There are quite a few options out there for hosting your organization’s web site. The features and cost can range greatly between services…so how do you choose a service that is right for you? I want to educate you on the key features a typical non-profit organization needs to have for the average web site and provide a [1] link to a hosting service that can meet all these needs at a reasonable cost.

Key Features to Look for in a Hosting Service

There are many hosting services out there waiting to sign you up for their website hosting service. Here are several key points to consider when choosing a hosting service provider:

• Storage Space – The amount of server space provided to store files. Determine the types of files you plan on hosting to your website visitors. If you plan on providing audio and/or video files, you may need larger storage requirements.
• Bandwidth – The amount of data transfer allowed to and from your site. If you will be linking to other sites that may increase traffic to your site, consider a higher bandwidth plan. Exceeding the monthly bandwidth limits can add expensive additional charges.
• Reliability – Make sure the server uptime is guaranteed at least 99.9% (equivalent to <9 hours downtime per year).
• Email – Make sure the service provides enough email accounts for your needs. Some services provide enough email accounts for your entire organization or congregation.
• Domain Name Registration – Does the service provide free domain name registration? How many do you need? Domain name registration costs from $5-$25 per year, so consider this in your cost analysis of different plans and service providers.
• Subdomains – Does the host service provide free subdomain registration? How many do you need? A subdomain is a “subsection” of your domain that behaves as its own domain space. Used for providing server space for a separate website within a single domain name. For example, your church operates a preschool and you want it to have a separate website, but don’t want to pay extra for the hosting. A subdomain can be created to host all the preschool website files as to not conflict with the church site. A subdomain address looks like this: http://preschool.hlc-boise.org. Subdomains are often used for blogs, youth sites, photo galleries and other ministries supported by the church/organization.
• Additional Application Support – Do you need SQL database, PHP scripting or CGI application support? Not all service plans include these features. Make sure the plan has the features you might want to incorporate in the future.
• Linux or Windows – For the most part I prefer using Linux servers. Linux servers are typically more robust and reliable in a web server environment. If you plan on using .ASP or .NET applications then you will want to use a Windows based web server.
• Cost – I didn’t list cost first because you will find many services with similar fees. It is important for the service you choose to have the flexibility and features required for the best price. Also consider the service plan levels available in case a future upgrade is necessary. Make sure you are able to upgrade/downgrade service levels easily.

Recommendation
Recommending a hosting service is not something I take lightly, especially when it comes to a decision as important as web hosting. I personally use and recommend [2] 1&1 Hosting to meet all your hosting needs. For over five years I have used [2] 1&1 Hosting for personal and business sites and have had great success. They have excellent reliability (99.99% uptime guarantee), free 24/7 phone support service, a variety of service plans, great features and affordable pricing.

The lowest cost package includes one free domain name registration (automatically renewed for free each year), 10 GB server space, 300 GB bandwidth, 600 email accounts, 25 subdomains, 100 MB MySQL database use (up to 10 databases), PHP4&5 scripting support, a single Blog and no setup fees for a very affordable $3.99 per month, or $47.88 per year.

For only $1 more a month, add an additional domain name, increase to 120 GB of server space, 1,200 GB bandwidth and many more included features. Outstanding service and features you just can’t beat at a great price! Visit [4] http://www.digital-outreach-web-design.com and click on the link to [2] 1&1 Hosting in the lower left column of the page to find out more about [2] 1&1 Hosting service packages.