Cloud website hosting services are becoming more prevalent and are no longer considered a futuristic technology. Thanks to technological advancements, there are numerous advantages of hosting a website in the cloud. The cloud offers a number of servers that are tethered together making one mass of high-powered computing resources. This translates to virtually unlimited power because servers and resources can be added to the cloud as often as necessary.
Cloud Scalability
A website hosted on cloud servers has a very rare chance of going down. This is possible because cloud hosting is capable of effortlessly handling immense server load. Additional updates, adding hardware and the use of technologies that are related to load balancing make this a possibility. Therefore, there is no need to worry about a website going down as a result of a server crash as other servers pick the slack at the right time.
Easy Cloud Hosting Management
Cloud hosting also makes it possible to centrally manage servers and network services. Things are made very easy to manage and the operation is impeccable without compromising on quality.
You Only Pay For What You Use
This is probably the biggest advantage of cloud website hosting services. Billing is based on what you use and there are no expenses for any sort of periodic rentals. This technology is quite convenient as websites with relatively low traffic don’t need to overspend on dedicated resources such as server space and high bandwidth. In this kind of hosting system, you are only billed for the amount of traffic your website receives and the number of resources used as opposed to a high predefined limit.
Customizable Size And Website Storage
Cloud hosting has a large network of servers. You have the freedom to create servers with as much capacity as you want. Moreover, these can be accessed through online control panels such as API services.
Easy Deployment In The Cloud
Deploying cloud web hosting is like a walk in the park. You can do this in record time as compared to other types of web hosting packages. There is no need to invest in hardware, software licensing, or implementation. In fact, a cloud hosting service only costs a small percentage of the cost you would incur for an identical on-premise hosting solution.
Improved Cloud Efficiency
The virtual pooling of available resources has a huge role to play in enhancing the efficiency of the entire cloud hosting system. The performance of individual resources such as software, servers, and networks also adds to the hosting performance.
Freeing Up Of Internal Resources
Outsourcing server and storage space to a third party is an advantage on its own. A company is able to free up internal resources and reduce its burden. This ensures that the company is able to fully utilize the available resources and use them in a more efficient manner for its core operations. There’s no more need to worry about storage and servers in the cloud.
Round-The-Clock Hosting Support
Hosting requires round-the-clock hosting support. Just as is the case with conventional types of shared hosting, you have access to 24/7 customer support if you host your website in the cloud. You can have your issues or queries answered by support staff when the need arises.
Fewer Risks Using Cloud Hosting
When it comes to data loss, hosting a website in the cloud is associated with a reduced amount of risk. In fact, the risk of data loss is reduced to the minimum as cloud web hosts offer quick backups. Data is often stored in remote locations thus enhancing security as compared to other types of web hosting.
No Domain Limitations
Cloud hosting provides an affordable and friendly solution to multiple domain hosting. It’s possible to host an unlimited number of domains on a single cloud VPS. Some cloud hosting providers even have server management software that makes it easy for you to create, manage and delete accounts from a single interface as you please.
Hosting your website in the cloud is considered a great option if you are considering numerous sites, have a high-traffic site, a data-sensitive site, or if you simply want more power and control. This is a high leveler of service available at Flip Hosting. Despite differences in cost, you can always carry out a bit of market research, get a list of potential providers and choose one that will meet your particular needs and preferences.
What To Look For When Shopping For A Cloud Hosting Package
A substantial web presence is essential for every business in the 21st century, but for smaller businesses, the cost of equipment and dedicated servers can be prohibitive. Cloud hosting can make all the difference to the survival of these companies, by greatly reducing the amount of equipment, staff, and software required. It can also make it easy for employees to access files remotely, wherever they happen to be working, and, importantly, eliminate the need to spend time backing up files to avoid data loss. At Flip Hosting, we require a website to be substantial before moving to a cloud package.
However, when deciding to move to the cloud, the problem businesses can encounter is the increasing number of companies offering cloud hosting solutions online. The different services and types of hosting packages they offer can be very confusing. The question is — what to look for when shopping for a cloud hosting package? With your cloud hosting at FlipHosting.com, you don’t need to make things overly complicated. Just like all our hosting packages, we make sure all the technical aspects are taken care of for you so you can really focus on running your business.
Types of Service
Before choosing a service, the first thing you need to do is to identify your exact business requirements, so that you can be very clear about the type of hosting service you need. There are three main types of cloud service, based on the amount of control over your system you retain. These are PaaS (platform as a service), IaaS (infrastructure as a service), and SaaS (software as a service).
A PaaS provider will offer a managed OS (operating system), plus access for your IT staff to virtual computers at the provider’s data center, freeing you from the need to maintain your OS. IaaS services are similar, but allow you more control over your OS — they allow you to transfer your existing workload to the cloud with little or no change required. With both, you have access to the shared data center and all the facilities it provides.
With SaaS, you are provided with applications that can be accessed via the Internet, using your own devices such as browsers or smartphones. This gives you immediate availability of solutions to your business problems, with no upfront investment. However, it involves more data privacy issues and less control over your own business data.
The Right Price
Whatever type of service you choose, based on your business requirements, you need to be very clear about the pricing structure. In particular, you should ensure that you only pay for what you actually use, and also ensure that you can increase your requirements as your business grows. Avoid any hosting provider requiring a large upfront investment, which is not necessary for cloud hosting.
Hosting Security
Apart from cost, your major consideration must be security, and you should check not only that a provider has a range of standard security measures in place, but that they are regularly upgraded. Measures you should look for include data encryption, firewalls, and virus detection. You also need to ensure that the company carries out security background checks on its own employees.
Another factor you need to look at is the location of the company’s data center, and find out whether it is sufficiently secure to withstand disasters like fires, floods, earthquakes, and hurricanes. Ideally, the host company should have data centers in more than one physical location, with adequate backup arrangements in the case of a disaster or power failure. The best way of ensuring adequate data security is to look for SSAE 16 certification (Statement on Standards for Attestation Engagements), which demonstrates that a company’s systems are compliant with industry security standards.
Minimum Downtime
It’s also a good idea to look for the minimum downtime in your hosting provider. Downtime can be incredibly costly for your business — it’s impossible to avoid altogether, but some hosts have a lot more than others. If the information is not provided on their website, you need to request this information.
Support is Vital
Last but not least, the level of customer support is crucial. E-mail support by itself is not adequate — you need live phone support and live chat 24 hours a day, including holidays. Check who actually provides the support — it needs to be provided by expert cloud engineers, not by call-center staff.
By keeping down costs of IT and internet presence, cloud hosting allows smaller businesses to compete with larger ones on much more equal terms. However, if you choose the wrong company, with poor security or support, or too much downtime, this will be the opposite of cost-effectiveness. It’s imperative to be very clear about the business requirements for your move and ensure you select the right service to meet those requirements.
Cloud hosting is not for everyone. If you’re looking for a cloud solution and have a website that needs additional resources for traffic, growth, and multi-domains, let us know and we can discuss your needs and situation. This isn’t normally offered by Flip Hosting but we have the resources should you really need a cloud solution for your business.