Web Hosting Reviews & Ratings

April 13, 2009

Do You Need Windows Hosting?

The web hosting market is huge and there are literally thousands of providers offering service.  Most of the companies you across have hosting packages on one of two platforms: Linux or Windows.  Traditionally, Windows has been the most expensive solution due to products and licenses tied to the Microsoft name.  Be that as it may, the power and usability of this platform has made it an increasingly popular option, especially for business customers.  In this article we will try to help you determine if Windows hosting is the right solution for you.

Windows Prevalence

The Microsoft Windows operating system is installed on over 90% of home-based personal computers.  And even though Linux and Unix are more common in the web hosting arena, the prevalence of Windows in the home and business setting makes it a popular choice for those who come in already familiar with the system.  When coupled with the enhanced functionality, user-friendliness and rich set of features it offers, it is clear to see why more customers are opting for Windows hosting.

Windows Programming

Windows hosting offers an entirely different programming environment than Linux and other Unix-like systems.  The major technologies involved in Windows-based hosting packages are ASP and ASP.NET.  These server-side programming languages allow you to create dynamic web pages and applications that will serve content to your visitors in a more efficient manner.  The unique quality of Windows hosting is the fact that it not only supports Microsoft programming environments, but open-source technologies such as PHP and Perl as well.

Windows Databases

Windows hosting sets itself apart from the average solution and this is made evident by the databases.  A Linux-based package generally comes included with open-source databases like MySQL and Postgre SQL.  A Windows hosting plan typically offers MS Access or MS SQL, an enterprise-class database system used in many corporate applications.  The power of MS SQL alone is often enough to sway business customers in choose Windows over Linux hosting.

Windows Control Panels

Although cPanel, the leading control panel software, is specific to the Linux platform, there is also a nice selection of control panels available for Windows.  As of now, the most popular Windows control panel is a software application known as Helm.  Other control panels that support the system include Ensim and H-Sphere.  These programs are different in terms of presentation and features but all give you the ability to effectively manage your Windows hosting account.

Windows Hosting in Summary

The Windows platform makes an excellent choice for web hosting, especially if your site has specific requirements for Microsoft technologies like ASP and MS SQL.  As with any solution, the key to succeeding with Windows hosting is finding a reliable provider.  This means doing business with a host that can ensure a respectable uptime and quality service.  Without reliability, it will be difficult to enjoy all the functionality this environment has to offer.  The market for Windows hosting is growing rapidly, making it easier to find a good provider that meets your needs.

Tags: ASP,  Windwos hosting,  Windows Web Hosting,  windows,  php,  Perl,  mysql,  Microsoft,  asp.net