In a nutshell, a web hosting service allows individuals and businesses to create their own websites which are accessible via the World Wide Web. A host provides space on the server as well as connectivity to the internet. A service does not need to own the server in order to provide access to it: it may use another service\'s data center (which is called collocation).

Types of web hosting

-- \"Free\" web hosting is supported by advertisers and therefore a fee is not generally required. A user does not have many options with this type of host because there is no cost.

-- Shared web hosting supports many websites on the same server, all of which have access to the options offered by the server.

-- With a dedicated hosting system, a website\'s user has full control over its server and may manage the website however he pleases. With that control comes the ability to change a site\'s content; but it should be noted that the user has responsibility for the oversight of the site\'s security as well.

-- A small or middle sized company may prefer to use a managed hosting service. Here, a user gets control over the server just as with dedicated hosting, but the day to day management of the site and the responsibility of its security and general upkeep are outsourced to a separate management company.

The management company usually maintains its own data centers and will guarantee power supply and network connection. There are other benefits to using a managed hosting service:

The company\'s responsibility toward the management of its website is removed, allowing the business to focus on other tasks. Someone else can worry about which hardware and software is needed and would work best in order to help a company to best achieve its goals.

It could cost a business a small fortune to keep on top of new viruses and other network issues itself. Under a managed host, such problems are resolved by others.

Many managed hosting services offer a certain degree of flexibility in their plans. Depending on the needs of a particular business, services offer different price packages. A company will save money no matter which plan they choose since it frees it from having to hire extra IT personnel.

No matter which type of web service a business chooses to use, it is always a good idea to consult with professionals to see which type will work best and be the most efficient. A company\'s web page shows its face to the world, and can mean the difference between success and failure in an increasingly competitive marketplace. Choose wisely.