Web Developer Hosting
Using your website developer to host your e-commerce needs is another viable option for the small- to mid-sized e-business.
Quite a few web developers have added web-hosting to their list of client services.
A web developer usually provides hosting services via a server with a small pipeline to the Internet (either DSL or some type of partial T-1/E-1 service).
Many times an e-commerce business, especially one with a small niche market, will find that the great service provided by such a hosting arrangement is more important than a large pipe to the Internet.
A web developer’s business is, by nature, customer-centric and thus it will usually have the staff to help you with problems that might arise. However, there is a price to be paid: a slightly higher contract price, total dependence upon one service, and lack of 24x7 technical support.
One piece of advice:
If you decide to go this route, be careful to ensure that your hosting contract does not lock you into using only the web developer’s services (hosting or otherwise) for an extended period of time.
Also, take the appropriate steps to ensure that the developer’s name isn’t listed as the “Administrative Contact” for your domain name.
This identity confusion can cause problems and delays if you (at any time in the future) want to transfer your website and domain to another hosting service. You can find out who is currently listed as Administrative Contact for your domain name at www.accesswhois.com.
Using your website developer to host your e-commerce needs is another viable option for the small- to mid-sized e-business.
Quite a few web developers have added web-hosting to their list of client services.
A web developer usually provides hosting services via a server with a small pipeline to the Internet (either DSL or some type of partial T-1/E-1 service).
Many times an e-commerce business, especially one with a small niche market, will find that the great service provided by such a hosting arrangement is more important than a large pipe to the Internet.
A web developer’s business is, by nature, customer-centric and thus it will usually have the staff to help you with problems that might arise. However, there is a price to be paid: a slightly higher contract price, total dependence upon one service, and lack of 24x7 technical support.
One piece of advice:
If you decide to go this route, be careful to ensure that your hosting contract does not lock you into using only the web developer’s services (hosting or otherwise) for an extended period of time.
Also, take the appropriate steps to ensure that the developer’s name isn’t listed as the “Administrative Contact” for your domain name.
This identity confusion can cause problems and delays if you (at any time in the future) want to transfer your website and domain to another hosting service. You can find out who is currently listed as Administrative Contact for your domain name at www.accesswhois.com.