Singapore Web Hosting


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2. Singapore Web Hosting

Next, you will require web hosting so that visitors can access your website. A web hosting service consist of the following:
- IP address; this is how you are recognized on the Internet, e.g. 202.101.10.89.
- domain name server; lets users type ABC.com into the browser instead of 202.101.10.89.
- web server; basically a computer with server software, e.g. Windows Server 2003 or Linux.
- Internet connection; usually speeds of 10Mbps and above.
- technical support; very important that support is responsive and reachable 24/7.

The purchase price of a web hosting service in Singapore will depend on:
a) type of web hosting:
- shared hosting; you get a "space" on a shared web server.
- virtual server; still a shared space but setup like a independent server, e.g. you can restart.
- dedicated server; your own server.
- co-location; you rent a rackspace and Internet connection but buy your own server.
b) space (e.g. 100MB); if you are getting shared hosting or virtual server.
c) bandwidth (e.g. 1GB per month); the amount of allowable bandwidth per month.

Budget shared hosting is very affordable (e.g. 5GB space and 100GB/mth bandwidth costs only USD59/year at Surpass Hosting) but the performance of your website is affected by other users on the same shared server, i.e. other users can cause your website to go down.

If you are on a budget and plan to have a simple content website or an online shop without being affected by others, a virtual server (VPS) would suffice. You can get one for USD45/mth.

And if you are running complex PHP scripts with mutiple, simultaneous processes and expect to serve hundreds of concurrent users, then you should use a dedicated server - try to stay away fom using Intel Celerons. You can get a P4 2.4GHz, 1GB memory and dual 80GB hard drive (full backup service) server with 1,200GB bandwidth for USD105/mth.

Expect to pay a little more if you are using local Singapore web hosting providers. The benefit is that you can easily reach them if you need support.

Another point worth noting is that there are many 2nd-tier and 3rd-tier web hosting resellers in the market, i.e. they do not actually own the hardware or Internet connection. Although you may pay considerably less, you also risk getting sub-standard service and support.

Look here for a list of Singapore Web Hosting and Domain Registration Companies.