Shared Hosting

Shared hosting is also known as derive hosts or virtual hosting service, wherein multiple websites are hosted on a single web server. This is one of the cost-effective solutions as the overall cost of the server is divided amongst the various account holders on the web server.

Earnestly, shared hosting is a suitable option for those who have limited budget, and do not want to hold more control, whereas those who look forward to have enhanced control, or who require extensive server development. An array of application on a standard web server are compatible with a shared hosting account. Herein, the service provider owes the responsibility for managing and maintaining servers. Straight from the installation, configuration; security updates, and technical support are the responsibility of the service provider.

Conversely, shared hosting is more economical than other hosting environments, such as Virtual Private Hosting or Dedicated Server Hosting. Shared hosting usually has usage limits and hosting providers should have extensive reliability features in place(1). Broadly, almost all the web hosting servers run Linux operating system, LAMP, FreeBSD based solutions, or Microsoft Windows based operating system. Name-based and IP-based, are the two types of shared hosting ways.

Largely, shared hosting services are opted for PPC advertising (pay per click), and Affiliate programs. There are hundreds of providers, both, in India and United States alone that offers shared hosting services.

Shared hosting is considered as the best solution for those:

  - With limited Budget

  - Receives fixed web traffic

  - Does not want more control

Typically, a shared web hosting service utilizes a control panel system, such as Plesk, cPanel, DirectAdmin, H-Sphere, InterWorx to manage the hosted accounts. Big companies, sometimes use their own custom-created control panel for better management and enhanced security.