A myriad of Web hosting services are available, but the two main categories of hosting environments are shared and dedicated. Well over 90% of our customers choose the shared hosting option; and specifically our Pica Plan.

Shared Hosting : Simple and Efficient

A Shared hosting plan is a simple and efficient Web solution often used to establish and successfully run an online presence. Shared hosting means that a Web site resides in a section of - or shares - a single Web server in a secure data center of a hosting service provider such as Inhost. This allows an Independent Professional or small business more time to focus on running its core business rather than administering its Shared hosting is a fast, economical, secure and reliable means to establish a professional Web presence. And, advanced technical skills are not required.

In a matter of hours, a small business or Independent Professional can be up and running on the Web with a shared hosting solution. Depending on business needs, a shared solution provides noticeable features and functionality including E-Commerce, databases, E-mail accounts and streaming media.

All Inhost plans are scalable This means that as a web site grows a customer can easily upgrade to a dedicated server solution. For example, a business may experience a dramatic increase in site traffic or require customized software applications. At that point a dedicated hosting solution makes sense.

Dedicated Hosting : Commanding Agility

Dedicated hosting means leasing an entire server, or multiple servers for exclusive use rather than sharing one server with other sites. This solution enables a business to have an added level of command and agility over their Web presence without the burden of making the upfront investment required to purchase a server.

Like shared hosting, the server is located in a hosting service provider's secure data center with 24/7/365 physical security and support and redundant Internet connections. However, a dedicated solution offers customers a richer set of features. For example, a business could customize its server to meet their unique performance needs, install customized software, and individualize settings for multimedia and e-commerce requirements. A business could even host numerous Web sites on just one server. And the customer has the option of "root access" to their server - enabling full command and control over the server.

The hosting service provider (HSP) handles server maintenance, however, dedicated hosting requires additional customer involvement and expertise including some IT competency and server administration to maintain the server(s).

Choosing Shared or Dedicated

Either way, shared or dedicated, a business or Independent Professional can easily switch, or migrate, between the two. Normally anyone who is relatively new to the web will start of with a shared solution. Then as the business grows or specific needs require it, migration to a dedicated server(s) is quite seamless. Traditionally a business new to the Web will start off with a shared solution and move to a dedicated solution as the business needs dictate and as familiarity with the Web increases.