Evaluating and Selecting A Web Hosting Service - Level 3

Entoto poly technic college
Web Development and Database Administration Level-III
Web Development and Database

Administration
Level-III
Based on March 2022, Curriculum Version 1
Module Title: - Evaluating and Selecting a Web Hosting Service

Module code: EIS WDDBA3 M10 0322
Nominal duration: 40 Hours
Prepared by: Entoto PTC Department of IT
September, 2023
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Introduction to the Module
In web development and database administration filed; Evaluating and Selecting a Web Hosting
Service helps to achieve the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to identify the
requirements to evaluate and select a web hosting services.
This module is designed to meet the industry requirement under web development and database
administration occupational standard, particularly for the unit of competency: Evaluating and
Selecting a Web Hosting Service
This module covers the units:
 Select ISP
 Ensure guarantee of permanent online presence
 Ensure that web host meets technical requirements
 Benchmark performance and test against specified criteria
 Assess quality of service delivered
Learning Objective of the Module
 Select ISP
 Ensure guarantee of permanent online presence
 Ensure that web host meets technical requirements
 Benchmark performance and test against specified criteria
 Assess quality of service delivered
Module Instruction
For effective use these module’s trainees are expected to follow the following module
instruction:
1. Read the information written in each unit
2. Accomplish the Self-checks at the end of each unit
3. Do the “LAP test” giver at the end of each unit and
4. Read the identified reference book for Examples and exercise


Unit one: Select ISP
This unit is developed to provide you the necessary information regarding the following content
coverage and topics:
 Reviewing comparable characteristics of a range hosting services
 Reviewing client usage to ensure email and mailing list services are flexible enough
current and future business needs
 Reviewing support service standards to ensure they meet business needs
 Ensuring ISP hosting service has sufficient data capacity to cover partial outage
 Determining availability of security technologies
 Determining availability of scripting languages
 Evaluating optional server applications for advanced web business functions
 Confirming client selection criteria and selecting ISP hosting service that best matches
criteria.
This unit will also assist you to attain the learning outcomes stated in the cover page.
Specifically, upon completion of this learning guide, you will be able to:
 Review comparable characteristics of a range hosting services
 Review client usage to ensure email and mailing list services are flexible enough current
and future business needs
 Review support service standards to ensure they meet business needs
 Ensure ISP hosting service has sufficient data capacity to cover partial outage
 Determine availability of security technologies
 Determine availability of scripting languages
 Evaluate optional server applications for advanced web business functions
 Confirm client selection criteria and selecting ISP hosting service that best matches
criteria.
1 UNIT ONE: SELECT ISP

What is an ISP?
ISP (internet service provider) is a company that provides individuals and organizations access to
the internet and other related services. An ISP has the equipment and the telecommunication line
access required to have a point of presence on the internet for the geographic area served.
ISPs make it possible for customers to access the internet while also providing additional
services such as email, domain registration and web hosting. ISPs may also provide different
internet connection types, such as cable and fiber. Connections can also come in the form of
high-speed broadband or non-broadband. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
states that to be considered high-speed, a connection must have download speeds of at least 25
megabits per second (Mbps) and upload speeds a minimum of 3 Mbps.
An ISP is also sometimes referred to as an internet access provider. ISP is also sometimes used
as an abbreviation for independent service provider to distinguish a service provider that is a
separate company from a telephone company.
1.1 REVIEWING COMPARABLE CHARACTERISTICS OF A RANGE HOSTING

SERVICES
When choosing an Internet Service Provider (ISP), most businesses focus mainly on the
cost and don’t put much thought into other aspects that are equally important if not more.
The goal of every business choosing an ISP shouldn’t be to get the cheapest service but to
consider the below factors and using cost as the differentiator if necessary.
1. Coverage
If an ISP has no coverage in your business location or locations, you might as well move
on with another provider. There are many ISPs that do not have coverage in most parts of
a state or country but depend on their partner’s infrastructure to deliver the service.
A good ISP will conduct either a desktop or physical site survey or both at your location
to determine if they have coverage or not.
2. Types of Connection
They are 3 main types of internet connections being used. Radio, Fiber optics, and VSAT
connections.
A survey should be conducted to determine which connection type is best or connections
that can be deployed to give the client options.
It is an advantage if an ISP can provide both a Radio and Fiber optics connection in order
to provide a Back-Up service which is very important for avoiding network interruptions.
3. Reliability
An unreliable internet service isn’t good for your business productivity and your brand
image. Many ISPs would claim they have a 98%-99.99% uptime and honestly some
might have a few downtimes in a year.
However, there should be a Service Level Agreement (SLA) that stipulates the service to
be rendered and in case of downtimes, what the ISP is willing to give to compensate the
client. e.g. Credit periods, discounts, etc.
4. Bandwidth
As a business, you need to know the bandwidth (speed) that will be appropriate before
requesting a quote. This will depend on the number of users and internet-connected
devices (e.g. Servers, Video Conference Devices), applications such as CRM, your type
of business- web hosting, e-commerce, graphics/video production, etc.
The good thing here is that the download and upload speed in a DIA is the same which is
especially great for video conferencing.
5. Upstream capacity
This is very important especially as more organizations are encouraging remote works.
The ISPs need to have the capacity to provide remote access, and automated offsite back-
ups to enable organizations to transmit data to their staff wherever they may be.
6. Professional field service and Customer Service

It is important that installed devices are done properly. Having bad cabling can affect the
quality of service you receive and would lead to frequent calls to the customer service
department.
Also, if your business is one that requires it’s internet to be up 24/7 then you need a
customer service that is available 24/7 and to speak to a real person and not a robot.
Let’s be honest, problems will occur and how quickly the ISP is able to attend to your
complaint and resolve them should be a priority to every business.
7. Equipment quality and flexibility
ISPs know which Access Points (aka modems or Routers) are of high standards and come
with a built-in firewall. Most likely they would recommend what they believe is best and
support especially after a physical site survey has been carried out.
ISPs generally don’t provide choices when it comes to Access Points, however you can
request a particular device you trust but listen to what the ISP has to say.
8. Contract length
Usually, most contract lengths in Nigeria start from 12 months. If you are thinking that’s
too long, then you probably don’t want to be in business for the next 12 months.
The advantage is even when you don’t pay when due for some reason (supposing you are
paying in installments), the ISP will still keep your internet up because of the contract
and considering you are running a business. Many ISPs can also offer a temporary
discount especially if the business isn’t going that great or can increase your bandwidth
for a day to cater for high demand, say for an event.
9. Terms and Conditions

Contracts can be adjusted but Terms and Conditions cannot just for one client. Make sure
you read the ISP’s Terms and Conditions and you are comfortable with it.
10. Restrictive policies

Find out the ISP’s policies on Ports freedom and SMTP flexibility. Some of the policies
might not be to your advantage.
11. Extras
An Internet connection is a critical IT Infrastructure for any business. But as a business,
you need more than just internet. You might need a Static IP Address, Email service,
VPN, Cloud services, etc.
Find out if the ISP you have in mind offers these extras so you can have one ISP partner
to focus on and really understands your business needs.
12. Cost
Yes, the cost is still very important but should be the last factor to consider when
choosing an ISP. After considering the factors above in relation to your needs, create a
list of ISPs that can deliver and then use cost as the differentiating factor.
Be careful not to compare oranges and mangoes. E.g Do not compare the cost of one ISP
that offers 12 hours of customer service per day with another that offers 24/7 customer
service.
You should consider all your options carefully when choosing an internet service provider. The
quality, price, and consistency of your Internet connection are all factors that can be greatly
affected by your choice of internet service provider.
When deciding on an internet service provider, it's important to take into account several
different criteria, such as the service's availability in your area, its speed and bandwidth, its
reliability, its customer support, its data caps, and usage policies, its data privacy and security
policies, its protection against cyber threats, its contract length, and its fees. You will be in
trouble if you do not consider all of these factors before making the purchase.
1.2 REVIEWING CLIENT USAGE TO ENSURE EMAIL AND MAILING LIST

SERVICES ARE FLEXIBLE ENOUGH CURRENT AND FUTURE BUSINESS NEEDS
Email hosting services are the companies that provide businesses with email servers. These
email servers allow businesses to send and receive emails using their own domain name (e.g.
info@yourbusinessname.com) rather than a free email address from a third-party provider
such as Gmail, Yahoo, etc.
It is crucial to have the right email hosting service because your email server can greatly
impact your ability to communicate with customers, partners, and employees. If your email
server is down, not working correctly or doesn’t offer the features you need, you could miss
out on important communications or even lose customers. Also, it allows you to build trust
with your customers and partners. When you send an email from your own domain name, it
looks more professional and trustworthy than sending an email from a free email address.
Additionally, having your own email server gives you more control over your email
communications. You can manage your own blacklisting and whitelist, set up rules for
automated replies and messages, and customize your email signature.
Therefore, it is important to carefully consider your needs and select an email hosting service
that offers the features you need and is reliable. Read on to see the important factors you
should consider while selecting an email hosting service.
Important Factors That You Must Consider While Selecting An Email Hosting Service
01: The Size of Your Business
The first factor you should consider when selecting an email hosting service is the size of
your business. If you are a small business with only a few employees, you may not need all
of the features offered by larger email hosting services. However, if you are a larger business
with multiple employees, you will need a service that can accommodate your needs. Be sure
to research the different options and find a service that fits your needs.
Factor #02: The Type of Email Communication You Use
If you only need to send and receive emails, a basic service will be sufficient. However, if
you need to use additional features such as mailing lists, file sharing or contact management,
you will need a service that offers these features.
Factor #03: The Number of Emails You Expect to Send and Receive
If you only plan on sending a few emails each day, any basic email hosting service will be
sufficient. However, if you expect to send or receive a high volume of emails, you will need
a service that can handle this traffic.
Factor #04: The Level of Security You Need
If your business handles sensitive information, you will need a service that offers high levels
of security. This may include features such as SSL encryption, two-factor authentication or
spam filtering.
Factor #05: Compatibility and Flexibility
The final factor you should consider is compatibility and flexibility. Be sure to select an
email hosting service that is compatible with the devices and software you use. Additionally,
be sure to find a service that offers the flexibility to grow with your business. You may need
additional features or more storage space as your business grows. Find a service that can
accommodate your needs.
Factor #06: The Level of Support You Need
. If you are unfamiliar with email hosting services or have questions about how they work,
you will need a service that offers good customer support. This may include 24/hour phone
support, online chat support or email support. Be sure to read the reviews and compare the
different levels of customer support offered by each service.
Factor #07: Cost
Be sure to compare the prices of different services and find one that fits your budget.
Additionally, be sure to ask about any additional fees that may apply, such as setup fees or
monthly fees.
When considering all of these factors such as the size of your business, type of email
communication, the number of emails you plan to send/receive, level of security and customer
support needed, flexibility and compatibility with your business, and your budget; it is important
to remember that not every email hosting service will be a good fit for your business.
Do your research and clear all your doubts to ensure you are making the best decision for your
company because having the right email hosting service can make a huge impact on your
business’ communication.
1.3 REVIEWING SUPPORT SERVICE STANDARDS TO ENSURE THEY MEET

BUSINESS NEEDS
Website hosting is not always easy. Problems will come up, and if your web hosting service
does not offer quality customer support, then you may find the experience stressful and
frustrating.
That is why you need to be sure of any prospective hosting provider’s support system before
signing up. Here we have mentioned a few ways to make that happen, along with the value of
good customer support in web hosting:
How Important is Customer Support for Web Hosting?
Customer support of a web hosting company does not seem quite so significant initially. But
when you run into errors, complications and queries on a daily basis, it turns out to be a
pretty big deal. A good web host always makes sure that every member of their support team
is fully trained and adequately prepared to guide customers through the intricate processes.
Below are the major tasks where you will need help from the customer support team.
 Installing new tools

Most web host companies nowadays offer many tools and software systems to streamline
your website functionalities. Among the most popular software integrations, there Content
Management Systems like WordPress, Joomla, and Magento. Such platforms are
indispensable for blogging, eCommerce and many such specialized areas of the web.
Sometimes installing them is not just a button click. So if you lose your way or get stuck, you
can just contact the customer support team of that host to find your way back.
 Site Errors and Malfunctions

Every website can fall victim to unforeseen errors and malfunctions. Not all site owners have
technical experts on their team. Besides, the server infrastructure varies from host to host.
Even if you have some prior experience in hosting or server management, the new host you
have moved on to might not have any common feature.
This is where the customer support representatives can come in and get your website out of
the mess. The hosting company usually trains them to resolve such situations in a matter of
minutes. So if you let them take over the situation, they can show a way out faster.
 Web Hosting Upgrades

Sometimes, our website exceeds our expectation and grows a lot faster than we estimated. In
such cases, it ends up demanding more resources than the allocated amount to handle the
extra traffic and workload.
You can then seek help from the customer support members to upgrade these resources. They
will let you know which packages can provide the required amount of resources and how
much each cost. They will also guide you through the plan upgrades so that your website
does not suffer from any data loss.
 Metrics for Customer Support Evaluation

It is hard to evaluate customer support until you face some real trouble and contact them.
However, we have dared to still come up with a few metrics to measure the grade of web
host customer support. You can take a cue from here and then run your own research on the
specified aspects:
1. Response Time
Response time simply refers to how long the support team took to respond to your call for
help. Having a standard response time is completely non-negotiable while choosing your web
host. One can only wait so long when their dream site has hit a roadblock and there is no way
to get out. So the customer support personnel must be on standby and ready to pick the call
up.
Emails take much longer to generate a response from the other side. So check if your desired
host has phone or live chat options. There can also be different response times set for
different severity levels (of the issue). This may guarantee that you will get a prompt
response when your website’s life is in danger, but it can also mean that on all other
occasions you will have to wait more than a few hours. Generally, the response time should
be below 10 minutes, but whatever floats your boat, go for it.
2. Resolution Time
Be it a website catering to thousands of visitors worldwide (like an e-commerce platform) or
just a simple one where a creative individual showcases his/her masterpiece, the site will
definitely run into some problems. And resolving any issue related to websites should not
take too long since every second can be critical if your website is down or your email doesn’t
work.
Customers can leave your site with a poor first impression if they don’t find it loading
properly. Especially in the case of e-commerce hosting, the longest they will wait is two
seconds. When the threshold is so sensitive, you definitely wouldn’t want to take risks by
investing in a hosting company that takes too long to solve a problem.
Of course, website issues can occur at multiple levels of severity and the resolution time will
vary accordingly. But taking more than 24 hours for resolution just doesn’t cut it.
3. Method of Contact
Although emailing is the most common form of contacting support, we prefer the following
three methods more. That is because these generate a much faster response and thus allows a
proactive solution to the problem:
a. Phone Support
This is the fastest way to get to the support team. There is no need to wait for a reply
message or email. You can talk to them in real-time and explain your issue with as many
details as possible. Hence, this generally leads to a fruitful conversation and takes the
solution process forward.
b. Live Chat
For people who like to handle multiple tasks at once, live chat may seem to be the best
option. Because this lets you seek support from the dedicated personnel and continue other
initiatives for your business at the same time. All the leading web hosts typically exhibit
excellent response times for a live chat. While this is generally slower than phone calls, it
also keeps your conversation safe from misheard or overlapping words.
c. Trouble Ticket System

Almost all web hosting services offer the opportunity to “open a ticket” to request support.
The hosting service then ranks the issue based on severity then addresses the problem.
Opening a ticket is a great option, especially for less urgent issues or questions, and in
situations where you don’t have time to chat with or call support.
4. Knowledge Base
Many questions can be answered by searching the hosting service’s knowledge base. The
best web hosting services’ update their knowledge bases constantly, adding solutions to
problems that support encounters as they interact with customers.
A good knowledge base makes it unnecessary to contact customer support for most issues,
enabling you to resolve the issue quickly. Choose a hosting service that offers a strong
Knowledge Base.
5. Social Media Presence

Your host must be present on at least one of the major social media platforms. It can be
Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or all of them. They are an easy way to connect with the
hosting company representatives. Many companies are lagging behind in this respect but the
leading ones already have a strong appearance in the social media and they maintain an
active account with relevant posts.
6. Guarantees
Many hosting companies offer helpful guarantees like a 99.99% uptime guarantee or 14
days’ money-back guarantee. Of course, just putting up the guarantee on their official site is
not enough, they have to be capable of delivering on their promises. You can know if they do
justice to their claims from reading web hosting reviews.
Make sure any guarantees (e.g., uptime guarantees) are backed by a strong Web Hosting
Service Level Agreement (SLA).
7. Proficiency of Staff
Undoubtedly, the expertise level of the customer support staff matters. If they respond
instantly to your queries but can’t provide the required information, their response time is as
good as infinity. It helps if the hosting company mentions their support proficiency level or
designation on their website. Some companies provide training to these representatives
themselves to ensure customer pleasure.
The Reality Check

Now that we know what to look for in a hosting company to evaluate its customer support,
let’s find out how to get a reality check on the support’s actual condition:
Customer Reviews
The first thing that comes to anyone’s mind while looking for some solid evidence on the
web host’s performance is their web hosting reviews. It’s a good idea not to make decisions
based on one or two glowing reviews or based on a review by a customer who had a bad
experience. Read a number of reviews to get as full a picture as you can.
Ask Questions Live

While browsing through the official website of the hosting company, ask some questions to
their live chat support right then and there. This will allow you to see first-hand if the support
people are trained enough and how long they take to respond.
Try to ask some questions. Even if customer support won’t answer questions from a non-
customer, you can at least learn how responsive their support is.
Call Customer Support

Make a call to their designated customer service number at odd hours to see their reaction.
Firstly, see how long you have to wait to speak to someone. Then note the support reps’ tone
of voice, and eagerness to help you. Try to ask some questions. Many customer support
representatives aren’t allowed to answer questions from non-customers, so don’t hold that
against them. At this point, you’re mostly trying to get a feel for the responsiveness and
friendliness of the support team.
Test Email
If email is the only option the web host provides, send them a generic query email as a test.
The results will be most effective if you send it at an unusual hour (like the phone call) like 3
am or Sunday morning. Take a mental note of their response time. If more than 24 hours
goes by without a response, then that’s not a good sign.
So you can see how massively a good customer support system can enhance your website
performance and hosting experience. Now that you know all the tips, tricks and metrics to
evaluate the customer support quality of a web hosting company, it will be easier for you to
choose the best web hosting service.
1.4 ENSURING ISP HOSTING SERVICE HAS SUFFICIENT DATA CAPACITY TO

COVER PARTIAL OUTAGE
Starting a website can bring in new streams of revenue for web owners who have a lucrative
business plan. However, there are certain costs that need to be considered in the day-to-day
running of a site. Content on a webpage takes up hosting disk space, and this is factored into
the cost of hosting a site. A typical page is 2MB, but site owners also need to consider
adverts, graphics, videos, and photos, which can all add up and take up more space. By
looking at typical websites and analyzing some of the services available, this article can
guide new web site owners in their decision-making when it comes to deciding how much
space they require.
Why do Site Owners Need to Consider Web Storage?

Site owners need to consider how much web hosting storage space their site is going to be
using, as it will cost them more money to run the site if it is heavily loaded with content. This
needs to be considered when drawing up the business plan, as any outgoings like this need to
be outweighed by the income generated by the site. On top of that, using a greater amount of
disk space can reduce the functionality of the site. This is another important thing to think
about, as there is no point in including media if it is going to make the rest of the site’s
aspects clunky.
How Does Web Hosting Take up Space?

When creating a website, web owners need to have a certain amount of disk space. This
refers to the amount of data they can save on the server. Various aspects of a website take up
more space than others, and the amount of space required will depend on the type of website.
For instance, a site like YouTube which runs lengthy videos will require much more disk
space than a news site which is mainly made up of text.
The general consensus currently is that web pages for small and medium-sized businesses
should stay under 2MB if possible. This is because any data above this will use up more
bandwidth and will take too long to load for people with slower internet connections. For
example, if an internet user was accessing a webpage which used 2MB of space from a
connection with a speed of 250kbps, it would take eight seconds for the page to load up. In
the internet era where instant gratification is paramount, this simply wouldn’t be efficient
enough.
Obviously, people accessing the page via better connections will be able to see it faster.
Furthermore, as 5G and more efficient connectivity come about, website owners can think
about making their pages more detailed. This has been apparent in the rise of the amount of
disk space used on an average web page over the years. In 2010, the average size of a
webpage was 726KB. That figure shot up to 1.7MB in just three years in 2013, and is still
growing.
What Aspects May Require Increased Levels of Storage?

A website is made up of numerous pages. If web hosts try to make sure that each page uses
less than 2MB, they can then decide how to spread their media around in different places on
the site. The most important thing to remember, though, is not to overload any one page.
It should come as no surprise that different elements use varying degrees of disk space. Text
is the cheapest aspect in terms of the amount of space required, while videos take up a lot
more space.
The amount of hosting disk space required is multiplied by the number of people who view
the page. If you have 1000 visitors per day on a page which uses 800KB, for instance, it
would equate to 800MB of bandwidth each day. Multiply this figure by 30, and you see that
you need 24GB for the month. When choosing a web hosting plan, this is something that web
site owners need to put careful consideration into.
Typical Storage Requirements for Different Types of Site

By working out an average per page, calculating how many pages the site will be, and
multiplying it by the average number of visitors each month, site owners can assess how
much disk space they require. Looking at different types of websites can also give an idea
about how much space is needed.
Blogs and personal websites typically don’t need that much web hosting space, as they don’t
have huge resource demands. They are usually loaded with text, accompanied by some
photos and videos. Streaming sites like YouTube and Twitch.tv, on the other hand, have huge
resource demands.
Most websites don’t need more than 1GB of space, with blog sites typically coming in at
around 700-800MB of disk space. YouTube, in comparison, is having to increase its storage
capacity by a staggering amount on a daily basis. This is estimated at around 21.0 terabytes
per day.
Unlimited hosting solutions are recommended for smaller websites that aren’t too media-rich.
They are budget-friendly and can accommodate sudden spikes in traffic. For example, at
Host Advice, we offer unlimited disk space hosting and web hosting 100GB disk space for
reasonable monthly fees. Site owners can go over the various options to see which ones work
best for their needs.
Disk space is something that new web hosts may fail to consider, but it is a fundamental aspect
of setting up a website. Each page should stay within certain limits and not exceed 2MB,
otherwise, it could take too long to load up on an average internet connection. Unlimited web
hosting services are the ideal solution for ensuring a site has enough disk space to run its
elements. There are numerous reasonably priced options on the market. By calculating how
much disk space the elements of a site will take up, site owners can choose the plan which suits
them best.
1.5 DETERMINING AVAILABILITY OF SECURITY TECHNOLOGIES
It can be hard to wrap your head around unfamiliar technical terms like hosting or to
understand the security frameworks they support. But it’s still all too important. Imagine
investing in your website and then having it fail as the number of visitors and customers
grows. Sounds like a nightmare, right?
Too many unethical systems and businesses use your emails and website for advertising. But
you can avoid this situation by looking into a package with an excellent web hosting security
that includes a virus protection program.
Secured web hosting protects your data from fraud and ensures that your servers are running
24/7.
Here’s why security in web hosting is essential, and how you can decide which hosting
provider to use for this, Looking for a fast hosting solution? You can check Nexcess
alternatives and Siteground alternative.
Web hosting security plays a significant role in decreasing hosting costs. Your online
business success depends on it. But some hosting providers use outdated and poorly
maintained servers. It can be challenging to determine which web hosts offer the right
services.
Here’s what web hosting security best practices look like, so you can find a host that fulfills
those requirements.
1. Restrict Access to Secure Information

Web hosts must limit who has access to virtual machines and restrict physical access to
servers. Ignoring data security makes it easy for hackers to compromise servers and the
information they’re able to see. Secure Socket Shell (SSH) or an equivalent network protocol
should provide login access. Secure Socket Shell uses:
A robust password authentication system

Authentication with public keys
Data communication that is encrypted to allow remote system and application management
Web hosts often state whether they allow access via SSH. If anyone tries to intercept your
data, it will only appear as garbled, incomprehensible characters thanks to Secure Sockets
Layer (SSL) encryption. Many web hosts now include a complimentary SSL certificate in
their hosting packages because SSL encryption is integral to website security, especially
ecommerce sites.
Otherwise, you need to purchase an SSL certificate independently. Search engines

increasingly label websites without SSL certificates as “insecure,” which may drive away
your potential customer’s target.
Web application firewalls (WAFs) provide additional protection for web applications by
monitoring and filtering HTTP traffic. These firewalls can also prevent attacks on web
applications. Hosting providers should offer WAFs at the host or cloud level.
Your web host can help by answering the following questions:
 What network protocol do they use – SSH, or an equal protocol?

 Does the SSL certificate come with the package?
 Is it a host-based or cloud-based WAF?
2. Offer Data Backups and Easy Rebuilds

You shouldn’t have to lose all your data and build from scratch in the event your website
crashes or is hacked. Ideally, web hosts should provide two types of backups: physical and
digital.
A physical backup should exist at a second location if a server location is compromised. You
should create a digital backup of your website to restore an earlier version if something goes
wrong. Your web host should be able to offer you these services:
 A hosting package that includes automatic backups
 Frequent backups
 Backup storage for an extended period and multiple versions of your website
3. Detect and Remove Malware

Malware is perhaps the best-known threat to website security. The term refers to any harmful
software, program, or code that a hacker uses to invade a device, steal data, damage it,
encrypt it, or spy on your online activity.
Malware protection is essential. By stealing business information, including customers’ data,
malware can cause irreversible damage to your website. By unintentionally passing malware
on to your customers, you can severely harm your business’ reputation. Ask your web host:
 Do you scan for malware and viruses automatically?
 How do you remove malware and viruses?
4. Prevent DDoS Attacks and Support CDN
Unfortunately, distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks are a standard hacker tool. DDoS
attacks occur when malicious users flood a website with so much traffic that it becomes
overwhelmed and inaccessible to legitimate users. Preventing DDoS attacks before they
occur is crucial since they can be hard to resolve.
Web hosts do this through a Content Distribution Network (CDN) tool. This set of servers in
different locations store cached content delivered quickly to website visitors. Reducing
hosting bandwidth, this caching makes DDoS attacks less likely to disrupt service.
To help prevent DDoS attacks, most web hosting service providers offer CDNs as part of
their hosting packages. If your web host does not provide CDN support, add it separately to
your website. Here are some questions to ask your potential web host:
 Will customers receive notifications of DDoS attacks?
 How do they mitigate and recover from a DDoS attack?
 Is CDN support included?
 How do they prevent DDoS attacks?
5. Ensure Hardware Protection
If you purchase a web hosting service, you’re primarily buying server space, which means
the server will host the files for your website. The first step toward being confident in your
data’s security is to protect the physical servers against threats.
There should be a level of web hosting security at data centers where servers are physically
housed, with only authorized personnel at the web hosting company able to access these
facilities. Secure cabinet racks and controlled access points prevent malicious individuals
from physically compromising servers. Security cameras, motion detectors, and controlled
access points are also recommended.
Besides power outages, fires, floods, and more, server rooms are vulnerable to natural and
artificial disasters. For these reasons, server rooms should be watertight and fireproof,
equipped with automatic generators and racks mounted on floors, walls, or ceilings. Data
backed up at off-site locations provides an additional layer of security for businesses. Ensure
that the company’s data centers are not in areas prone to natural disasters, such as hurricanes
and earthquakes.
Find out from your web host:

 Where are the off-site servers located?
 What are the physical server security measures in place?
 If a power outage or natural disaster occurs, how are servers protected?
6. Monitor Networks
It is crucial to monitor and analyze threats to resolve before they continually develop into
more severe problems. To avoid exploiting private data, rely on a web hosting company to
manage your server to ensure vulnerabilities. It would help if you asked your web host:
 What type of monitoring is needed to detect security threats?
 What is the process for notifying customers about security threats?
7. Choosing the Operating System Software
Currently, users can choose between Windows-based operating system services (OSes) and
Linux-based OSes, which depend on your site’s technical requirements. Each of these two
operating systems has its advantages in security.
Windows-based Web Servers
There are limits to accessing sensitive information by default. Standard users must request
permission and enter a password before enjoying the privileges granted by the chief
administrator – an intruder, whether malicious software or an employee, can be prevented
from doing any actual damage.
If there is a security flaw on these web servers, only authorized Microsoft personnel can
access them. Besides getting help from Microsoft programmers, you also prevent dishonest
users from taking advantage of the vulnerabilities.
Linux-based Web Servers
Since Linux OS is less common than its counterpart, fewer known threats exist. Additionally,
most hosting services can install programs that protect Linux-hosted sites from Windows-
based malware. When a flaw is discovered, the open-source community behind Linux reacts
quickly to fix the issue.
8. How Secure are Different Web Hosting Services?
You may have come across dedicated, managed, VPS, shared, WordPress, and ecommerce
hosting services in your search for the perfect secure web hosting environment. You’ll want
to keep in mind that the hosting environment you choose directly affects the security you
select. Now let’s dive into the security of different web hosting services.
Managed Hosting Services
A managed hosting environment has a higher level of security since fewer sites use server
resources, and specific security measures are implemented for every site. For example, this is
true if you use a managed WordPress host.
In this case, your server environment is uniquely configured to protect the WordPress CMS,
and the support team behind you has in-depth knowledge of your chosen platform. As part of
managed hosting, some hosts also keep your website up to date, improving its web hosting
security.
Dedicated vs. Shared Hosting
A shared server will have dozens or hundreds of other sites, so shared hosting is probably the
least secure type. Security protocols vary from shared host to shared host.
For example, some shared hosts offer 24/7 server monitoring, encryption, spam protection,
and even integrate CDNs. By using these features, you can enhance the security of your site
without spending a lot of time on it.
Dedicated Server or a Virtual Private Server?
You open up your site to potential security risk if you use shared hosting because an attack
on any of the other sites on the server could also affect yours. Despite hosting companies’
efforts, using a dedicated server or a Virtual Private Server (VPS) is still safer than sharing a
server with several dozen other websites.
Another benefit of choosing a VPS or dedicated server is that it has more disk space, making
it easier to expand your site.
Ecommerce Security
A hosting environment that hosts ecommerce sites will require higher security standards
since you’ll need to protect sensitive customer data, such as credit card numbers, while
collecting and storing it. Among the security features offered by ecommerce hosts are:
 A bundle of SSL certificates
 The payment processor that adheres to PCI standards
 Protection against DDoS
 Maintain regular backups
 Firewalls on servers and at the site level
9. Features of a Secure Web Hosting Service
Hosting companies with highly secure servers are hard to identify. Beautiful pictures and
great hosting plans are all over the internet, but you can never tell what lies behind them. If
you want your website to be more secure, you should only purchase web hosting from
companies with specific security features. Here are five elements that will make your data
more secure and your visitors more satisfied.
RAID
RAID is an excellent way to protect data. Your files will remain safe even if the server fails.
However, the feature is quite expensive, so it isn’t included in most shared plans. You can
purchase RAID from some web hosts for an extra fee.
Minimal Uptime Interruptions

Uptime refers to uninterrupted access to your website for your clients, but web hosts can
rarely guarantee 100% uptime. Temporary shortages, however, may not be as detrimental as
you might think, especially if you’re a startup without many website visitors. A web host that
offers uptime reimbursement will be your best bet in this situation.
Data Center Security
It is also crucial to have a secure data center. Mother Nature has no limits – hurricanes,
power outages, and earthquakes. How great would it be if your web host was ready for those
situations? Security features like diesel power generators, and other safety measures certainly
add to the appeal. Consider your web host’s location – preference should be given to areas
outside natural disaster zones.
Reliable Backup
Most companies allow you to back up your data for emergencies. Weekly, monthly, and
daily backups are common – but a daily backup is ideal. You can then restore the latest
version of your site if your server fails. Some web hosts offer manual backups, which is even
better – you can do it whenever you change your websites.
Also, many hosting plans have backup limits (e.g., 20GB), so make sure you read the backup
conditions thoroughly before purchasing. Also make sure you read every host’s review
before making a purchase. WPEngine can slow down as your business scales. Find the
right WPEngine alternative that lets you scale your resources and offers critical features as
you grow.
In addition, forums can be excellent tools for obtaining feedback about a particular web
hosting company’s security measures. Security should be a top priority, so select a web
hosting company that addresses it, and your website will be healthy and efficient.
10. Your Online Business Success Depends on Strong Web Hosting Security
Every 39 seconds, there is a cyberattack on the internet. Further, around 68 percent of

business leaders say their cybersecurity risks are rising. It is easy for malicious software to
collect data or even hijack computer resources when it infects a website.
The attackers can get sensitive information from current and new visitors. Automated
hacking tools can also infect computers, besides stealing information. To keep your website –
and your clients – constantly protected, you will need to be on your toes because of the
thousands of new pieces of malware created daily.
Web attacks also have significant financial consequences. The cost of performing a site
cleanup is much higher than keeping online assets safe. Companies risk losing vast amounts
of money during cyberattacks because user information is at risk.
These critical factors put your projects at risk, making it crucial to pay close attention and
protect them. To maintain a tight ship, a great web partner will recommend following the
above web hosting checklist to ensure ultimate security.
1.6 DETERMINING AVAILABILITY OF SCRIPTING LANGUAGES
It’s essential to check if the hosting provider supports the programming languages and scripts
you’re using for your website. This will ensure everything runs smoothly. Also, make sure
the hosting environment has the necessary runtime environments to run any custom scripts or
applications needed for your site.
While you can manually install dependencies using SSH, it’s much quicker to choose a
developer web host that’s already configured to run your preferred programming language.
Typically, the more popular frameworks to look out for include PHP, Python, and MYSQL.
However, it’s also useful to make sure that your web host supports multiple programming
languages if you plan on working with more than one. Additionally, you might want to
access numerous server types such as Apache and Node.
1.7 EVALUATING OPTIONAL SERVER APPLICATIONS FOR ADVANCED WEB

BUSINESS FUNCTIONS
Backend technologies typically refer to the groups of server-side languages that make up the
server architecture of a website. Go through the process to identify and choose the best back-end
technologies for your project.
Back ends comprise databases, authentication/authorization tools, application programming

interfaces (APIs), and other components that work together with a front end to enable users to
view and interact with applications in their browsers. They comprise all server-side functionality,
including routing, business logic, and database interfaces.
For an application to deliver consistent performance, it must have a robust back-end, which we
can build with the right back-end technologies. Choosing a backend server side is more critical
as it acts as an umbrella where all the business logic, data and other forms of requests are
handled.
As a result, identifying the best backend technology is the crucial consideration you must make
while building a top-notch application. However, it can be difficult for founders, especially those
without a background in technology, to determine which technology stack to use for their
product.
You will be stuck in a loop when choosing backend technology. There are many reasons behind
the indecision. It starts with “Paradox of choice” where you are confused due to the number of
options available in front of them. Making a choice in such a case is similar to finding a needle in
the haystack.
Read on how to pick up the best back-end tool for your needs. We will focus on the top criteria
that you must consider while selecting a back-end technology. By going through the criteria, you
will be able to improve your chances of success considerably.
 Consider primary technical factors
When evaluating top backend technologies, you must first look at the features such as server-side
logic, data storage capability, and data processing efficiency. Back-end tools support this critical
infrastructure’s development, deployment, and maintenance, so considering these parameters is
imperative.
For example, for programming, a back-end developer may use the most popular backend
languages, such as Java, Python, or Ruby, along with frameworks like Django, Ruby on Rails, or
Spring Boot. They may utilize databases like MySQL, MongoDB, or PostgreSQL to store and
manage data. While delivering content to end-users, they may use Apache or Nginx.
These technical dimensions of back-end tools play a vital role in determining web applications
and services’ efficiency, scalability, and functionality. So, back-end developers that provide
professional Java development services will always strictly consider these technical factors.
Research Available Technologies
Research and compare various back-end development technologies. Evaluate their technical
features, performance benchmarks, frameworks, libraries, and community support.
 Laravel: If you’re working on a PHP project and need a framework that combines
simplicity, scalability, and rapid development. Look no further than Laravel! With its
intuitive syntax and extensive feature set, Laravel empowers developers to build robust
web applications quickly. It’s a vibrant community, and extensive documentation ensures
you have all the support you need on your development journey.
 Django: If security and scalability are critical for your Python project, Django is the
perfect choice. Imagine having a framework that effortlessly handles administrative tasks,
database management, and user authentication. With Django’s batteries-included

approach and powerful Object-Relational Mapping (ORM), you can focus on building
your application’s unique features while adhering to industry best practices.
 Spring: When it comes to enterprise-level Java projects, Spring is a reliable choice. It
offers many features and tools for building scalable and maintainable applications. With
Spring, you can benefit from modular architecture and extensive library support.
 Flask: Flask is a lightweight Python framework that gives you flexibility and control
over your web application’s design. It allows you to customize your project according to
your specific needs. Flask suits smaller projects or rapid prototyping, offering simplicity
and easy adaptability.
 Express.js: If you’re working with Node.js and need a fast and efficient framework for
building server-side applications or APIs, Express.js is a popular option. It prioritizes
speed and real-time communication, enabling you to create high-performance
applications.
Language and Framework Evaluation:-
Aside from technological assets, it is critical to examine programming languages and
frameworks, as they play a critical role in determining the success of a software project.
Evaluating these technologies based on their impact on performance, scalability,
maintainability, and developer productivity is critical to make smart selections. Let’s go
over these details.
 Speed and Efficiency: - Consider the execution speed of the technology, its ability to
handle large amounts of data, and its efficiency in processing requests. Look for
performance benchmarks and real-world case studies demonstrating the technology’s
capability to handle high traffic loads and deliver optimal performance. For example,
Node.js is known for its speed and ability to handle concurrent requests efficiently.
 Handling Growing Demands with Ease: - Scalability is another critical consideration,
particularly if you anticipate future growth and increased user demand. Assess the
technology’s scalability features and its ability to handle a growing user base and
increased data volume.
Search for horizontal scalability options, such as load balancing and distributed
computing, ensuring that your application can scale seamlessly as your needs evolve.
Technologies like Kubernetes provide robust scalability capabilities and have been
widely adopted by companies like Airbnb and Spotify.
 Ensuring Long-term Success: - Evaluate the technology’s codebase, documentation,
and community support. A well-maintained technology with clear documentation and an
active developer community can ease troubleshooting, debugging, and future
enhancements.
Consider the ease of maintaining and updating the technology over time, as well as the
availability of patches, security updates, and version control. For instance, Django, a
Python framework, is known for its excellent documentation and active community,
making it a reliable choice.
 Accelerating Project Efficiency: – Assess the language syntax, readability, and
availability of robust frameworks and libraries that can streamline development tasks.
Look for features that enable rapid prototyping, automated testing, and efficient code
reuse.
Additionally, consider the availability of developer tools, integrated development
environments (IDEs), and third-party integrations that can enhance productivity. For
example, Laravel, a PHP framework, provides a rich ecosystem of tools and libraries that
streamline development tasks.
 Assess the technology ecosystem.
At its core, the back end enables managing data and processing client requests through
the front end. The efficiency of the ecosystem is defined by its extensive ability to
support essential frameworks and libraries, efficiency in setting up a database, selecting a
server, and API development.
Starting with frameworks, they are an essential part of the back-end technology
ecosystem and provide developers with pre-built components, modules, and libraries to
streamline the development process. You must validate if the frameworks offer
scalability and are compatible with other systems. For example, Node.js is a popular
backend framework known for its scalability, with companies like Netflix, LinkedIn, and
Uber relying on it to handle high-traffic loads efficiently.
Next comes databases integral to storing and managing data in the backend. When
evaluating databases, performance is a crucial factor. MongoDB, a NoSQL database,
boasts impressive response times and can handle large amounts of data. Companies like
Cisco, Forbes, and Adobe widely use it.
Efficiency in handling concurrent users is crucial for a robust backend. PostgreSQL, an
open-source relational database, is renowned for handling concurrent connections and
complex queries efficiently. Companies like Apple, Fujitsu, and Cisco Systems trust
PostgreSQL for their backend data management needs.
In server selection, cloud platforms like Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft
Azure provide a comprehensive range of server options, ensuring flexibility and
scalability. AWS Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2) allows businesses to scale their server
resources dynamically, while Azure Virtual Machines offer a wide selection of virtual
machine types to meet various application requirements.
Frameworks like Express.js, a popular Node.js framework, facilitate API development.
Express.js enables developers to build robust APIs quickly and easily, allowing seamless
integration with other systems and services. Many companies, including IBM, Accenture,
and PayPal, utilize Express.js for their API development needs. These are critical
assessment criteria for companies that provide expert PhP development services.
Test for effectiveness
Like every other tool, you must also subject back-end development technologies to
testing. Proper testing of back-end tools can ensure that your project runs smoothly,
performs optimally, and meets the needs of your users.
You must choose the right tools for your project to test the best backend technologies.
This may involve selecting testing frameworks or libraries compatible with your
programming language, such as JUnit for Java or Pytest for Python. Consider tools for
load testing, such as Apache JMeter, to simulate high-traffic scenarios and measure
performance metrics.
The next important step is creating a testing environment that accurately reflects your
production environment. This can include setting up virtual machines or containers that
mimic your server environment, installing the necessary software components, and
configuring your back-end tools appropriately.
Applicability to context
Using each technology’s advantages for business will streamline the decision-making
process. For instance, for building flexible and commercial web applications, .NET is the
preferable option. A pilot implementation from a experience .Net core development
company will prove this.
Python may be your best option if you want to analyze massive data for purposes like
predicting weather patterns. To understand the applicability, you should always seek
expert opinion from an established Python web development services provider.
You should consider utilizing Java if business-to-business application security at the
corporate level is crucial. As a result, your assessment will need to include the issues you
need to solve, your company plan, and the kinds of clients you serve.
 Degree of Security
Another essential aspect that needs careful consideration is a back-end tool’s degree of
security. Back-end tools must be robust to avoid security breaches because they are
essential in managing and storing data and constant interaction with the external
environment.
However, every tool is only perfect if considered individually. Instead, it is with a mix of
multiple tools that you can assure security. To reduce vulnerabilities, verify if the chosen
back-end tools adheres to accepted security standards. Using dependency checking, static
code analysis tools and monitoring systems becomes essential here.
 Time to market
Startups rely heavily on time to market factors. It is common to see multiple startups
working to solve similar kinds of problems. It is also a known fact that the first market
mover always has the advantage. That’s why it is always a good idea for you to choose a
server-side technology that lets your team build the prototype using agile methodology.
For example, you can choose anything from Django to Ruby on Rails if the development
platform is the web. Both of these are excellent server-side frameworks and offer the
tools for agile development. Your aim should be to choose a server-side technology that
is easy to build around.
 Community Support
It is common for developers to Google things when they are stuck. Either they look out
for answers on Stack Overflow or blogs written by other developers who encountered
similar problems in the past. In short, you need to look out for community strength and
how active it is. You don’t want to choose a technology where your team has to spend
hours to solve a simple problem.
To understand the community strength, you should look at the total number of
members/followers on Stack Overflow, Slack, and other programming communities. If it
is open source, check out its latest build on GitHub and how frequently it gets updated.
Consider essential questions such as contacting the support staff as and when required.
How quickly does their team reply when you raise a question? How vast is the developer
base?
 Availability of talent
Great, you choose a technology that has a vast community, offers prototyping and has a
good community strength. However, you choose the technology for which the talent is
scarce. This can lead to problems when your project expands, and your startup needs
fresh talent to join your team.
One good example would be Go programming language. It can be a great choice for
many startup projects. However, the market has far less Go developers compared to other
technologies.
 Maintainability
As your product grows, it will become complex and hard to maintain. There are different
ways you can choose the server-side technology which can rely on either Functional,
Object Oriented(OO), Dynamic or Strongly typed.
When it comes to maintainability OO always wins against other forms of coding. In

short, you need to choose a server-side technology that is easy to maintain in the long
term.
 Cost Analysis and Resource Planning:-
Renowned business leader Warren Buffett said, “Price is what you pay. Value is what
you get.” This statement holds when considering your project’s cost analysis and
resource planning for the best backend technologies. Let’s delve into the details:-
 Licensing fees: - Evaluate the costs associated with licensing each backend technology,
considering whether they require paid subscriptions or are open-source and free.
Understanding the licensing fees helps estimate the financial investment required.
 Infrastructure requirements: - Assess different technologies’ hardware or software
infrastructure needs. Determine if specific server configurations or cloud service
providers are necessary, as they can impact the project’s infrastructure costs. Allocating
resources effectively requires considering these requirements.
 Development effort: - Consider the complexity of implementing each technology and
the availability of skilled developers proficient in the chosen technology stack. Evaluate
the associated expenses of hiring skilled developers, as their expertise may come at a
higher cost. Estimating the development effort and budget required is crucial.
With thorough cost research and resource planning, you can confidently negotiate the
complexities of backend technology selection. By balancing cost and value, you can optimize
your investment and ensure a realistic and sustainable approach to developing and
maintaining your backend technology.
Back-end tools are the foundational elements of software development. As discussed above,
selecting them would be difficult and time-consuming if you do not follow a systematic
approach.
Spend time carefully evaluating and organizing a stack appropriate for your company. If you
seek assistance from a professional custom software development agency, ask all relevant
questions to clarify your doubts about back-end tool selection.
1.8 CONFIRMING CLIENT SELECTION CRITERIA AND SELECTING ISP HOSTING

SERVICE THAT BEST MATCHES CRITERIA.
Whether you’re an independent web professional, a digital agency, or even an IT service
provider, choosing the right type of website hosting on behalf of your clients is the first step
towards building a fruitful relationship.
First and foremost, start by listening to your clients’ needs for their website. The type of web
hosting they need often depends on their type of business and their goals.
Before choosing your web host, it is important you understand your needs and requirements.
Each company or person’s needs will differ depending on whether it is full-fledged
established business or a growing enterprise or just a simple blog website. It is essential that
you are aware about your current and future requirements, to take the right decision in
choosing a web host provider.
Unit Two: Ensure guarantee of permanent online presence
 Establishing systems to web-hosting service in place to monitor server performance and
availability
 Negotiating escalation procedures and performance standards with ISP
 Articulating and meet business needs to establish security and backup procedures
 Establish systems to web-hosting service in place to monitor server performance and
availability
 Negotiate escalation procedures and performance standards with ISP
 Articulate and meet business needs to establish security and backup procedures

2 UNIT TWO: ENSURE GUARANTEE OF PERMANENT ONLINE

PRESENCE
If you're a website owner, you want your website to be accessible to visitors virtually all the
time. Whether your site visitors are prospective customers or just fans of your blog content, their
experience with your website matters. Your personal or professional brand reputation is on the
line.
Web hosting providers will often promise an uptime rate guarantee as part of their terms of
service. Today, we'll dissect the fine print of that promise, leaving you with a better
understanding of what to expect from a web hosting provider.
Uptime is the percentage of time a service, usually web hosting or another internet service, is
available. For example, if your website has an uptime rate of 99%, it should be available for
users 99% of the time. The other 1% would account for scheduled maintenance windows or brief
outages caused by DDoS attacks, power failures, or other unpredictable events.
A service provider will often give an uptime rate guarantee as part of their service-level
agreement (SLA). Uptime guarantees are important because they let you know how reliable a
web host's services are—and whether you can expect your website to be accessible to visitors
most of the time. If a host can't keep its servers up and running consistently, it will lose
customers and brand credibility, just as you (the site owner) would.
The best way to find out what kind of uptime guarantee a hosting company offers is to ask the
provider directly—before signing up for any service, preferably via live chat or email, so you
have a conversation record. If the web host doesn't offer any compensation for downtime, it
might be best to look elsewhere for your hosting needs.
2.1 ESTABLISHING SYSTEMS TO WEB-HOSTING SERVICE IN PLACE TO MONITOR

SERVER PERFORMANCE AND AVAILABILITY
 What Is Server Monitoring?
Server monitoring is the process of observing a server to look for performance issues by
keeping track of the server's system resources. Some of these resources include CPU
usage, network bandwidth, memory consumption, operating systems performance, disk
usage, firewalls, and so on.
So, server monitoring activity gives you insight into your server performance. It is a
process that also provides visibility into how vital server metrics are performing. This
performance monitoring can be applied to either physical or virtual servers.
Comprehensive server monitoring usually encompasses these core areas:
 Services monitoring
 Process monitoring
 File/folder monitoring
 Event log monitoring
 URL monitoring
 Script monitoring
 Windows services/Linux daemon monitoring
 Memory utilization
 CPU utilization
 Disk usage capacity
 Network bandwidth and capacity
In short, server monitoring should include any process that yields performance data or
metrics vital to your server operating system’s KPIs.
 Why Is Server Performance Monitoring Important?
The adage, "a stitch in time, saves nine," is particularly relevant to server performance
monitoring. Server monitoring makes it possible to identify potential issues with
application servers proactively. Hence, it allows you to nip problems in the bud before
they escalate and affect app response times.
Without preemptively embracing server monitoring, issues are likely to get worse and go
undetected until they eventually cause downtime to your business.
In addition, without server monitoring, it's impossible to gauge whether your server is
performing optimally. Diligent server monitoring allows you to obtain and keep track of
in-depth information regarding your web server's health and status.
Systems administrators can subsequently use this information to establish benchmarks of

performance. They can also set up notifications that trigger once critical events reach
certain thresholds.
Server monitoring enables you to maintain the integrity, safety, and health of your
servers. The insight gathered into the server's system resource usage allows businesses to
engage in maintenance and capacity planning.
For instance, monitoring allows system administrators to understand how peak hours or
high-demand seasonal offerings impact CPU utilization. As a result, those responsible for
IT management can greenlight load balancing measures to address periods of heavy
traffic. They can also decide to add database servers to compensate for latency delays.
Some of the main reasons why you should monitor your server and its performance
include:
 Server availability: Monitoring makes sure your server is alive and reachable by end-
users, thereby preventing loss of business.
 Server responsiveness: By measuring response time, server monitoring ensures your

server responds fast enough to keep customers happy.
 Error detection and notification: Monitoring not only allows you to detect errors or
potential issues, but its tools enable you to put notifications in place.
 Getting a clear overview of key metrics: Server monitoring provides a detailed

overview of the entire system, which allows you to proactively detect and prevent
problems that may adversely impact the server.
 Obtain historical data for predictive purposes: Instead of just solving problems as they
occur, monitoring equips you with historical data. This helps you to ascertain if certain
components failed spontaneously or were slowly building over time.
 Capacity planning: With monitoring, IT managers can effectively plan for system
resource usage. Hence, you can address whether current CPU utilization levels can
adequately handle user load growth in the future.
 How to Monitor Server Performance
The general concept behind server monitoring isn’t very complicated; in fact, it’s relatively
straightforward. It involves regularly collecting and analyzing data to ensure your server is
fulfilling its intended purpose because it’s functioning optimally.
But in practice, server monitoring isn't a one-size-fits-all proposition. This is mainly because
a considerable variety of servers exists today. These servers range from physical, virtual,
cloud-based, and database servers. They also include web, print, and mail servers.
 Best Practices for Server Monitoring
These practices serve as a guide to creating a quality strategy to proactively monitor your
server, avoid downtime, and mitigate server outages.
1. Establish a Baseline
A baseline represents an ideal standard of your server performance. Establishing baselines of

performance enables you to spot anomalies as they occur. Without a fixed point of reference
for the typical behavior of key metrics such as disk latencies or CPU utilization, you can’t
tell if things are getting better or worse.
Moreover, monitoring tools need well-defined baselines to be effective. Most automated

monitoring tools come with built-in baselining capability.
2. Track Key Metrics
Whether you’re running a Linux or Windows server, you should track the metrics relevant to
the operating system environment. Following key metrics helps to simplify the detection and
resolution of server performance issues.
In addition, key metrics make actionable monitoring possible. Later in the article, I’ll
highlight some key server metrics you should track.
3. Use Effective Monitoring Tools
By necessity, optimal monitoring solutions in the modern era use sophisticated monitoring
software. These tools gather and assemble the resource utilization metrics of servers and
showcase their availability—or lack thereof.
These tools automate processes, frequently using AI to detect meaningful patterns from the
data amassed.
4. Monitor Consistently
It’s no use to monitor your server sporadically and expect to gain the full range of benefits.
Not only will you miss out on key important issues until it’s too late, but it’ll hamper your
effort to obtain an accurate baseline for your server performance.
Consistency matters because it isn’t just important to monitor your server environment for
performance during peak business hours. Some key processes like backup often occur at
night and it’s vital to monitor those processes to determine whether critical issues exist.
5. Set Up Notifications and Reports
You need relevant information on how your server is performing to solve problems. Alerts
provide the avenue to prompt systems administrators when key metrics exceed their specified
threshold.
In addition to troubleshooting purposes, reports help you collate historical data that allows
you to investigate whether a problem rears its head repeatedly.
 Important Server Performance Metrics
Peter Drucker, the business guru, and father of modern management, famously said, “if you
can't measure it, you can’t improve it.” Therefore, identifying and evaluating key server
metrics is the first step on the path to server performance improvement.
You need to choose the metrics that’ll provide visibility into the entire resource utilization of
your server.
This isn’t an exhaustive list but here are five key metrics to look out for:
1. Uptime: The best ability is availability. In the same vein, uptime is a measure of a
server’s availability. It measures how long your server has been running. Uptime is the
most critical component because if your server isn’t reliable, it can’t deliver your
applications to end-users. Ideally, you should aim for an uptime value of 100% with little
margin for error. If it’s less than 99%, then it desperately needs attention.
2. Requests per second (RPS): Your web server’s performance can suffer if it’s
overloaded with too many requests. RPS calculates the number of requests a server
receives within a specified period, often between one to five minutes. By evaluating RPS,
you gain valuable insight into the number of requests your server can handle before
becoming problematic.
3. Error rates: Errors are inevitable, especially when your server is experiencing heavy
workloads. The error rate is measured by the percentage of requests which don’t receive a
response or outrightly fail. You can obtain greater insight into server malfunctions or
related issues by tracking the number of HTTP server errors generated. Ideally, you
should be setting up notifications for HTTP 5xx codes.
4. System-level performance metrics: This metric is valuable when you’re experiencing

performance degradation issues. This tracks the hardware utilization of your server,
especially if a physical component is struggling, like insufficient RAM or limited hard

disk space.
5. Security-related metrics: This metric helps detect unauthorized access or security

breaches by monitoring system changes like file modifications and access to sensitive
resources. This metric enhances the awareness of intrusion detection and
other vulnerabilities.
2.2 NEGOTIATING ESCALATION PROCEDURES AND PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

WITH ISP
Choose an internet service provider for your business
ISP service level agreements
Guide
In providing services to their customers, many internet service providers (ISPs) introduce
service level agreements (SLAs) against their offerings.
Known as ISP SLAs, these agreements set out:
 the terms and conditions of the ISP's service
 their commitments on the quality and availability of service
 their responsibilities as agreed with the service user
Since an SLA ultimately defines what service you will receive, it is worth scrutinizing
and negotiating the terms before agreeing a deal with your ISP.
What to include in a service level agreement with an ISP?
The most important elements to include in an SLA with your ISP are the following:
1. Uptime
Uptime is the percentage of time the ISP's service is running properly. Establish what uptime
figure the ISP claims for its services. Will it guarantee this uptime and discount your account
if it fails? Consider the level of availability you need against what you can afford. Maximum
availability often comes at a greater cost, so make sure you don't pay excessive fees for
services that you don't need.
2. Response times in case of failure
Outages will inevitably occur, so find out what the ISP's policy is if their network goes down.
Will the ISP inform you, or will you find out as your internet connection fails? Is there a help
desk you can reach? How long you can afford to have your internet connection interrupted or
your website down? It's important to put down in writing any details regarding the ISP's
uptime and failure response commitments so that you can hold them to account.
3. Redundancy
Redundancy refers to the number of connections that an ISP has to the internet. High
redundancy means more connections, which means if part of its system fails, the ISP will
simply be able to switch over without affecting your connection.
4. Hardware and back-up
The actual web server that ISPs use to provide the hosting services should, ideally, be
specialized hardware with built-in fail-safe features. Check the reliability of the service by
asking:
 if there are backup servers in case the server hosting your site fails
 what system management procedures do they use to backup your system data
 what contingency plans are in place in case the ISP's web server location is affected by
fire, flood or other disasters
 what security measures are in place - such as firewalls and anti-virus programs - to
prevent the ISP's services from being compromised by a security attack from a hacker or
fraudster
It is worth asking business contacts, or your IT adviser, for recommendations. You can also
compare service providers by using online comparison services and websites.
You should check any SLA carefully to ensure it meets your requirements and make sure you
understand exactly what your supplier is promising.
2.3 ARTICULATING AND MEET BUSINESS NEEDS TO ESTABLISH SECURITY AND

BACKUP PROCEDURES
Understanding and Assessing Your Business’s Backup and Recovery Needs
Data backup and recovery refers to the process of creating and maintaining duplicate copies
of essential data and systems to protect you from loss and enable your recovery in case of
unexpected disasters or failures. A comprehensive data backup and recovery solution
encompasses various elements to ensure the security and continuity of original data for your
business operations.
To build an effective strategy, you must first assess your business’s specific needs. Identify
critical business data and systems that are essential for your day-to-day operations. Conduct a
thorough analysis of potential threats and risks that your business’ backup data storage might
face. Additionally, determine the Recovery Time Objectives (RTO) and Recovery Point
Objectives (RPO) – the maximum acceptable downtime and data loss, respectively – to tailor
your solution accordingly.
 Selecting the Right Backup and Recovery Solution
Once you understand your business’s requirements, it’s time to choose the appropriate data
backup and data recovery solution. You can opt for a backup solution, an in-house setup and
backup administrator or even cloud backup services to leverage the benefits of a cloud-based
backup solution too. Evaluate different data backup recovery providers and technologies to
find a solution that aligns with your business needs. Scalability and flexibility are also crucial
factors to consider as your business grows.
5 Best Practices for Implementing a BDR Solution

1. Regular Data Backups: It is necessary to schedule incremental backup of your critical

data to minimize data loss in the event of a disaster.
2. Testing and Validation Procedures: Regularly test your processes to ensure they work
effectively and verify the integrity of your data.
3. Encryption and Security Measures: Implement robust encryption and security

protocols to safeguard sensitive data during transit and storage.
4. Redundancy and Replication: Create redundant copies of critical data and replicate
them to geographically diverse locations for added protection.
5. Offsite Storage Strategies: Store backups in offsite locations to ensure data availability
even if your primary business site is affected.
 Developing a Comprehensive Disaster Recovery Plan
A solid Disaster Recovery Plan (DRP) is vital for a swift and organized response during a
disaster. Establish a dedicated disaster recovery backup team and assign specific roles and
responsibilities. Define clear incident response protocols, including escalation procedures.
Develop a communication plan to keep all stakeholders informed during a crisis. Lastly,
create a business continuity strategy to maintain essential operations even during recovery.
Your data backup and recovery strategy must be a dynamic and proactive system. Implement
continuous monitoring of backups and replications of deleted files and data stored in backup,
to identify and address potential issues promptly. Regularly update and patch your various
storage device and systems to keep them secure and up-to-date. Conduct periodic recovery
drills to assess the readiness of your team and improve the overall recovery process.
 Training Your Employees so They Are Prepared

Your employees are a critical component of your data backup and recovery strategy. Educate
them on backup and recovery policies and procedures, making them aware of their role in the
backup process and the primary data recovery process. Conduct simulations of data recovery
scenarios to train employees on handling emergencies efficiently. Encourage a culture of
awareness and reporting, where potential risks of data corruption are identified and
communicated promptly.
 Reviewing and Improving Your Backup and Recovery Strategy
A successful strategy is never a one-time effort. Regularly review the effectiveness of your
backup and recovery process and identify areas for improvement. Incorporate lessons learned
from past incidents to enhance your response capabilities. Stay abreast of technological
advancements and adapt your strategy to leverage the latest innovations.
 Working with Your Managed Services Provider
When you work with a Managed Services Provider (MSP) for an effective data backup
strategy and recovery strategy, you gain several valuable benefits that help safeguard your
critical data and ensure seamless business continuity. MSPs bring their extensive expertise
and experience in managing complex IT and data center infrastructures to the table, allowing
them to create customized modern backup solutions and disaster recovery solutions tailored
to your specific business needs.
You can rely on MSPs to provide enhanced data protection through their sophisticated
backup systems and redundant storage facilities. They set up automated and regular backups,
reducing the risk of data loss and ensuring that your crucial information is always
recoverable in the face of unexpected disasters.
Additionally, MSPs employ advanced disaster recovery technologies, enabling swift

restoration of systems and applications, which translates to minimal downtime and improved
business continuity for you. With their proactive monitoring and round-the-clock support,
potential issues are swiftly detected and resolved, minimizing the impact of potential
disasters and reducing any business disruptions you might face.
In the end, partnering with an MSP empowers you to concentrate on your core operations,
knowing that your critical data is safe and that you have a robust strategy in place to recover
and retrieve data, and restore lost data, from any unforeseen circumstances.
Protecting your business’s data and operations should always be a top priority, considering the
ever-evolving digital landscape and the potential risks it poses. The prevalence of cyber threats
and unforeseen disasters highlights the critical importance of having backup storage, a cloud
backup and a comprehensive Backup and Disaster Recovery (BDR) solution in place.

Unit Three: Ensure that web host meets technical requirements
 Taking action to ensure operating system supports business development software,
applications, extensions and databases
 Establishing web-host servers support dynamic websites using the preferred business
technologies
 Establishing web host provides current and future disk space requirements
 Establishing site-analysis reports available and flexible enough to meet business needs
 Establishing security systems and payment technologies according to expectations and
requirements
 Take action to ensure operating system supports business development software,
applications, extensions and databases
 Establish web-host servers support dynamic websites using the preferred business
technologies
 Establish web host provides current and future disk space requirements
 Establish site-analysis reports available and flexible enough to meet business needs
 Establish security systems and payment technologies according to expectations and
requirements
3 UNIT THREE: ENSURE THAT WEB HOST MEETS

TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS
One of the first things you need to do when deciding what type of hosting to choose is to
make a list of server specifications and technical requirements your website or business is
going to need. All hosts and hosting packages are different and do not provide or support all
technical requirements. Therefore, if they do not support the server specifications and
technical requirements you require then you need to cross those particular packages or hosts
off your list and move on.
3.1 TAKING ACTION TO ENSURE OPERATING SYSTEM SUPPORTS BUSINESS

DEVELOPMENT SOFTWARE, APPLICATIONS, EXTENSIONS AND DATABASES
 LANGUAGES & FRAMEWORKS
You’ll need to be aware of the coding languages and frameworks you will need, plus the
versions of those languages. For example, a common language used by content management
systems is PHP. If your site needs PHP version 5 and your host only caters to version 4, it
won’t work.
 DATABASES
Does your site need a database? If your site is dynamic and not a static HTML site then you
will need the ability to create a database. You will need to make sure your host can support
whatever type of database you choose to go with; created in the coding language you decide
on.
 SOFTWARE
You might need special software installed on the server. You will need to know what that
software is in advance to make sure the host can support it.
 OTHER SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Some hosts just manage the basics so be thorough in your search if you require something
specific. Know what it is you need so you can make sure they support it.
3.2 ESTABLISHING WEB-HOST SERVERS SUPPORT DYNAMIC WEBSITES USING

THE PREFERRED BUSINESS TECHNOLOGIES
Technological compatibility is a crucial factor that many users overlook when evaluating
web hosting plans.
At the very least, you should check if the server’s operating system is compatible with the
software you plan to deploy on the server. This is especially important if you work with apps
available on a specific operating system.
For instance, if you plan on using legacy apps that run on Windows OS only, choose a
package that comes with a Windows OS server to avoid problems with website operations.
3.3 ESTABLISHING WEB HOST PROVIDES CURRENT AND FUTURE DISK SPACE
REQUIREMENTS
When setting up a website, you’ll have to decide exactly what kind of site you are planning
to operate and have a good idea of the type of content you are planning to host. This
information is not just key to building a successful strategy for your business, but it’s also
essential for understanding how much storage will be enough for your website.
Here is what you will need disk space for:
 Code: As you build your website, either on your own or with a website builder, you will
start to amass the framework of your site in code. HTML, cascading style sheets (CSS),
and JavaScript all take up space, and your disk space will host it.
 Content: Arguably, the most important part of your site, and the part that is likely to
require the most disk space, is the actual content. Your content includes pages that have
text, photos, videos, and other media.
 Content Management System (CMS): When setting up your website, you will need a
CMS like WordPress. This will require disk space, the same as how the operating system
on your phone or computer needs its own dedicated space.
 Scripts and plug-ins: To ensure your site is capable of everything that you need, you’ll
run scripts, plug-ins, and other tools that can help track analytics, optimize performance,
or display advertisements.
With your knowledge of your working budget, you can determine how much disk space you
will need now and in the future, along with your goals for growth.
 How Do I Calculate How Much Disk Space I Need?
Calculating the amount of disk space your website needs can be a little tricky, especially if
your site hasn’t been built yet. But even if you aren’t entirely sure how big your site will be,
you can come up with a rough estimate based on available information.
For example, the average size of a webpage is 2MB. This is a good baseline number to use,
though it’s best to ramp that figure up if you plan to have a media-heavy site, which can have
pages that host content well over 100MB.
How many pages will my website have?
If your site has already been built, it is best to know how many web pages you have. You can
get an idea of the size of each page by using online tools like GTMetrix or Pingdom. Figure
out the average size of your website pages, and you can determine exactly how much disk
space you need.
 A portfolio site requires only a few web pages (under 10)
 A business website may contain 50 pages or more
 E-commerce sites can have hundreds of pages and regularly expand with more content
and new products
If your site has not yet been built, use the averages above to estimate how much disk space
you may need. Remember that the average web page size is 2MB, and consider the types of
pages you want on your site upon launch. Pages like your homepage or landing page, contact
page, about page, and several pages of content will likely be necessary at launch.
Formula to calculate your disk space
Whether you have exact figures or you are using the average site as your baseline, here’s a
quick formula for determining how much disk space your website needs:
Average size of webpage * number of webpages
This equation tells you how much total MB or GB of storage it will take to store your
website. Ensure you have at least that much disk space from your web host.
Keep in mind that you will grow your site at some point, adding pages with new content,
expanding your product offerings, and upgrading parts of your site to improve performance.
All of this will require more disk space, so you may opt for a plan that offers more storage
than you need now. Planning for expansion ensures there is enough room for growth.
Is Unlimited Storage Real?
Some web hosts offer unlimited storage, appearing to make your website future-proof, with
endless expansion. But limited bandwidth makes it difficult to maximize the space available.
You can have all the storage you’d like, but it only goes so far if your website is capped by
the amount of data it transfers and limited in the speed at which it transfers that data.
Web hosts know the average website doesn’t need that much disk space, so unlimited storage
is unnecessary. Some website providers also have an upper echelon at which they cap your
disk space. Keep an eye out for any potential limitations in the fine print.
Why Should I Consider Disk Space When Choosing a Web Hosting Provider?
An important consideration when building and launching a website, the disk space made
available by your web hosting provider dictates the size of your website. Too little disk
space will cap the type of site you can build; perhaps you’ll have to exclude content or plug-
ins you planned to use. But with more disk space, you get the space to expand and grow your
site, but it also eats into funds that could be applied elsewhere.
Disk space is scalable, so you don’t need to worry too much about purchasing the wrong
package from your web host. In most cases, you can upgrade your monthly plan to expand
your available disk space or downgrade your plan if you don’t need as much space as you
initially planned. Disk space dictates the kind of site you can build and the content you can
offer, so make sure you have enough room for all your ideas.
3.4 ESTABLISHING SITE-ANALYSIS REPORTS AVAILABLE AND FLEXIBLE

ENOUGH TO MEET BUSINESS NEEDS
These Are the Few Metrics You Should Be Evaluating Your Web Hosting Services and
generate a site analysis report based on the evaluation.
01. Speed
You probably chose your web host based partially on the speed they promised you. If you
didn’t, you should have, and you should read about why website’s speed matters. Now it’s
time to test whether you are getting the advertised speed.
02. Uptime
Uptime is the second major measure of how well your web host is performing. It is a measure
of how much of the month (or week or year) your website is available is accessible. Uptime
can be a confusing statistic because even poor web hosts will deliver 99% uptime, which on
the surface of things sounds great.
However, if your website is down for 1% of the time, that’s still 7.2 hours a month. And, if
this occurs during peak hours you are losing the equivalent of a trading day.
03. Security Features
Security is probably one of the features that you look for when choosing a web host. It should
be one of the first things you check in evaluating your purchase.
This is particularly important because today plenty of good web hosts offer free SSL
certificates. But, this is a fairly new service and some web hosts are still not used to issuing
these to new customers.
Even if you are currently building your site, it’s worth getting SSL (or TLS) protections in
place as soon as possible. As it helps to encrypt the data that your site exchanges with users
and visitors.
04. Threats
Website speed and uptime are the most important metrics to start monitoring for your new
site. But, they are not the only thing you should be paying attention to. Hopefully, if you’ve
just started your site, you haven’t yet been the victim of cyberattack, but you can be assured
that any attempt to compromise your site will occur pretty soon.
Monitoring the number of attacks against your site is also an important measure of how your
web host is performing. A quality web host will report when they have detected an intrusion
attempt, and how many of these they have defeated. They will also, if you are the victim of a
successful attack, tell you how they plan to prevent this in the future.
05. Customer Service
Testing your web host’s customer service offering is also an important way of ensuring you
have chosen the correct provider. There are, unfortunately, plenty of web hosting companies
who prioritize marketing and flashy design over providing their existing customers with
support and guidance.
When you first sign up to a new web host, you should carefully evaluate all of the features
above. However, assessment is a process and not an event. You should continually monitor the
performance of your web hosting, to check that they can deliver on their promises.
3.5 ESTABLISHING SECURITY SYSTEMS AND PAYMENT TECHNOLOGIES

ACCORDING TO EXPECTATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS
What Security Features Should a Web Host Offer?
 Hardware security
When you purchase web hosting services, the main thing you get is server space to host the
files that make up your website. Ensuring the physical servers are protected against threats is
the first step in feeling confident the data saved on those servers is secure.
The data centers where the servers are physically located should be secure, with access
granted only to the web hosting company personnel responsible for installing and
maintaining the hardware. Best practices include controlled access points, security cameras,
motion detectors, and secure cabinet racks that prevent bad actors from physically
compromising the servers.
 Natural disaster protection

Server rooms are also vulnerable to natural and man-made disasters, such as power outages,
fires, floods, and more. To mitigate these problems, server rooms should be water- and fire-
proofed and equipped with backup generators, and hardware racks should be bolted to the
floor, ceilings, or walls.
Companies with data backed up at off-site locations add an extra layer of protection. Also,
consider where a company’s data centers are located, and avoid areas prone to natural
disasters like earthquakes, hurricanes, and tornadoes.
Ask your web hosting provider:
 Where are the servers located?
 What security measures are in place to protect physical servers?
 How are servers protected during power outages or natural disasters?
 Network monitoring
Consistent threat monitoring is crucial to quickly identifying and resolving issues before they
become more serious attacks and breaches. If you are contracting with a web hosting
company to manage your server, you trust someone is monitoring the physical hardware and
website traffic to prevent attacks.
 How are networks monitored for security threats and attacks?
 How are customers notified about security threats and attacks?
 Secure access
Just as web hosts should restrict who has physical access to servers, they should also limit
who gets virtual access. Carelessness about who can log into a server and what information
they can see can easily lead to compromised data.
Web hosts should use the Secure Socket Shell (SSH) network protocol, or an equivalent, for
log-in access. Many web hosts will clearly state if they allow SSH access. SSH uses:
 Strong password authentication

Public key authentication
Encrypted data communications to facilitate systems and applications management remotely
and securely.
Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) encryption ensures that if anyone tries to intercept data as its
being transmitted across the web, they will only see garbled, incomprehensible characters.
This encryption is such an integral part of website security, especially for e-commerce sites,
that many web hosts now include a complimentary SSL certificate in their hosting packages.
If not, it is important to obtain an SSL certificate separately. Not only does this help protect
your business and your customers, but search engines are increasingly labeling websites
without SSL certificates as insecure, which could drive away visitors.
Web Application Firewalls (WAF) provide additional protection for web applications by
filtering and monitoring HTTP traffic, and defending web applications against attacks. Look
for web hosting service providers that offer host-level or cloud-level WAFs.

 Does the company use the SSH network protocol or an equivalent?
 Is an SSL certificate included?
 Does it offer host-level or cloud-level WAFs?
 Backups
Backups are important because if your website crashes or is compromised, it would be

difficult to lose all your data and rebuild your website from scratch.
There are two types of back-ups web hosts should provide. First, a physical backup should be
on a server in another location in case one server location is compromised. You also need a
digital backup of your files, so if something goes wrong, you can restore a previous version
of your website.
 Are automatic backups included in your hosting plan?
 If so, how often do backups occur?
 How long are backups kept, or how many versions of your website can you store?
 Distributed denial-of-service prevention and content delivery network support
Distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks are, unfortunately, a common tool in the
hackers’ arsenal — they flood a website with so much traffic that it becomes overwhelmed
and inaccessible to legitimate users, thus denying them service.
Since DDoS attacks can be hard to resolve, preventing them from happening is key. Most
web hosts use a tool like a content delivery network (CDN), a geographically distributed
group of servers where cached content is stored, so it can be delivered quickly to visitors to
your website. Utilizing this type of caching helps reduce hosting bandwidth and makes it
harder for attackers to disrupt service with DDoS attacks.
Many CDNs are available, and most web hosting service providers include their services in
hosting packages to help protect their customers from DDoS attacks. However, if your
chosen web host does not include CDN support, it is possible (and advisable) to add it to
your website separately.
 Does it include CDN support?

 What DDoS prevention measures are in place?

 What mitigation and recovery actions does the company take during and after a
DDoS attack?
 Malware detection and removal
Perhaps one of the best-known threats to website security, malware is any harmful software,
program, or code that attackers use to invade your device. They also steal, damage, encrypt
your data — or spy on your online activity.
Protection against malware is critical. Not only can malware cause irrevocable damage to
your website by stealing information from your business, including customers’ data, but you
can unintentionally pass a virus or malware on to your customers, destroying valuable trust
and loyalty.
 Does it offer automated malware and antivirus scanning?

 What procedures are used for removing malware and viruses?

Unit Four: Benchmark performance and test against specified criteria
 Testing performance of ISP and recording outcomes during on and off-peak times
 Establishing email and mailing services backup procedures in place and protecting from
damage, erasure or unwanted damage
 Taking action to ensure support services perform according to business needs
 Test performance of ISP and recording outcomes during on and off-peak times
 Establish email and mailing services backup procedures in place and protecting from
damage, erasure or unwanted damage
 Take action to ensure support services perform according to business needs
4 UNIT FOUR: BENCHMARK PERFORMANCE AND TEST

AGAINST SPECIFIED CRITERIA
4.1 TESTING PERFORMANCE OF ISP AND RECORDING OUTCOMES DURING ON

AND OFF-PEAK TIMES
To test the performance of a hosting provider and record outcomes during on and off-peak
times, you can follow these steps:
Choose a load testing tool. There are many different load testing tools available, both free
and paid. Some popular options include LoadImpact, JMeter, and Gatling.
Configure the load test. When configuring the load test, you will need to specify the
following:
The type of test you want to run (e.g., HTTP load test, database load test, etc.)
The URL or IP address of the website or application you want to test
The number of virtual users you want to simulate
The duration of the test
 Run the load test during on-peak and off-peak times. To get a complete picture of the
hosting provider's performance, you should run the load test during both on-peak and
off-peak times.
 On-peak times are typically during the business day, while off-peak times are
typically at night or on weekends.
Record the test results. The load testing tool will record the results of the test, such as the
response time, throughput, and error rate. You can then use these results to compare the
performance of the hosting provider during on-peak and off-peak times.
Here are some additional tips for testing the performance of a hosting provider:
 Use a variety of different test cases. This will help you to identify any areas where the
hosting provider is struggling to perform.
 Monitor the server resources during the test. This will help you to identify any
resource bottlenecks.
 Test the hosting provider from different locations around the world. This will help
you to see how the hosting provider performs for users in different regions.
Once you have tested the performance of the hosting provider, you can use the results to
decide whether or not the hosting provider is right for you. If the hosting provider cannot
meet your performance needs, you may need to consider switching to a different hosting
provider.
4.2 ESTABLISHING EMAIL AND MAILING SERVICES BACKUP PROCEDURES IN

PLACE AND PROTECTING FROM DAMAGE, ERASURE OR UNWANTED
DAMAGE
A backup of a server is often created in order to be able to restore data if the original
server crashes or becomes inaccessible. This is especially important in organizations for
legal or business reasons.
The process of backups is done by making an exact copy of the server’s data storage
device in order to prevent data loss. This operation can be done manually by copying all
files onto an external storage device. This can be also done automatically by setting up a
scheduled process.
The backup process is much more complex in action. It requires a lot of time, expertise,
and caution to be successful. There are different factors a system administrator should
take into account in order not to lose any data, especially when it’s done manually.
Here are some tips when choosing your e-mail and collaboration platform to create a
digital workplace for your business:
 Pay attention that an integrated backup system is always preferred over third-party
solutions,
 Make sure that you back up all of the important data on a regular basis relying on
a real-time backup plan,
 Off-site backups are a good way to protect your data from natural disasters,
 The amount of time and effort required to implement the backup plan,
 Lastly, if the backup system is optimized to work in your environment for better
performance.
4.3 TAKING ACTION TO ENSURE SUPPORT SERVICES PERFORM ACCORDING TO

BUSINESS NEEDS
The following are several types of support services that companies can use to maintain
their IT infrastructure and other procedures to increase their effectiveness:
1. Data storage
Many businesses store data and require a place to do so in an easy and effective manner.
There are several data storage services available that assist a company in securely storing
data. They may store this data in cloud services, in-house technology or off-site locations.
2. HR and people management
There are several functions within the human resources and people management field,
such as staffing, job assessment, workforce utilization and analysis of workforce
performance. Support services can help streamline this process by offering the necessary
support to complete these tasks. This frees up time for HR professionals to focus on the
tasks that are most important.
3. Computer support
Computer support may be the most common form of support services. Many companies
utilize various technologies to perform tasks, and these technologies require
dependability and issue-free use for successful implementation. Many IT support service
professionals are aware of the latest technology related to various fields and can help
make recommendations on the most appropriate tools for a company. Provided services
may include troubleshooting computer systems and programs, installing hard drives,
upgrading systems and installing malware detection software.
4. Administration support
Other support services companies often use include those that help assist in the
administrative process within their organizations. There are several small duties required
for these tasks, which can take up an administrative professional's time. Examples of
available services in this department include updating customer databases, inputting data
and responding to correspondence from clients and employees.
5. Customer service
Customer service is a popular support service that many organizations rely on to keep
their customers happy. If there aren't enough in-house customer service employees to
handle customer needs, customers may feel as though the company cannot meet their
needs. Third-party customer service support programs make sure clients receive optimal
support in a timely manner.
6. Web development
Website development and maintenance are important components of support services and
help manage various aspects of web-related tasks, including customer service and
inventory management. These support services can decrease the time that site owners
spend on troubleshooting and fixing issues on their website. There are several resources
that can keep systems and websites functioning and reduce the need for employees to
regularly manage the company's sites.
7. Sales and revenue generation
One way to increase sales and revenue generation is to use support services focused on
increasing brand awareness and loyalty. These services typically involve assisting
customers in determining the help they require. Services may also include assisting
customers in finding products and services that meet their needs and preferences.

Unit Five: Assess quality of service delivered
 Checking service delivered against organization quality standards and specifications
 Evaluating service delivered using the appropriate evaluation parameters
 Identifying cause of any identified faults and taking correcting actions with organization
policies and procedures
 Check service delivered against organization quality standards and specifications
 Evaluate service delivered using the appropriate evaluation parameters
 Identify cause of any identified faults and taking correcting actions with organization
policies and procedures
5 UNIT FIVE: ASSESS QUALITY OF SERVICE DELIVERED
5.1 CHECKING SERVICE DELIVERED AGAINST ORGANIZATION QUALITY

STANDARDS AND SPECIFICATIONS
To test the performance of a hosting provider and record outcomes during on and off-peak times,
you can follow these steps:
Choose a load testing tool. There are many different load testing tools available, both free and
paid. Some popular options include LoadImpact, JMeter, and Gatling.
Configure the load test. When configuring the load test, you will need to specify the following:
The type of test you want to run (e.g., HTTP load test, database load test, etc.)
The URL or IP address of the website or application you want to test
The number of virtual users you want to simulate
The duration of the test
Run the load test during on-peak and off-peak times. To get a complete picture of the hosting
provider's performance, you should run the load test during both on-peak and off-peak times.
On-peak times are typically during the business day, while off-peak times are typically at night
or on weekends.
Record the test results. The load testing tool will record the results of the test, such as the
response time, throughput, and error rate. You can then use these results to compare the
performance of the hosting provider during on-peak and off-peak times.
5.2 EVALUATING SERVICE DELIVERED USING THE APPROPRIATE EVALUATION

PARAMETERS
You can use the following evaluation parameters to evaluate service delivered
 Reliability:
The website should be available and functioning when your customers want to access it. Look
for web hosts who can guarantee uptime of over 95 per cent. In case your business depends
primarily on your web presence, it makes sense to look for even higher reliability. Paying a
premium for a service which assures you over 99 per cent uptime will be worth the investment.
 Performance:
Many of us have experienced irritatingly slow sites and you would certainly not like to drive
away visitors with a slow or unresponsive website. To ensure a good performance from your
website, analyze the infrastructure of the hosting service. The host should ideally be directly
connected to the Net through multiple T3 lines and not through someone else’s network
operations center.
The servers should be fast and of a well-established brand such as Pentium Pro or Sun
SPARCstation. The servers should be using Windows NT, Linux, or other such mainstream,
robust operating systems.
 Support:
The server may be based half way across the world. In case something goes wrong, you should
be able to call up someone and get an immediate response. Before you take up the service, you
can check up their customer service number to see if it is manned by knowledgeable personnel or
if they have an automated voice activated response. Responsive e-mail based support should also
be in place.
 Price:
Since there are many providers of hosting services, you should be able to get good prices. There
are wide variances in pricing; so, doing a bit of comparison shopping helps. An entry-level
package of 20 MB hard drive space and e-mail service should cost about Rs. 2000 per annum.
 Security:
Look for a hosting service that provides secure transactions. All files should be backed up on a
regular basis. Access to the host should be restricted by the use of user passwords.
 Control:
Your hosting service should allow you access to your own website for you or your designers to
update and maintain it. Access should be seamless but restricted by the use of passwords.
 Reputation:
The reputation of the hosting company can be verified by contacting others who use their
services. It will give you a chance to cross check their claims. There are also some web-based
web host directories and rating services such as tophost.com.
5.3 IDENTIFYING CAUSE OF ANY IDENTIFIED FAULTS AND TAKING

CORRECTING ACTIONS WITH ORGANIZATION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
An effective corrective action plan identifies the root cause of problems and prevents their
recurrence with rigorous documentation. The CAP aims to resolve the root cause of the issue
rather than just address the surface signs.
A corrective action plan template can help mitigate similar issues in the future. Introducing
templates helps add transparency to your operation and empowers team members to implement
corrective actions.
An excellent corrective action plan is precise and provides ample details. The plan should
provide a well-informed estimate of the timeline and resources required. As a best practice, a
CAP should include information about the key stakeholders involved, any constraints in the
process, interim deadlines, and guidepost metrics to indicate progress.

Evaluating and Selecting A Web Hosting Service - Level 3

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Evaluating and Selecting A Web Hosting Service - Level 3

Uploaded by

Entoto poly technic college

Web Development and Database Administration Level-III

Web Development and Database

Module Title: - Evaluating and Selecting a Web Hosting Service

Prepared by: Entoto PTC Department of IT

Web Development and Database Administration Level-III

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Web Development and Database Administration Level-III

Web Development and Database Administration Level-III

Web Development and Database Administration Level-III

1 UNIT ONE: SELECT ISP

1.1 REVIEWING COMPARABLE CHARACTERISTICS OF A RANGE HOSTING

Web Development and Database Administration Level-III

Web Development and Database Administration Level-III

6. Professional field service and Customer Service

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9. Terms and Conditions

10. Restrictive policies

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1.2 REVIEWING CLIENT USAGE TO ENSURE EMAIL AND MAILING LIST

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Factor #02: The Type of Email Communication You Use

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Factor #04: The Level of Security You Need

Factor #05: Compatibility and Flexibility

Factor #06: The Level of Support You Need

Factor #07: Cost

Web Development and Database Administration Level-III

1.3 REVIEWING SUPPORT SERVICE STANDARDS TO ENSURE THEY MEET

 Installing new tools

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 Site Errors and Malfunctions

 Web Hosting Upgrades

 Metrics for Customer Support Evaluation

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Web Development and Database Administration Level-III

c. Trouble Ticket System

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5. Social Media Presence

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The Reality Check

Ask Questions Live

Call Customer Support

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1.4 ENSURING ISP HOSTING SERVICE HAS SUFFICIENT DATA CAPACITY TO

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Why do Site Owners Need to Consider Web Storage?

How Does Web Hosting Take up Space?

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What Aspects May Require Increased Levels of Storage?

Typical Storage Requirements for Different Types of Site

Web Development and Database Administration Level-III

Web Development and Database Administration Level-III

1.5 DETERMINING AVAILABILITY OF SECURITY TECHNOLOGIES

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1. Restrict Access to Secure Information

A robust password authentication system

Otherwise, you need to purchase an SSL certificate independently. Search engines

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 What network protocol do they use – SSH, or an equal protocol?

2. Offer Data Backups and Easy Rebuilds

3. Detect and Remove Malware

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5. Ensure Hardware Protection

Find out from your web host:

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 Where are the off-site servers located?

 What are the physical server security measures in place?

 If a power outage or natural disaster occurs, how are servers protected?

 What type of monitoring is needed to detect security threats?

 What is the process for notifying customers about security threats?

7. Choosing the Operating System Software

Windows-based Web Servers

Linux-based Web Servers

Web Development and Database Administration Level-III

8. How Secure are Different Web Hosting Services?