Get the Lowdown on Windows Hosting

Windows hosting can be a great choice if you are building a website using Windows-based technologies such as, for example, ASP. The connection between using Windows-based server software along with Microsoft applications can be considerable, and it's often a good idea to follow this route.

You often will find larger companies and enterprises using Windows hosting. The primary reason for this is the rock-solid support of specific technologies such as Microsoft Exchange, MS SQL Server, Cold Fusion, and of course, ASP. Many corporate websites you find will have Web pages ending in .asp. This is a tell-tale sign as to what type of server software they are running.

High traffic websites with large databases, sites that handle heavy media hosting, require heavy processing power, deal with complicated scripts, have heavy mailing requirements, and more, all can benefit from choosing the Windows hosting platform.

Windows 2008 Server is the current iteration of the platform. It follows Windows Server 2000 and 2003 in the product line. Microsoft has become increasingly diligent over the years about keeping the platform current and updated with all of the latest technology requirements that a business of any size absolutely require.

There is a price to pay for all of this technological advancement, however. Unlike Linux hosting, Windows server development costs are passed down to the host in the way of software fees. These fees ultimately have to be passed on to the consumer, at least to some extent, and the result is that you will usually either pay slightly higher fees for Windows hosting, or you will get slightly lower specs for the same price as its Windows counterpart.

For many companies, however, this small trade-off is well worth the gain and benefits of choosing this particular platform. Review the needs of your website, and see if Windows hosting is your best option.