Selecting a hosting provider could be tough, especially for SMEs because they need a server with a broad range of functionality. When deciding on a server, the customer needs to consider all the pros and cons because it’s pretty much pointless handing over a giant sum of money to rent a server, and then regretting over that decision.

More so because hosting providers know how to lure customers; the strategy they apply is shouting out loud so voices of their competitors couldn’t be heard. That’s why you as a customer need to show prudence and look beyond the marketing gimmicks, so the true potential of a hosting company could be recognized.

Almost all web hosting companies promise 99% uptime, 24/7 live chat and email

support, money back guarantee and many other facilities to customers. But how many of them live up to the promises they make? Very few. That’s the reality.

Therefore, don’t ever trust a hosting provider simply at its face value. Inquire how its server could benefit you. Your inquiries should stress on

Access to cPanel

Whether you run a small business or just an amateur blogger, access to the cPanel is a must. Hosting providers are normally resellers or data centers themselves, but sometimes users go for unlimited plans with just one cPanel and then masquerade as resellers. They can offer you unlimited hosting but not cPanel. Not having access to cPanel means you’ll be clueless about half the features the server contains. So don’t invest in a server if its provider refuses to give you cPanel access.

Fantastico support

Fantastico scripts are necessary for smooth handling of the server. Those scripts are responsible for a number of important tasks such as creating tables in databases, modifying configuration files, etc. Once logged in to cPanel, you can find the Fantastico icon in the software section. Click on it to see which programs are available to be installed. The list of installable programs will show up in the left side of the screen. It’s best to go for an unlimited plan if you want to fully harness the power of fantastico because whenever you install a program, you need a database for that. Unlimited plans guarantee unrestricted number of MySQL databases.

Support for multimedia features

It’s essential for a server to support multimedia features such as flash, macromedia shockwave, streaming audio and video, real audio and video and MIDI file. Even if your website doesn’t belong to the entertainment industry, the said multimedia features may still come in handy because online marketing has been becoming increasingly dependent on multimedia. If you choose a linux server, then make sure it has additional plugins because they may be required to install shockwave.

Easy installation of CMS

Content management systems are being supported by all servers. But no two servers offer the same level of support; some servers let users install a CMS just by clicking few times while other servers make them download the CMS, then upload it on the cPanel. When shopping around for a server, try selecting one that allows easy installation of a CMS and lets you choose from a range of CMSs like Joomla, Drupal, Wordpress, CMSPro, Magento, Django, etc.

Override .htaccess support

.htaccess file comes in really handy. You can give specific instructions to the site through it without having to make any modification on the configuration file. Many servers don’t allow users to keep a .htaccess file because hackers can use it to inject malicious codes. But that’s chiefly for shared servers.

You could use AllowOverride to modify any file. But when you use AllowOverride, it makes Apache do an open call on the requested file’s patent directories. Since all customers have the same parent directories in a shared server, it might amount to security loopholes. Nevertheless, if it’s a high-performance server, then it can keep security concerns at bay and provide AllowOverride support.

Cloud servers

Cloud servers cost more than normal servers because they come with an array of functionality. In case of a cloud server, the site is hosted on a virtual computer, the benefit of which is your server never gets clogged even if others overload their cloud servers because resources are being allotted on a dedicated basis. Besides, cloud servers don’t suffer from hardware problems and thereby reduces the possibility of downtime. So select a provider who could offer you a cloud server.

The five tips discussed in this article are relevant for the first time server buyers as well as for those who are pissed over poor performance of their existing servers. Following these tips will help you find a good hosting service provider, at least it will make the herd thin so you you could select one from a pool of reliable hosting providers.

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