What is the best way to host an on-site business website??

[radiotek]

I am thinking about moving my business' website from am off-site location to a server on-site. I don't have the server yet and really just want some advise on how I would get started. I have a DSL 1.5MB connection now and would probably run a T-1 for the Server. I have a small LAN of 11 computers now for office work, but all website hosting os done off-site. Is it practical for a small business to host on-site and what things would I need to get started?

Thanks in advance...

 

[jacktripper]

I think part of it depends upon who maintains your web site currently. Do you or one of your staff do all the programming updates or other modifications? Is it a database driven site? If so, what kind of database? Is it currently hosted on a Windows or Linux server? Do you have a firewall? Will you need one? Just how much activity and traffic and bandwidth does the sucker need?

All of these things will be a factor in what server you should choose. And, for practical purposes, you would need a part-time or full-time programmer/designer in-house to deal with updates. If your hosting company is also your developer, that might make things awkward.

Just some thoughts...

 

[Wullie]

jacktripper,

I agree with evrything you said above but one part may be confusing to others...

Do you have a firewall? Will you need one?

Always use a firewall on any machine, especially a server.

A few more things to consider are:

1)Do you accept payments online? If so then does anyone in your company have any knowledge of server security? If not, then get some books or good info on the net and read, read, read. Do NOT attempt to launch the server until you are familiar with the whole concept.

2)Do you have someone that can monitor the server? If you only work Monday to Friday, what happens if the server crashes on a Friday night? Is there someone who can get in and reboot it?

3) What server are you planning on using? Please do not say IIS.. LOL Go with Apache, it is much more stable and secure.

Hope this helps Wullie

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