Web Host

What Does Web Host Mean?

A Web host is an organization that sells or leases memory space on its servers. Web hosting is typically done in a data center, which provides services to clients that enable them to publish websites on the Internet. A Web host can also provide data center space and an Internet connection for servers owned by others. The service provided by a Web host is called Web hosting.

In France and Latin American countries, Web hosting may be referred to as colocation or housing.

Techopedia Explains Web Host

A Web host may be either an Internet service provider, or companies that specifically provide a Web hosting service, such as GoDaddy, BlueHost and FatCow. Personal websites are often provided for free, while business websites are much more expensive.

The percentage of time the Web host server is actually connected to the Internet, thus allowing access to the websites it hosts, is called uptime. This value is typically higher than 99 percent, with about 45 minutes of downtime per month for maintenance.

There are many types of Web hosts and Web hosting services. These include:

• Shared Web Hosting: Numerous sites are hosted on the same server.
• Reseller Hosting: Clients are allowed to be Web hosts themselves.
• Dedicated Hosting: The client/user gains full control of the server, but often does not actually own the hardware.
• Managed Hosting: The user/client does not have full control, allowing the Web host to assure the quality of the service. The user may manage data using FTP or remote management tools.
• Cloud Hosting
• Cluster Hosting
• Grid Hosting

Those looking for a Web host need to examine their requirements before choosing a Web hosting service. Some of these may include database server software, software for writing scripts, emails for business purposes, streaming media and the operating system offered. Often the technical aspects of managing a website may be more easily managed if the Web host also provides a Web content management system.