0 What Web Hosting needs?

In the most general sense, a web site requires (1) hardware, (2)software, (3) a connection to the Internet and (4) an administrator.

1. Administrator

The Administrator performs the following duties:

- Configure Server / Install Software

- Monitor Server

- Run Traffic Reports

- Run Backups

- Monitor site responsiveness

- Manage disk storage space

- Security monitoring and management

- Administer Databases

2. Software
Software could consist of an:

- Operating System

(i.e., Windows NT, Linux)

Required:

- Web Server (i.e., Apache or IIS)

- Traffic Reporting (i.e., Web Trends )

- Credit Card Software

- Databases

- Digital Encryption (i.e., VeriSign)

3. Hardware
- Server

- Network devices

(switches, routers, wiring)

- Tape backup

- Secure physical racks or lockers

- Storage Area Network (SAN) - Optional

- Premise security - Optional

- Network Firewall - Optional

- Load balancing - Optional

- Fire control systems - Optional

- Uninterruptible Power Supply - Optional

4. Connectivity 

Connectivity is the manner in which the ISP or MSP provides Internet access to the website. At a minimum this should be a Frame Relay or T1 connection. Better providers will provide redundant connections to diverse upstream Internet providers.