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Cloud Hosting Providers

Looking for a cloud hosting solution for your business? There are many different types of cloud hosting so it is important to find a provider that will give your business the solution it is seeking. It is important to have an understanding of what your business requires so you can make effective decisions on the cloud solutions that will improve your business. The difficulty is knowing what to look for in a cloud hosting provider.

At StatCounter, our valued members are given all the tools they need to effectively monitor their web traffic. Our valued members have access to the best tools to track traffic and gain a better understanding of visitors interaction with their website. While we don’t provide cloud hosting for our members, we do aim to provide them with resources to learn more about cloud hosting solutions for their business. With that said, here is more information on cloud hosting providers and what businesses should look for in a host.

Suggested Reading

We provide a number of resources for businesses looking for web hosting and cloud hosting solutions. Check out the articles below to learn more about these services:

Types of Cloud Hosting Available

There are 3 major types of cloud hosting that businesses are able to use if they are looking into hosting. Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS), and Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) are different cloud hosting options with different uses. It is important to understand what each service provides so you can make the right decision in which cloud service to utilize.

Software-as-a-Service SaaS

Many people are most familiar with SaaS cloud services. This service makes software readily available through a web browser and Internet connection. The software could either be hosted on a cloud server for a business’s personal use, or it can be offered through a subscription service which grants access through the cloud. There is a huge number of software solutions that are available through the cloud.

Platform-as-a-Service SaaS

PaaS is a bit more unique. This service is mostly used by software and application developers. This service gives them a server where they can develop and distribute their applications. The server, itself, serves as a platform where new tools can be made. Many developers utilize this service to eliminate many of the complications involved in providing software solutions or applications to businesses and people.

Infrastructure-as-a-Service SaaS

The cloud servers used by a business serve as their IT solution. This is hardware that is located offsite and in a data center, but handles much of what the business needs in terms of computing power. IaaS is really broad in terms of what actions can be performed, but it does lower the cost of IT. Businesses are able to pay a predictable monthly cost to use a server for any process they need it to perform.

What To Look For In A Cloud Hosting Provider

As mentioned above, you’ll have to decide which service is going to be right for you. SaaS will give you access to software, PaaS allows you to develop and distribute your applications, and IaaS can give you a server to perform any action. Be sure to find a provider that offers the type of cloud hosting you are looking for.

Pick Your Cloud Service

The cloud servers used by a business serve as their IT solution. This is hardware that is located offsite and in a data center, but handles much of what the business needs in terms of computing power. IaaS is really broad in terms of what actions can be performed, but it does lower the cost of IT. Businesses are able to pay a predictable monthly cost to use a server for any process they need it to perform.

Security Standards

Depending on the information you plan on having on your cloud server, you may require a provider that meets different security standards. For example, the health industry requires data to follow HIPAA Compliance, so security provided by the cloud host must meet those expectations.

Location of the Data Center

While it may seem like your information is digital and it can’t be lost, that is not the case. That data is stored in a physical piece of hardware and location. If the hardware is damaged due to the location, the data on the server could be compromised. It is important to ask the cloud hosting provider where their servers are located to determine that area is safe from fire, flood, or other types of natural disasters.

Disaster Recovery

In the worst case scenario where your IT is lost or damaged, does the cloud hosting provider give your business solutions to recovering your data? They will have some methods available to get your data back to the most recent point available. The provider you choose should have a process to recover your IT infrastructure.

Data Redundancy

This is a condition where the data stored on your server has a duplicate stored on another server. It essentially acts as a backup if your data is ever compromised. Your business can recover its data from the other servers and it gives you double protection from any cyber attacks or natural disasters.

Scalability

Does your cloud hosting provider allow you to scale your solution? If you are looking for a cloud service that you can grow as you use, it is important to have scalable options to add more to your cloud. This could be the ability to increase storage, add RAM, or even add more users to have access to the cloud.

Uptime

The cloud service you choose needs to be reliable. If the provider were to be down at a crucial moment for your business, it can really set you back and give you no way to access your data. It is important to look at the history of your provider’s uptime and make sure that they are reliable during the right hours so you can always work when it matters most.

As the trusted domain and web hosting provider of StatCounter, 1&1 offers quality hosting solutions at an affordable price. In addition to their reputable services and cost-effective pricing, 1&1 also offers features to enhance your website, like a free SSL certificate. You can learn more about 1&1’s cloud hosting here.

Use StatCounter Tools To Analyze Traffic

StatCounter may not be a cloud hosting provider, but we do provide our members with valuable tools to monitor the success of their website. Our tools allow members to see where traffic is coming from and how the visitors interact within their website. Our members gain valuable insight that allows them to make effective decisions in regards to web design. Businesses can get a clear look at the pages that are performing well and replicate the process. Be sure to measure your success and make decisions that improve your website.

In need of help using our tools? You can contact StatCounter member support by completing the form below.

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