There has been a massive advancement in the web hosting business regarding technology and business processes. The notable features were the launch of cloud computing techniques in February 2008 and the rapid growth of the virtualization method. The spurt in such services has been due to the insatiable demand for space.
Cloud computing involves the use of a vast number of servers across many locations. This removes the dependence on a single computer’s memory, performance and RAM. The spread across servers guarantees an almost unlimited space for data storage or memory required for transfer. There is always an average range of web space between which a host’s computers are used daily. This provides ample free space for users to exchange and store data. This hosting method ensures the purchase of unlimited computing power from an inexhaustible source, as needed. Also, any up-gradation or scaling down can be done without any server shutdown. The hardware maintenance and replacements are unlikely to affect the overall speed and performance.
The load balancing required is done at the software level and is spread across multiple servers. Small and medium-scale businesses that cannot manage surges in traffic flow can effectively use cloud hosting. The system ensures an even spread of traffic load and prevents breakdown due to excess crowding onto a single source. The failure of any server is also well compensated by others, thus ensuring an uninterrupted flow of information.
Virtualization technology consists of running multiple small servers within the setup of a single machine. The software that allows the segregation, support and reduces loss due to overlapping hardware has evolved. The latest in the row is the Windows Server 2008 system. Virtualization is essential for hosters because it makes the service economical by increasing server utilization. It is found that most servers are utilized at far less capacity than initially estimated. Virtualization uses this method to ensure 100% use of server space. Using best-performing content delivery networks like Akamai, Level3, and LimeLight enables the best client services.
The Windows Server 2008 integrates new technologies like virtualization tools and security enhancements, saving time and costs. It is equipped with Hyper-V technology, enabling web hosts to create virtual machines from their servers. Also, the latest web server, IIS 7.0, is included, which is equipped to handle web-based services with ease. IIS has facilities like web servers, SMTP servers and NNTP servers.
Hosting companies may use Linux or Unix operating systems on their web servers. Among the subtypes Red Hat Linux, or Mandrake Linux, is the proven software that can manage hundreds of websites and millions of hits daily. Among the UNIX versions, FreeBSD and OpenBSD are commonly used. Linux, Unix, and Windows can accommodate add-ons like chat, email and web statistics. Windows is far more expensive because of the initial purchase cost and additional charges for license renewal.
Using Linux and Unix is also accessible regarding cloud hosting or virtualization. These operating systems allow close coordination between all the components of the network. The choice must be based on the web master’s need to run other features. UNIX is best for supporting PHP and MySQL. Windows is the best platform for applications based on .NET and VB. Windows must also use Active Server Pages, Front Page Extensions and Visual Basic.
