With a congested web hosting market, finding a quality provider and the right type of hosting for your website is essential.
As you explore the various options, you will encounter a range of features to consider before making a decision. Every provider offers a distinct set of features, so it’s important to weigh them carefully.
One of the key factors in your selection process will be the operating system. The choice of OS will impact the type of applications and software that your server can run.
Linux is the most commonly used server OS, but some website owners may require the specific functions of a Windows server for optimal site performance. If that’s the case for you, here are some tips to help you find the best Windows hosting provider.
Flexible server solution
Windows hosting can offer a great deal of flexibility. For instance, you have the capacity to run Microsoft Internet Information Services (IIS) or Apache server software. You also have the option of using Visual Basic, ASP.NET framework, MS SQL or even MS Access for your databases.
Furthermore, if you developed your web app or site using .NET, then you’ll have no choice but to use Windows to host it.
You’ll also need a server configuration that supports any existing web applications or services that are being used through your websites such as Microsoft Outlook or Microsoft Exchange.
If you’ve built your websites or web applications with Microsoft-supported applications and tools, then finding the best Windows hosting provider can help you achieve the highest level of functionality and performance.
Compatibility
Since your web server will be running Windows, you will also see compatibility with a number of other Windows technologies and platforms.
For instance, if you use Microsoft Outlook for your emails, then you should be able to configure Outlook to work with the server as well.
Additionally, you’ll be able to work with other software applications that have been designed for Windows. For instance, you’ll find that commonly used open-source languages like Apache, PHP, and MySQL are compatible with your server.
Compatibility is an important factor when deciding on the best Windows hosting provider, however, if you’re unsure about the underlying technologies that may determine the compatibility of applications in relation to your Windows host, reach out to the service provider and get all your doubts clarified before investing in a provider.
Ease of use
It’s great to have a Windows VPS hosting that can meet all your specifications. A lot of people who select Windows hosting do so due to its familiarity. They understand it and know how to use it, making it much easier for them to run the same software on their servers than others.
If you’re going to be involved in running your server instead of handing it off to a tech guy, then this knowledge is going to be important because you need to understand the server and how to engage with it.
This is especially true if you want to access your server using the command line since OS familiarity is going to benefit some users.
Consider all options to make sure you find the best Windows hosting provider that meets your every need
When selecting a Windows hosting provider, there are a number of factors that you need to consider and it’s not just about one feature over another. They all have to work together to give the user a superior experience.
Once you’ve narrowed down your list of potential providers, ask for a demo and test out all of the features they offer. You’ll have a much better idea of what you’re getting and perhaps find additional features that you never considered in the first place.