Exploring the advantages and challenges of managing your website's hosting in-house, this article delves into various hosting options, their costs, and operational implications. We also examine a case study of Warner Brothers International Theatre's approach to web hosting for online ticket sales.
When you choose to self-host your website, you utilize your own resources and infrastructure, except for external connectivity. This method offers full control but comes with its own set of challenges.
According to a survey by Netcraft, an internet services company, as of 2021, only about 3% of small businesses choose to host their websites in-house, primarily due to the technical complexities and costs involved (Netcraft, 2021).
For those considering other hosting solutions, here are a few common alternatives:
You own the server, but it is housed in a vendor's facility, which provides physical space, environmental controls, and internet connectivity.
A hybrid approach where the hosting company manages the hardware and operating system, while you handle the applications.
The hosting provider manages all aspects of the IT environment, including applications and potentially processing electronic payments.
This extends dedicated hosting to include managing business processes like CRM and product pricing.
Warner Brothers International Theatre (WBIT) implemented a dedicated hosting solution for their online ticket sales, managed by BT. This decision was driven by a tight four-month deadline to launch the website in time for the premiere of "Star Wars, Episode One – The Phantom Menace." The site, hosted on BT's server farm, successfully handled seven million hits within a month of going live. This setup allowed WBIT to manage ticketing systems locally while relying on BT for broader IT support.
Choosing the right web hosting solution involves weighing the balance between control, cost, and technical capability. While self-hosting offers maximum control, it demands significant resources and expertise. Alternative hosting options provide varying degrees of management relief and cost implications. Businesses must carefully assess their needs, capabilities, and growth plans to select the most appropriate hosting strategy.
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