If you are considering launching a website, then web hosting might be a wholly new concept to you. In a nutshell, it’s the service that makes your website available online and the place where you will store all your website content, files and software. However, as there is so much more to be aware of before you choose a hosting option, this post will explain what web hosting is, how it is used, and the different types of hosting available in 2024. We’ll also look at the role of the web host and why your choice of hosting provider is important.
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The purpose of web hosting
Web hosting plays the crucial role of putting your website online. However, it can also enable you to make use of a wide range of other apps that can enhance your website or carry out other business functions. Today, many companies use hosting to take advantage of technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning which have become indispensable for providing personalised customer experiences, automation and data analyses – all of which are utilised by modern websites. Online stores, for example, use AI to provide customers with product recommendations based on their browsing and purchase history. Others make use of chatbots that use machine learning to take care of customer inquiries or provide 24/7 customer service.
Some businesses also use their web hosting to run project management tools which have become increasingly important for enabling employees to work remotely, collaborate on tasks and share documents and data.
Different types of web hosting
Beginners looking for web hosting can often be baffled by the choices available and have little idea about which is the right choice. To help, here we take a closer look at each of the types you can choose from and what they are suited for.
- Shared hosting
Shared hosting is the most common form of hosting and the most affordable. This is an entry-level solution where many websites share the resources, i.e., storage, CPU and RAM, of a single server. This type of hosting is ideal for small websites, blogs and startups that do not have a great deal of traffic, and which do not run applications that use a lot of resources or bandwidth. While shared hosting can be very inexpensive, from just a few pounds a month, the disadvantage is that your website’s performance can sometimes be affected by the activities of busier websites on the same server.Want to know more? Read: What to Look for in a Shared Hosting Package
- Virtual Private Server (VPS)
Made possible because of developments in virtualisation technology, a VPS stands between shared hosting and dedicated server hosting. VPS are created by partitioning a dedicated server to create several virtual servers. Essentially a mini-dedicated server, each has its own allocated resources and its own operating system. Compared to shared hosting, users have more resources and no interference from busy neighbours, factors which ensure their websites continually perform well. Surprisingly far less expensive than having a dedicated server, this option is ideal for those with growing websites or who need more resources to run additional applications.Interested in VPS? Read: Key Tips for Choosing the Right VPS Hosting Package
- Dedicated server
Dedicated server hosting means having an entire server to yourself. These are highly powerful computers with large amounts of storage and resources. Users can choose from a wide range of specifications, based on the number of processors and cores, storage size and RAM they need. You can even have bespoke configurations built for you.These are expensive solutions designed for companies with large, busy websites, and which use resource-intensive applications. They offer exceptional performance and give users the flexibility to configure the server in a way that best suits their applications. - Cloud hosting
With cloud hosting, websites are hosted on a network of interconnected virtual servers, a feature that makes them exceptionally reliable and which enables businesses to scale resources up or down depending on demand. This makes cloud hosting ideal for websites and applications that need to be online all the time, and which are subject to fluctuations in traffic or resource usage. - Specialist hosting
Some website software has unique needs and, today, web hosts are catering for these platforms by developing hosting solutions specifically for them. The most popular of these is WordPress Hosting, a solution that is optimised to enhance WordPress performance, improve its security and make it easier to manage the website and hosting. Features can include one-click installation, automatic updates, free daily backups, free SSL certificates and WordPress application firewalls. - Email hosting
Finally, you’ll find most of the solutions mentioned above come with email hosting included. This means you’ll be able to have professional business domain email addresses (e.g. @mybusiness.co.uk) and you’ll be able to set up and manage email accounts directly within your hosting dashboard. Email hosting solutions are usually compatible with clients like Microsoft Outlook and come with features like calendars, contacts, to-do lists and autoresponders.
Advancements in web hosting
In 2024, web hosts, like many of the companies they serve, are making greater use of advanced technologies. AI and machine learning, for example, are being deployed to automate tasks like server management and security. In doing so, providers can better predict and fix potential issues, such as server failure or cyberattack, before they impact a website. These tools also help eradicate human error.
Other advanced features include robust firewalls that detect and neutralise attacks, automated server backups, and the latest SSD technologies that ramp up website loading speeds. There are also optional tools like marketgoo, that help website owners improve search engine optimisation (SEO) by generating instant SEO audits and then providing customised strategies, complete with personalised instructions on how to make progress. In addition, you’ll find email encryption, spam filters, and advanced security suites like Imunify360.
It’s not only in technology where web hosting is making progress. Today, you’ll find that in many cases, 24/7 technical support comes as standard. This means that should an issue ever arise; you will always have an expert on hand to help you get it fixed. Managed services are another key development. Here, web hosts will take the technical burden from their customers by carrying out a range of important tasks on their behalf, such as server admin, operating system updates and patching, and server monitoring and maintenance.
For more information read: Managed or Unmanaged Hosting Which is Right for You?
Conclusion
Web hosting is essential for individuals and businesses who want to launch websites. From reading this article, you should now have a better understanding of the purpose of web hosting, the different types of solutions available, and the advances providers have made in their use of modern technologies and the development of new services. Hopefully, you will now have a clear idea of the hosting solution you need and what to look for in a hosting provider.
Whether you are a digitally dependent enterprise or an individual with a personal website, eukhost provides reliable, secure and high-performance hosting solutions for every need. Visit our homepage to see our range of services.
