Internet Site Design Question

[MattG]

Hi all

I have a question to you all.

I am designing a web based application, that will have a POS module to it (amony other modules). The whole idea is one site is available to custumers and staff (with varying degrees of access).

I am trying to decide whether software like this (including DBMS), can be uploaded to a shared server.

or

A web server should be set up at the company (in-house).

The pro´s and cons so far are:-

for the shared (out of house) system, many houses place restriction on what security etc can be used. Plus other sites traffic can affect the access to your own site. Also because there is a POS module involved i need to consider overall speed to the company users.

The only problem i have with the in-house system is the cost.

Could you guys comment on my thoughts.

Many thanks

Matt

[Manish Malik]

I didn't understand the reason why the company is going for a shared server? Isn't dedicated server an option? (There isn't a huge difference if you go for a low-end dedicated server with most hosting companies...)

Hosting the site in-house also means you have to manage the bandwidth that was otherwise allocated for company's staff use - which would now be utilized to cater to website customers too.

[MattG]

Sorry Manish,

I´ll try and be clearer.

If i use a hosting company, this will mean i will run the risk of low speed performance, due to a number of factors, one been the number of other users also accessing the hosting companies servers, another been the link between the company and the hosting company. Because the software includes Point-of-Sale modules, speed is of essence.

The best way i was thinking of dealing with this problem is to house the server, in-house, thus the staff will be accessing the software at the normal network speed, whilst the customers would access over the internet, where the speed is not so crucial.

If the hosting company option was used, would i be able to guarentee a certain speed for the company. As ADSL and SDSL, i believe are not to be counted on to provide the speed they advertise 100% of the time. Also would it be practical to administer a RDBS in this way. Finally, was i correct in believing that hosting companies place strict controls on the use of the server, which would hinder a package (such as security arrangements).

Thanks for your response

Matt

PS. If the Web Server was placed in house, i believe i would need nothing less than a T1 connection. Does anyone know of any other type of connection that would be ample, also does anyone know the approx. cost of a T1 line.

[Cavendo-JA]

Hello Matt,

Shared hosting solutions are not recommended for any type of ecommerce systems where downtime or security are important. Dedicated solutions offer much better service and many are bound by a Service Level Agreement (SLA). RackSpace.com is a major provider in this field and their support is amazing (they also have strict SLAs that they stand by).

T1 is probably your best bet for in-house connectivity. Unless your local telco can couple a SLA with an xDSL circuit, I would stick with a T1 as they include an SLA. In the United States you can get a T1 for as low as $339/month from Speakeasy.net. I'm not sure about New Zealand providers, but pricing should be similar.

I hope this helps :)

Jonathan

[MattG]

Thanks for your response Jonathon, what you say makes sense.

I suppose i have a few advantages and disadvantages to weigh up, as to whether renting rack space or going the in-house way.

Even though it will be a eBusiness solution, it will not be a core part of the business. Rather providing, upto date customer specific information, saving using the phone. So i have to way price, up against reliability.

I see having the server in-house gives a huge advantage to the speed of the solution been used in-house. This is my main reason for thinking of this option. Also if the link went down, it would only effect customers ( and maybe branches), but the main company would/should be unaffected.

My main reason for steering towards the renting rack space way, is not having the hassle of adminístrating the web server.

Thanks

Matt