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Top 10 Things to Look for in a Server Cluster Hosting Provider
Server clusters are an excellent way of keeping your business online and productive, so server cluster hosting is a great choice for many business owners. Here are the top ten things to look for when choosing a server cluster hosting provider:
1. Stability - Ask a potential server cluster hosting provider how long they have been in business. Are they reputable? How many, and what kind of, clients do they serve? Don't be afraid to ask for proof of financial stability. You don't want a hosting provider that will be out of business in a few months.
2. Cost - Compare costs. Don't assume that the most expensive server cluster hosting provider is the best. Select a provider that can meet your needs without running you over budget.
3. Value - How much does the server cluster hosting provider charge? What does the package include? Is it a good value for the money? Is the price comparable to that of other providers for the same services?
4. Hosting Plans - Be sure to view all available plans offered by a potential provider. Some server cluster hosting providers offer dedicated platforms, while others only offer a shared exchange. Check on whether the plans are for different operating systems, like Windows or Linux, because you want the best option for your needs.
5. Upgrades - Depending on your reason for choosing server cluster hosting, you may find that you want or need to upgrade services in the future. Does the provider offer a way to upgrade? Do they offer add-ons, like e-commerce tools or marketing tools? Be sure your provider offers everything you may need to upgrade in the future. If they don't, you will have to find a new provider to be able to expand.
6. Guarantee - Look for a server cluster hosting provider who offers a guarantee for uptime and support. Try to find providers who offer a Service Level Agreement (SLA), preferably one that incurs a financial penalty for failing to live up to the guarantee. That financial penalty acts as incentive for your provider to do what they promise. In addition, look for financial guarantees, such as refunds for unused service if you cancel early or a price freeze guarantee that allows you to lock in your current hosting price. These can add up the savings if you stay with the host for any length of time.
7. Support - Read or ask about the support policy for any server cluster hosting provider. Having 24/7 support may not seem important to a business that operates from 9 to 5, but there is always the possibility that you will need tech support during non-traditional hours. Find out if the provider offers telephone support in addition to email. Don't be afraid to ask about the training of their tech support staff, and whether they outsource support. It doesn't hurt to call their support line at 2 a.m. to see if you can actually connect to a live person that is qualified to help you.
8. Redundancy - In addition to the server cluster, your hosting provider needs to have some sort of redundancy in place. At the very least, they should have backup power supplies. Expect your provider to offer redundancy in internet connectivity, storage and cooling, as well. Don't let the provider balk at answering what sort of redundancy they have in place. As a customer, you need to ensure that your assets are protected from everything, whether it is a city-wide power outage or a server crash. As your provider, it is their job to ease your mind with as many details as you need.
9.Backups - Ask the server cluster hosting provider what types of backups they perform. What is their backup strategy? Do they have one? How often do they back up the server data? What is their turnaround time on restoring the data in the event of a major failure? The last thing you want is to lose everything if their servers fail.
10. Deployment - What are your options for getting information onto your server? Does the hosting provider offer FTP access? Do they offer FrontPage Extensions? If dealing with a SQL server, does the hosting provider offer direct access with programs like Query Analyzer? Do you have a control panel for managing your applications? Don't be afraid to ask the hosting provider for screen shots or a demo of the screens for managing directories.
Whenever you are choosing your server cluster hosting provider, keep in mind that you are going to be paying for the service. The hosting providers want you to be their customer, so don't be afraid to ask questions. A good provider will not hesitate to answer a customer's questions and make sure they understand the answers. Any hosting provider who is too busy to answer your questions will probably be too busy to answer your tech support calls, so steer clear of them.