Web hosting provides the server resources and services required to make a website or web application accessible online.
The correct hosting environment depends on website traffic, application requirements, security, storage, email usage, performance expectations and the organisation’s ability to manage the server.
Business hosting decisions should consider support, backup, monitoring, software maintenance and recovery—not only disk space and monthly price.
VPS hosting
A virtual private server provides allocated virtual resources and greater administrative control than standard shared hosting.
VPS hosting may be appropriate for custom applications, high-traffic websites, specialist software or environments requiring dedicated configurations.
Cloud and dedicated hosting
Cloud hosting can use virtual infrastructure that is scalable and distributed across professionally managed platforms. Dedicated hosting provides exclusive use of a physical server.
These options may support larger workloads and greater control, but they also require stronger administration, monitoring, security and backup processes.
| Hosting type | Suitable for | Management requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Shared hosting | Company websites and standard applications | Low to moderate |
| VPS hosting | Custom or growing applications | Moderate to high |
| Cloud hosting | Scalable and resilient workloads | Moderate to high |
| Dedicated server | Specialist and resource-intensive systems | High |
Domain registration and DNS
The domain is the address users enter to reach the website. DNS records direct the domain to web, email and other internet services.
Domain ownership information, registrar access, renewal dates and DNS administration should be controlled and documented by the organisation.
- Keep registrant information current
- Protect registrar accounts with strong authentication
- Track renewal dates
- Document DNS records
- Avoid giving unnecessary third parties permanent control
- Verify ownership before changing providers
SSL certificates and HTTPS
An SSL or TLS certificate enables encrypted HTTPS communication between a visitor’s browser and the website.
Certificates should renew reliably, and websites should redirect users from HTTP to HTTPS. Certificate errors may affect trust, functionality and search visibility.
Business email hosting
Some hosting packages include email accounts using the organisation’s domain. The suitability of bundled email depends on mailbox size, collaboration needs, security, mobile access and continuity requirements.
Organisations requiring advanced collaboration and administration may consider a dedicated business email platform such as Microsoft 365.
Website performance
- Use suitable server resources
- Optimise images
- Apply caching
- Keep applications and plugins updated
- Reduce unnecessary scripts
- Use a content-delivery network where appropriate
- Monitor uptime and response time
- Resolve database and application errors
Hosting security
Hosting security is a shared responsibility. The provider protects the platform, while the website owner must maintain applications, passwords, users, plugins and website content.
- Apply software updates
- Use strong administrator passwords
- Enable multi-factor authentication where available
- Remove unused accounts and plugins
- Maintain clean backups
- Monitor suspicious changes
- Use malware and vulnerability scanning
- Restrict administrative access
Choosing a hosting provider
- Clear resource limits
- Reliable technical support
- Backup and restoration options
- Security monitoring
- SSL certificate support
- Transparent renewal pricing
- Domain and DNS management
- Migration assistance
- Suitable service availability