Website

Website Security Certificates

Presently, the security of online internet transactions is very critical, in order to prevent the unauthorized usage of credit and debit card numbers and other internet frauds. In order to secure these transactions, a Secure Socket Layer, or SSL certificate is installed on an ecommerce website. Though some sites also operate without this certification, it is advisable to use the same so as to ensure maximum data security.

How an SSL certificate provides a sense of security?

Adding an SSL certificate gives customers a feeling of security through two different ways. Firstly, an https:// notification will certify that the site is secured. Along with this, the credit card numbers will appear encrypted and information on the website will be matched with the certificate authority. Digital certificate is mainly an electronic credit card to establish the online shopper's credentials of a website. The digital certificate must be used on the same domain name that has been stated in it; otherwise it will be termed unauthorised.

Types of SSL certificates

There are three types of certificates that can be used on an ecommerce website. Different levels of validation are given to a company in order to prove its genuineness.  The first one is Domain validated (DV) SSL certificate. Issuers of this certificate check the ownership credentials of a domain as against the WHOIS database. Only the applicant's name and contact information is verified in this type. It is the simplest form of SSL and prevents users from encountering warning screens. The next type is an Organizationally Validated (OV) security certificate. Rigorous certification is followed in this type by checking organisational credentials and verifying the activity of business and home addresses of entrepreneurs. It is much more advanced than DV SSL. Last is the Extended Validation (EV) SSL, also the newest form introduced as recently in 2007. It adheres to industry-recognized certification procedures and their validation criterion is even more stringent. One of the new features introduced in this is color coding of web browsers and denoting secure connections. Browser windows turn green on encountering a valid website and red for a phishing or fake website.

Importance of encryption for an ecommerce website

  

With the help of a website certificate, communication between email client and exchange server can be made more efficient. It must be noted that validity of businesses is certified by ensuring legitimacy. SSL can be said to be a type of website certificate as encryption is an important part of security on websites. It is essentially aimed at certifying that the user is legitimate.