The 3 options we are going to consider in this article are shared servers, cloud servers and dedicated servers. First it is important to understand what a server is.

What is a Server?

Basically a server is a computer or hard drive that is owned by your host. All of the information that makes up your website will be stored on this computer and when you pay your hosting fee you are basically renting a space on this computer. The host will be responsible for the security of this computer and will take measures to get firewalls in place and to back up all of the data.

Now let's look at the three options in turn and consider who would be best to use them.

Shared Servers

This is the simplest form of hosting and also the cheapest. The idea is that you will share a server (computer) with other websites. So in other words you are paying to rent space on part of a computer and you will be sharing the space with a lot of other people.

This form of hosting is ideal for most small businesses. If you have a simple brochure or e-commerce website with average traffic volumes this will probably be the best form of hosting for you. It is very cost effective and will give you all the space you should need.

Cloud Servers

This type of server is probably the most difficult concept to get. The idea is that your host will have a bank of computers, for arguments sake let's say 20. You will then rent space on these computers and your data may move from one computer to another as they rent space and websites increase in size.

This is great for any site that needs to have login and may have increasing volumes of users. The reason this is good to use is you pay for the space that you use. So as your site expands in size and traffic you will not go over your limit, the server will just expand to take account of your increasing size. A good example of a business that may want to use this type of server is a new social networking site. The initial rental cost will be reasonably low for this type of host which is good when you are starting out and your host can expand your space as your business grows.

Dedicated Server

This type of server is fairly self explanatory. Basically you get your own server (computer) that only stores the information and files for your website on it. This is a very expensive form of hosting and should only really be considered if you are a well established site that is very large with high traffic volumes. This is really the type of hosting that websites like YouTube use.

Hopefully the above has helped to explain some of the jargon that you may have heard passed around by web development companies. One thing to remember is that the company that is creating your website may offer you hosting. However make sure you are not forced into taking it as we would always recommend checking who they use and making sure it has the adequate security. If you are not happy then you should find your own. Always keep in mind that for hosting, cheapest is not always best, you should research a host and make sure your data will be safe with them before you commit.