There comes a time for some companies when their web hosting needs become too much for a server or two to handle. It becomes too complex that they would need to step up their service to enterprise-level hosting. Enterprise hosting is a high capacity solution that can provide the needs of a company with a complex requirement. This service is load-balanced and connected to large databases and is handled by multiple servers. It is backed by a security appliance and is usually developed by network architects or designers.

Below is a list of features that companies who need an enterprise-level hosting look for:

More hard drive space
More Bandwidth
Better Technical Support
Need for Advanced Features
Need for Extended Services

Web Space

If you are bent on getting an enterprise hosting package, you should get the best out of your investment. That said, make a list of your present space requirement and how much space you’ll be needing in the near future.

Bandwidth

Bandwidth plays a big part in the quality of exchange between your company and your clients. Getting an enterprise hosting package will make the bandwidth a non-issue. Make sure though, that when looking for an enterprise hosting provider, that they have at least a T-3 backbone connection. A connection like this may be able to pass data at speeds of up to 45Mbps. Also consider how much bandwidth is being used by the current demand in the system or simply the demand of the of the host provider’s customer. Ideally, bandwidth should not be less than 30% utilized during off-peak hours and not more than 70% at peak hours. Lastly, when selecting a provider, choose the one that is the closest to the internet backbone connection. The reason for this is that, the more ‘upstream’ connections a host provider has to the Internet backbone connection, the higher the risk of data loss and bandwidth loss for your website.

Technical Support

It is very important that you choose a provider who are reliable and have 24/7 support. After all, having a reliable tech support will play a major role in your site’s success.

Platform Support

The platform is made up of all the hardware running from internet connectors to the software that is bundled in the system and is simply known as the heart and soul of the web hosting service. Before finally deciding which provider you’re choosing, double check on their track records. See if they have a particular platform that they specialize in. Don’t hesitate to inquire about them from their customers and lastly, consider other technical information to determine the reliability of the platform of a particular provider.

Advanced Features and Add-ons

See if there are add-ons and value-added features provided in the package but remember to look ahead of these add-ons. Also check if they have extra service like developer training, consulting, access to development and design teams. There’s nothing like getting your money’s worth.

E-commerce Concerns

E-commerce software bundles are now incorporated by hosting providers into their packages. Some may offer just the basics while some may opt to offer the complete package. Before finally deciding on your provider, compare the packages that they have that is right for your requirements. Also make sure that they have SSL support.