No matter which industry you operate in, if you are in business, you deal with credit cards. Of course, there are bound to be businesses that still operate on a cash-only basis. But nowadays, most consumers, whether shopping at retail locations, on the Internet or in a catalogue, expect to be able to pay for products and services with a credit card or debit card. The convenience of using cards for payment is one we have become more and more accustomed to. With the proliferation of these card payment processes, breaches in security have increased over the years. Unfortunately, this has led to more instances of i.d. or credit theft. In order to reduce the occurrence of this type of crime, the Payment Card Industry has issued a standard of information security.

What is PCI DSS? PCI DSS stands for ‘Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard.’ The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard is a worldwide information security standard, which was put together by the Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council (PCI SSC). This standard was formed to help organizations and businesses that process card payments to prevent credit card fraud and identity theft through increased controls surrounding personal data and its exposure to breach. The standard applies to any and all organizations which hold, process, or pass cardholder information from any card branded with the logo of one of the card brands, such as Visa or Mastercard.

Customer Benefits Many firms are realizing that the cost of becoming PCI DSS-compliant is easily turned into profit by way of customer loyalty. Companies that communicate the strength of their security systems and the way it ultimately benefits customers go a long way toward building strong customer relationships. If a company can make its customers understand that it is increasing its card-processing security standards in order to protect customer data, those customers will feel safe with said company.

Furthermore, if a company can build a system that safely collects customer payment data (a.k.a. credit or debit card number, expiration date and pertinent 3-digit security code) and retains it for future use, customer loyalty will be greatly impacted. Customers will be more likely to come back to you time and time again if they know you already have their payment information and that it is safe with you.

It’s All in the Message The key to making PCI DSS-compliance pay off for your organization in terms of customer loyalty is in how you present what you are doing to your customer. Existing customers will have questions as to how it will affect them, and new customers will benefit from knowing that their data is safe with you. Communicating the benefits to your customers will earn you points for caring about their security and will strengthen their relationship with your business. Organizations that fail to make a big production out of compliance in terms of communicating their efforts to customers are missing an opportunity to build this loyalty.

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Choosing the right web server will be one of the most important decisions you will ever make with your online business. Why? Because the web server you choose will literally make or break your online business.

Today I am going to discuss two types of servers; Virtual Web Hosting and Virtual Private Servers.

Over the last couple of years Virtual Web Hosting has been the only way to go when choosing a web server. One of the reasons that Virtual Web Hosting became so popular was because they supported the necessary files and allowed you to have more freedom than other conventional web hosts. Now you can have more freedom than ever before with Virtual Private Servers. Moreover, Virtual Private Servers should not be confused with Virtual Hosts, because they are completely different.

Before we go any further I must explain what the difference is between a Virtual Host and a Virtual Private Server, so that you can fully understand. In this article I will also go over the advantages and disadvantages of both types of servers, to help you decide which is right for you and your business. Let’s get started discussing Virtual Hosting.

Virtual Hosting

Virtual Hosting is also known as Shared Web Hosting, where you are sharing the physical server and a single set of software applications with other users. Virtual Hosting has been extremely popular in the past for its fast deployment, strong resources, and most importantly for having a very reasonable price. Another advantage to Virtual Hosting is that you have a powerful, reliable, and professionally managed server without having to have advanced technical skills, making it ideal for an individual, small business, or even a beginner.

One of the disadvantage of Virtual Hosting is that you are sharing the server with other users. The server is configured and controlled by an administrator, not you. So basically you have no control, because you have to contact the administrator every time you want to adjust or change your configuration settings. Even if you managed to reach the administrator, they may not fulfill your request. It’s up to them to help you or not to help you. They are the administrator. If you were the administrator you wouldn’t have these limitations and would have immediate and total control of your servers.

Virtual Private Servers Web Hosting

Virtual Private Servers are usually the best choice these days and for a very good reason. Before I get into the advantages of a Virtual Private Server, let me explain what it is. A Virtual Private Server is a single server that is partitioned at the root into multiple dedicated servers. This allows you to share the cost of the network connectivity, hardware, and system maintenance with other web hosting customers, while maintaining your flexibility and freedom.

The true advantage of Virtual Private Servers is that they allow you to have complete control. You have the security advantages of a dedicated server at the fraction of the cost. You have access to the virtual root, Telnet, web configuration files, and full CGI-BIN access. Don’t forget to mention that you also have access to your password, aliases file, and send mail configuration file. For these reasons you can see that a Virtual Private Server is an excellent solution for small to medium size businesses that have increasingly complex needs, but want a server that is reliable and easy to use.

However, there is one disadvantage with Virtual Private Servers. You need to have some server knowledge to control and configure the settings. Most businesses that offer Virtual Private Servers have very detailed manuals making them simple to configure and control no matter what your skill level is. HostEasier com is our choice for web hosting providers because of their constant reliability and great support staff.

Which type of server is right for you? That all depends on you and the size of your network.

Just one web site and have absolutely no programming knowledge? Then Virtual Hosting is the recommended and cheapest way for you to go. A Virtual Host can cost anywhere around $10 a month for an account, rather than $35 and up for a Virtual Private Server.

If you have a larger network that requires multiple web sites, and you have some technical skills, then a Virtual Private Server is perfect for you. You can host many web sites on a Virtual Private Server account, instead of having multiple Virtual Hosting accounts, which will cost you more money per month.

When it comes time to get a web hosting account, make sure that the server fits your needs and that it supports the necessary software for a prosperous online business. We personally give a 5-STAR rating to HostEasier.com because of their low prices, reliability, and excellent 24/7 customer support staff. They really care about you, and can help solve your server problems, should any occur.

Data Recovery Services, Web Hosting, Back Up Solutions, Computers, Software

Technology is the lifeblood of the modern business. A business without a strong digital base and web presence these days is scarcely a business at all.

The problem is that unless your business operates specifically in a technological field, it can be tough to keep up with the finer points of computers and networking. A lot of business end up spending fortunes trying to maintain an in-house IT department that’s often more trouble than it’s worth. There is another solution, however, and that’s fully managed hosting.

Fully managed hosting allows you to completely outsource your information technology needs to a group of trained experts, thereby freeing up your IT department for other tasks or removing the need for an IT group altogether. This means that you can focus more on core business concerns and not have to divert attention to random computer problems.

While such services are by no means cheap to employ, it is well worth the price and can save a lot of money in the long run over an in-house tech group. So how does fully managed hosting work, and how can it help solve your personal or business needs?

When you contract with a fully managed hosting service, then you give over the day-to-day maintenance of your IT infrastructure over to an outside agency. This can include your web servers, applications, databases, and more. All of your data is moved onto their servers, which has a few benefits.

First of all, managed hosting companies are always on the cusp of technological advancements. You no longer have to spend money building and maintaining new technology, giving your business an easy way to scale up as the business grows and technology marches on. While you are in some ways sharing resources with other companies that use the same service, this won’t negatively impact the quality of your business at all. You also have a support advantage.

People at the managed hosting service will not only be performing preventative maintenance on the servers, but they’re also available around the clock to help deal with any emergency situations that crop up. Plus, they’ll be monitoring your systems regularly, so any potential problems won’t go unnoticed for long. Also, you can feel comfortable that your IT network is extremely secure from any virtual threats. And, if all else fails, most fully managed hosting services offer complete backup of all of your data. So even if something catastrophic happens, all of your information will be safe and easily recoverable.

Fully managed hosting services can be an especially effective option for small but growing businesses. Their ability to help a small business meet it’s IT needs for a reasonable price is unmatched - it’s often far more economical than hiring an extensive on-site IT team. Perhaps the nicest thing about fully managed services is the peace of mind they provide. You can always rest assured, comfortable that if an IT problem arises with your business, it will be taken care of without hassle or stress.

Application service providers (commonly referred to as ASP’s) have quickly sprouted onto the web hosting scene in effort to provide businesses with new and innovative services. The term ASP should not be confused with Microsoft Corporations software application. Is a business that provides computer-based services to customers over a network.

Nowadays, there’s a great number of applications provided through this model and that number is growing. Obviously, there’s also a growing number of companies developing software dedicated to that marketplace. This companies provide unique software according every business needs. Many of them are designed to be of occasional use. Others are geared towards using group connectivity provided by through the Internet.

ASP’s have created software programs to handle various business functions as materials management, human resources, financial management, and e-commerce transaction services. The variety of solutions provided by them is vast. Many of them are doing great business in meeting operational needs of companies across different industries and business functions. There are a number of technical and business issues currently addressed by ASP’s to develop and enhance system applications.

A major advantage for businesses in seeking this kind of services is that they provide an opportunity to reduce costs and increase efficiencies. Companies can have access to a wider-range of software products with the possibility of paying less than an outright purchase through usage charges.

Also it removes many of the technical and maintenance issues associated with software by providing real-time upgrades, remote hosting, remote dial in customer support and overall software management. This allows businesses to access applications that can service particular business needs so companies can focus on their core operations.

There’s also another kind of ASP’s, they are called AIP’s or application infraestructure providers. They are hosting providers that offer a full set of infrastructure services for hosting online applications; or more simply, an ASP for ASPs. This is the result of web hosting companies involved in the development of applications.

The need for ASP’s has evolved from the increasing costs of specialized software that have far exceeded the price range of small to medium sized businesses. In effect, Application Service Providers provided companies with a means of outsourcing their information technology needs, allowing the companies to focus on their core competencies and allowing the ASP’s to handle key elements like web hosting, payments processing, etc.

Through ASP’s, the complexities and costs of such software can be cut down. In addition, the issues of upgrading have been eliminated from the end-firm by placing the onus on the ASP to maintain up-to-date services, 24 x 7 technical support, physical and electronic security and in-built support for business continuity and flexible working.

If you have a web hosting account, chances are it includes some type of interface known as a control panel. Some of the more popular web hosting control panels include Plesk, Ensim, H-Sphere and CPanel. CPanel certainly has the most market share and for good reason, it is the most user-friendly, comprehensive web hosting control panel available.

Back in the ancient days of web hosting, if you needed to add a POP account or create a sub-domain, you needed to telnet into the server and type a command or request that a server admin do this for you. This type of functionality has long ago been replaced by control panels like CPanel. Nowadays, anyone with a cpanel hosting account can simply log-in to the web based interface and in a few clicks set up a POP account or an email forwarder or even an autoresponder.

Email functionality is just the tip of the iceberg with CPanel. Once you’re logged in to your cpanel hosting interface, you can use it to create additional FTP accounts, mySQL Databases or a range of other services. If you need to create subdomains or add-on domains for example, that functionality is built right in. In just a few clicks you can complete tasks that would have required a thorough understanding of UNIX commands.

One of the more convenient portions of the cpanel hosting interface is the scripts installation area. Here you can install software directly into your cpanel hosting account with just a few easy clicks. Whether it’s a Wordpress Blog or a Guestbook program or a simple web page counter, it doesn’t get much easier than the point and click simplicity that CPanel offers.

To make things even simpler for those of you new to cpanel hosting, the latest version of CPanel even includes video tutorials for each section of its interface. Now it’s possible for even the newest of newbies to sit down at his or her computer and be taken by the hand, step-by-step through the CPanel interface to complete whatever tasks they need to accomplish. We’ve come a long way baby!

You’re certainly welcome to host your site with a company that uses a control panel other than cpanel, but I think you’re missing out on quite a bit of functionality and ease of use. Cpanel hosting plans will offer you the most user friendly, feature rich web hosting experience available today.

A data centre is a facility where computer systems and their associated components are physically housed. Data centres include a backup power supply, redundant data communications connections, environmental (climate, etc.) controls, and security devices. Any business that relies upon a computer network and web-based applications can reasonably expect to require the use of a data centre. Some companies build their own data centres on their premises. Many other companies, (especially those with complex business functions that rely heavily on technology) elect to outsource their infrastructure and web hosting to a service that includes use of the vendors data centre. The latter has several different benefits, including:

- Greater value with managed hosting options - Better use of your time and resources - Business continuity and quick responsiveness in disaster recovery situations - Bonus added-value features

Shopping for a Data Centre Once youve made the decision to outsource your managed hosting and data centre needs, you must start the grueling process of searching for a vendor. There are many different factors to consider when evaluating infrastructure-hosting vendors. Not the least of these factors is the actual data centre itself. Take the time to evaluate the data centre properly and make sure you are thorough about assessing if it will meet your organizations needs. Below are some guidelines to help get you started.

Identify Your Needs It seems logical, right? Well, you would be surprised to learn how many IT managers search for outsourced data centre space or services without really taking stock of their datas physical needs. If you are a small or large company that doesnt quite transmit much data your needs will be much different than they would be for a huge online business that sees thousands of web transactions daily. Think about what your needs are before you start meeting with vendors.

Inspect the Facility At the very least, good data centres must possess certain physical qualities and properties. When you first walk into a data centre, you may not find it to appear very interesting. Generally, you will see a large or small room (or it can be as large as an entire building) with row upon row of 19-inch rack cabinets, which contain (mostly) servers and some other communications or storage equipment. You should confirm that backup power (at least one, but more is better) in the form of uninterruptable power supplies or diesel generators are present. In order to prevent power failure to any part of the system, you should confirm that all elements of the electrical system (including backup power) are fully duplicated. The data centre should be carefully climate-controlled with air conditioning so that the temperature ranges from 20″25 C (68″75 F) and humidity ranges from 40″55%. Physical security is a crucial component in a good data centre. Make sure physical access is restricted to selected staff and select a data centre that offers video camera surveillance and permanent security guards 24 hours a day.

Dont Forget About Service Though there are many other considerations when inspecting data centre facilities, the most important ones are the redundant power supply, climate control, and security. You must consider, however, that the data centre is only part of a larger package. Dont forget to analyze all the aspects of the hosting solution you are considering. Talk to different vendors and try to get a sense of the value thats added to their overall service. If you can, try to speak with current and/or former clients of the hosting provider to ask questions about their experience with the service.

Choosing the right web server will be one of the most important decisions you will ever make with your online business. Why? Because the web server you choose will literally make or break your online business.

Today I am going to discuss two types of servers; Virtual Web Hosting and Virtual Private Servers.

Over the last several years Virtual Web Hosting has been the only way to go when choosing a web server. One of the reasons that Virtual Web Hosting became so popular was because they supported the necessary files and allowed you to have more freedom than other conventional web host services. But now you can have more freedom than ever before with Virtual Private Servers. Virtual Private Servers should not be confused with Virtual Hosts, since they are completely different.

Before we go any further I must explain what the difference is between a Virtual Host and a Virtual Private Server, so that you can fully understand. In this article I will also go over the advantages and disadvantages of both types of servers, to help you decide which is right for you and your business. Let’s get started discussing Virtual Hosting.

Virtual Hosting

Virtual Hosting is also known as Shared Web Hosting, where you are sharing the physical server and a single set of software applications with other users. Virtual Hosting has been extremely popular in the past for its fast deployment, strong resources, and most importantly for having a very reasonable price. Another advantage to Virtual Hosting is that you have a powerful, reliable, and professionally managed server without having to have advanced technical skills, making it ideal for an individual, small business, or even a beginner.

The disadvantage of Virtual Hosting is that you are sharing the server with other users. The server is configured and controlled by an administrator, not you. So basically you have your hands tied behind your back, because you have to contact the administrator every time you need to adjust or change your server’s configuration settings. Even if you managed to get a hold of the administrator, they may not fulfill your request. It’s up to them to help you or not to help you. They are the administrator. If you were the administrator, you wouldn’t have these limitations and would have total control.

Virtual Private Servers Web Hosting

Virtual Private Servers are usually the best choice these days and for a very good reason. Before I get into the advantages of a Virtual Private Server, let me explain what it is. A Virtual Private Server is a single server that is partitioned at the root into multiple dedicated servers. This allows you to share the cost of the network connectivity, hardware, and system maintenance with other web hosting customers, while maintaining your flexibility and freedom.

The advantage of Virtual Private Servers is that they allow you to have complete control over your web hosting account. They have the security advantages of a dedicated server at the fraction of the cost. Among other things, you have access to the virtual root, Telnet, web configuration files, full CGI-BIN access, your password, aliases file, and send mail configuration file. You can see that a Virtual Private Server is an excellent solution for Internet businesses.

There is one disadvantage with Virtual Private Servers. You need to have some program knowledge to control and configure the settings. Sounds overwhelming, most businesses that offer Virtual Private Servers have very detailed manuals making them easy to configure and control no matter what your technical skills are. HostEasier.com has an excellent support staff, making them our number one choice of web hosting service providers.

Which type of server is right for you? That all depends on you and the size of your network.

If you have, or plan on having, just one web site and have absolutely no programming knowledge, then Virtual Hosting is the recommended and economical way for you to go. A Virtual Host can cost anywhere around $10 a month for an account, rather than $35 for a Virtual Private Server.

If you have a larger network that requires multiple web sites, and you have some technical skills, then a Virtual Private Server is perfect for you. You can host many web sites on a Virtual Private Server account, instead of having multiple Virtual Hosting accounts, which will cost you more money per month.

When it comes time to get a web server, make sure that the server fits your needs and that it supports the essential software for a prosperous online business. We personally give a 5-STAR rating to HostEasier.com because of their low prices, reliability, and excellent 24/7 customer support staff. They really care and really can help you solve your server problems.

Selecting free webhosting will be a truly difficult job since of the fact that there are so quite a few further companies out there that want to attract corporation to their website.

The first step to deciding which model of free webhosting is correct for your wants is to choose what brand of scripting decisions that a only website proffers.

Scripting alternatives enclose that of PHP, ASP, and others. You have to too deliberate the actuality that it is likely that your website shall produce larger over time This specify that you afford intend to select a free webhosting website that bids a large amount of space for upcoming development.

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There are more than a few webhosting corporations that suggests space for free, but go wrong to permit more scope in the part of flexibility when it comes to the objects that you able to insert as a user of those helps. Free webhosting will as well give to you a range of benefits enclosing a free URL.

You able to feel like to make sure that the URL is proper to your wants. Having a URL that isn’t fit for your website will hurt it in excess of support it. If you deliberate all of these effects earlier to to picking free webhosting, you are probable to choose the true one!

Picking free webhosting able to be a really difficult task as of the actuality that there are so some ne more corporations out there that would like to attract business to their website.

The first stride to determining that class of free webhosting is proper for your requirements is to decide what kind of scripting preferences that a particular website proposes.

Scripting options enclose that of PHP, ASP, and others. You should too deliberate the actuality that it is probable that your website would develop bigger sooner or later This means that you afford like to select a free webhosting website that proposes a lot of room for future development.

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There are some webhosting companies that offer space for free, but fail to allow much room in the area of flexibility when it comes to the items that you can add as a user of those services. Free webhosting will also provide to you a range of services including a free URL.

You shall desire to confirm that the URL is apposite to your wants. Having a URL that is not match for your website will damage it in excess of help out it. If you think all of these effects earlier to to selecting free webhosting, you are probable to take the right one!

Choosing free webhosting can be a really challenging task because of the fact that there are so many different companies out there that want to attract business to their website.

The first phase to establishing that model of free webhosting is appropriate for your requests is to conclude what genre of scripting choices that a only website proposes.

Scripting options include that of PHP, ASP, and others. You should also consider the fact that it is likely that your website will grow larger over time. This means that you will want to select a free webhosting website that offers plenty of space for future growth.

second stride to picking free webhosting is determining your restrictions when it comes to stuffs that shall be added as well as those that are already on your page.

There are selected webhosting business that propose space for free, but go wrong to let many room in the area of flexibility when it appears to the objects that you able to insert as a customer of those facilities. Free webhosting would as well provide to you a range of benefits enclosing a free URL.

You afford would like to confirm that the URL is proper to your needs. Having a URL that isn’t fit for your website will harm it over support it. If you think all of these problems earlier to to choosing free webhosting, you are feasible to pick the correct one!