In today’s internet age, everybody needs a website. It doesn’t matter if you're a graphic designer, an amateur carpenter, or an expert in staring at the ceiling. If you’ve got a thing, there’s bound to be an audience. Most of what we have online is categorized into two schools: Static and Data-driven websites. Most of what we interact with on a daily basis is data-driven. When we look for resources and encyclopedic information, on the other hand, we’re looking at a static website. If you’re trying to launch your own data-driven website but feel like you’re a bit in the weeds, here’s a quick and dirty basic guide to hosting the website you want.
Is My Website “Data-Driven”?
If you’re launching something and you're not quite sure if it’s even considered data-driven, take note. Anything that has to do with feedback for use, social networking, online shopping, employment forms, or even real estate information, is considered “data-driven.” If you’ve ever seen your social media platform or your investing app suddenly change to a new value or a new comment, that’s data-driven. Meaning, if you’re launching anything with continuous updates, you’ll need a hosting platform that can keep up with the constant change and demands.
Hosting
Not all hosting platforms are created equal. It all depends on the features and the offers that the platform can provide. Some out there are primarily for hosting portfolio sites with pretty images. Some have a large photo library that you can buy access from. Others just provide certain safety features. If you look at industry leaders that work closely with actual programmers, they go a different route. According to postgresql web hosting, CPU power, memory, and bandwidth usage is limited in the top ten most common hosting platforms. You need some real firepower for data-driven sites, and only a handful are available to the public.
Finding The Right Host
The first thing you have to do is calculate all the features you need. How much CPU power do you need? How much memory and bandwidth are you going to use? The difference between having that information and not having that information is the difference between immediate adaptation to your website, and having a sudden issue pop up. In turn, what you gather will provide a good estimate and projection as you move forward with your website. Be honest with yourself and your needs and go to a capable hosting service, as mentioned above. Also, know that most services charge annually. If you are a start-up and are calculated based on your monthly or quarterly needs, you really need to adjust your cost—or potential cost, to fit an annual model.
Hosting a data-driven website is simple if you have all the right information. Know what your capabilities are and exactly what you are asking. As long as you’re able to adequately project what you need, and communicate it with the right provider, you can build a healthy and functional website with the services and hosting you need. All it takes is a bit of research and some technical know-how. Good luck!
