We may earn an affiliate commission from partner links on the Entrepreneur Guide. These do not affect our editors’ opinions.
Cloud hosting is now more necessary than ever before. With small businesses growing, online presence remains one of the top ways to scale revenue and increase potential leads. Choosing the best cloud hosting service for your website and applications should be a high priority.
Below, we discuss some of the best cloud hosting services of 2023.
What is cloud hosting?
Cloud hosting is a service that provides cloud servers that are used to host websites and applications for companies and organizations. Cloud hosting is cost-effective, easily scalable, and aids business owners with routine maintenance. It removes the need for any on-site hardware, and maintains the infrastructure while also securing it.
The best cloud hosting services of 2023.
What is the difference between cloud-based and cloud web hosting?
There is a difference between cloud-based and cloud-hosting services — the location of where the software is being run. Typically, cloud-based applications contain all server and software side computations.
In contrast, cloud-hosted applications and websites are hosted with the cloud on one or more virtual servers and minor management on the owner’s side.
Types of cloud hosting.
When it comes to cloud hosting, there are multiple options. There are four types of cloud hosting:
Hybrid Cloud Hosting
Hybrid cloud hosting uses a combination of virtual and physical server machines with both public cloud and private cloud that work together to host applications and websites. This hybrid model provides management, orchestration, and mobility across architecture types.
Managed Cloud Hosting
Managed cloud hosting solutions provide coverage of security, maintenance, upkeep, and troubleshooting. This type of cloud hosting offers the highest level of support and hands-off service.
This is a more user-friendly web hosting service since managed services provide all the benefits of traditional hosting without requiring users to seriously understand the cloud infrastructure. As a busy business owner, some things should be left to the IT specialists. Managed cloud hosting options make sure of that.
Public Cloud Hosting
A public cloud hosting platform utilizes shared shelf space in a data center with other clients. Even though it is a shared space, it does not mean there is a cause for worry about security issues.
Each customer’s data is fully isolated from the others. But the virtual server space is shared, making it public. Typically, public cloud hosting is the most cost-effective option of cloud hosting.
Private Cloud Hosting
With private cloud hosting, business owners will have their own single, private server for their hosted websites and applications. VPS hosting ensures a single server, customizable in IP address, which functions to guarantee maximum security at a higher cost than public cloud hosting.
For businesses that contain sensitive data, private cloud hosting is an excellent option due to its various security measures.
How do I choose a cloud hosting service?
When shopping around for a cloud web hosting provider, there are a few things that should be considered:
Data Storage
It is essential for business owners to know where their data is being stored, how much storage is available if using a public cloud hosting space, and who has access to the control panel. Ask the service provider to outline all this information if it is not found on their website.
Security
Security is of utmost importance. Business owners need to keep their data private as well as maintaining the privacy of customers and employees. Whether your website is used for blogging, ecommerce, or open-source posting, it all needs to be secured. Business owners need to double-check compliance, cloud security, and frequency of system backups.
Pricing Plans
Pricing plans should always be transparent to potential and existing customers. Programs and packages should be clearly outlined on the cloud host’s website. Users benefit from seeing their options regarding the different features a hosting service provides. Look into what plan offers the best value.
Customer Support
Customer support provides an extra layer of insurance that you can access whenever needed. Knowing what kind of customer support is provided and what days and times help is available is essential. There can be a variety of options, including live, chat, video, and phone. Know which options are available before committing to a service.
The bottom line.
Having a trusted cloud hosting service to host your websites and applications is very important. As many service providers have multiple pricing packages, it is essential to understand your business needs and what service offers the best room for growth before choosing the right service provider for your needs.
Some other great cloud hosting services you might want to look into include:
For more information on business branding and hosting, check out Entrepreneur.com today.