Types of Websites
Websites come in many different shapes and forms. They can be static or dynamic. They can integrate with databases, or simply display basic information such as contact details and other company (or personal) information. They can be strictly based on your information, or can display links to, and ads for, other websites. They can also incorporate third-party controls/services such as:
- Shopping Cart Facilities
- Real-Time Credit Card Processing
- Content Management System(s)
- Telephone SMSing / calling
A Static website usually means that the website cannot be updated without knowing a small amount of programming. The base programming language that websites run on is Hypertext Markup Language (HTML). A Dynamic website, on the other hand, can be built by a programmer and maintained by the business owner/employee, without the need to know any programming whatsoever.
Dynamic websites usually incorporate the use of database(s) and/or slightly more advanced programming (not just HTML), which is hidden from the end user, but shows webpage information on request. The major advantage of dynamic over static websites, is that the information displayed on each page, is customized to each user, thus providing a much more effective site.
Such paradigms are further enhanced by incorporating Third-Party Shopping Carts and other various Third-Party services, incorporated into your website. This is explained in detail, later in this guide.
What Type of Web Hosting Will I Need?
The prerequisites of a Hosting Company's Services for your business are determined based on what you are trying to achieve.
For example, if you have many products, which are constantly changing, and want to display them on your website for customers to buy, you'll require a Hosting Service that allows you to connect to a database (of your stock) and/or a Third-Party Shopping Cart to easily (and automatically) manage your online inventory.
If you only want to display a description of your services and perhaps a news section with images, you should opt for a Dynamic site with a Content Management System (CMS) integrated, for easy updates.
These examples are by no means comprehensive, but are an example of two simple types of Dynamic websites, which require almost no programming experience whatsoever.
Online Payments
If you decide that you wish to accept Credit Card transactions, in real-time, over the Internet, then you will need to setup your website to incorporate the use of a Third-Party Payment Gateway. Almost all Shopping Carts have already organised this for you and should only require you to setup some simple requisites to make use of this feature (eg. Bank Merchant Account). Payment Gateways are discussed in further detail, later in this guide.
Security
If you are going to be dealing with sensitive information, such as passwords, Credit Cards, and other personal information, then security is an issue you must address from the start.
Generally, security is achieved through good server management (this is up to the web host) and a thing called Secure Sockets Layer Certificates (SSL). SSL is explained in detail, later in this guide.
When choosing your web host / shopping cart, you need to ensure you know what your options are if you are planning on transmitting sensitive information backwards and forwards across the world.
Payment Gateways also provide tighter security than attempting to connect to financial institutions directly from your website, and usually at a cheaper price.
So who do I Choose?
We have provided some links to web host providers whom we have found to be of reputable quality and can provide adequate services for eCommerce businesses.
» AussieHQ
» WebCentral
» SmartyHost
» WebHost
» MD Web Hosting
» Curl WebHosting
Alternatively you may search our eWAY Super Stars for Web Hosting providers.