Web hosting is the process where a party provides the computer architecture and network support for a company’s website. Whenever a consumer wants to go onto a business’ website, that website is being hosted usually by a third party (unless the company is big enough to have their own hosting services). Because of this, businesses need to research competitively priced web hosting services from various vendors. One such vendor that many businesses are flocking to these days is actually the popular website, Amazon. Why are so many businesses all of sudden going to Amazon for their web hosting services? It is because Amazon is providing needed services that all web hosting companies need to start investing in to stay competitive.
Cloud Computing
One of the services that Amazon provides to their business clients is cloud computing hosting. Unlike conventional web hosting, cloud computing allows the computer architecture and network for a website to be entirely based in wireless servers. That means instead of rows of hardware churning and processing data, a cloud computing network allows a company to reduce cost and update their network with extreme flexibility. Cloud computing is becoming increasingly popular, but many web hosting services are still not investing in this form of information technology.
E-Commerce
E-commerce is the ability to have a website actualize online orders for consumers or client businesses. Coincidentally, Amazon is an example of an e-commerce website; it allows consumers to purchase goods online through a web portal that processes debit, credit, checking, and gift card information. To establish an e-commerce portal for a website, a company needs to invest in credit card processing mechanisms and merchant accounts that help consumers and other businesses input their card information to buy a good or service. The programming on the e-commerce site will then process the financial information while communicating inventory, shipping, and ordering information to the business. Without the proper programming, the e-commerce portal will not work. This programming that is necessary will include proper security (to protect customer banking and financial information), logistical communication, coordination for high demand, and 24/7 maintenance so consumers can purchase goods or services anytime.
Conclusion
Amazon is just one hundreds of companies that are providing the latest web hosting services to client businesses so that these businesses can stay competitive. These services include cloud computing and merchant accounts that can help with credit card processing. Going with a web hosting company that can offer these services and more is a step in the right direction for many companies.