Service scope

Service scope

The scope of hosting services varies widely. The most basic is web page and

small-scale file hosting, where files can be uploaded via File Transfer Protocol (FTP)

or a Web interface. The files are usually delivered to the Web "as is" or with little

processing. Many Internet service providers (ISPs) offer this service free to their

subscribers. People can also obtain Web page hosting from other, alternative service

providers. Personal web site hosting is typically free, advertisement-sponsored, or

cheap. Business web site hosting often has a higher expense.

Single page hosting is generally sufficient only for personal web pages. A complex

site calls for a more comprehensive package that provides database support and

application development platforms (e.g. PHP, Java, Ruby on Rails, ColdFusion, and

ASP.NET). These facilities allow the customers to write or install scripts for

applications like forums and content management. For e-commerce, SSL is also

highly recommended.

The host may also provide an interface or control panel for managing the Web server

and installing scripts as well as other services like e-mail. Some hosts specialize in

certain software or services (e.g. e-commerce). They are commonly used by larger

companies to outsource network infrastructure to a hosting company.