Hosting / Types and Tools

The two main platforms for hosting your website are UNIX/LINUX and Microsoft Windows NT.
We will not get into the details of "which is better", but we will remark that the back-end development tools for each platform differ. Windows NT platforms support ASP, ODBC Compliant databases. LINUX/UNIX platforms support CGI and PHP and d-base databases. Coldfusion is platform in dependant.

Below we have a listing of the top 25 hosting companies in the US (source: TopHosts.com):

Top 25 Hosts:

	#1	HostPro

	HostPro ranks among the world's best web hosts. A division of Micron Electronics, HostPro offers affordable hosting options from their base in California. This leader continues to build their hosting strength in E-business.

	#2	Verio

	One of the largest players in the web hosting industry, Verio has grown its customer base to a global level - serving clients in nearly every country across the world. In addition to providing multi-level shared hosting and e-commerce solutions, Verio compliments their extensive portfolio of services with integrated web-design and promotion services.

	#3	Mindspring

	An MVP, PCComputing winner, Mindspring has combined dial-up networking and scaleable web hosting solutions to make themselves one of the more popular names in the internet services industry. By providing both domain name registration services and account control panel access, Mindspring continues to make web hosting easier for their clients.

	#4	Web2010

	With coast-to-coast network operating center coverage, Web2010 offers a 99% uptime guarantee. Affordable pricing and services like real audio/video server and java Chat rooms, has allowed Web2010 to emerge as an excellent choice in this competitive marketplace.

	#5	InetU

	InetU is a comprehensive web page design, software creation and hosting company, with a large base of hosted web sites. Working on NT and UNIX servers the company offers E-commerce consulting services and its own brand of shopping cart.

Top 15 Hosts

	#6	HostWay

	UNIX and NT Hosting and a full range of packages, including Virtual, Dedicated, Colocated and reseller plans. Its network data center in Chicago, ILL connects through multiple OC3 and T3 lines to GTE, Sprint, UUNet, and Chicago NAP. Their E-commerce package offers a Miva Merchant shopping cart on SSL enabled servers.

	#7	Burlee Networks

	Burlee Networks, the first Web Host to be registered as Web Presence Provider for MS FrontPage 2000-based hosting. They offer a variety of options, as a pure hosting provider, at competitive rates. The company offers four virtual hosting packages, on UNIX and NT platforms, and a comprehensive Reseller plan.

	#8	Interliant.Com

	Interliant.Com offers both NT and UNIX service in dedicated hosting packages and a plethora of other associated services. In dedicated packages, sites are carried on Microsoft Windows NT, Sun Solaris, BSDI UNIX or Cobalt RaQ Dedicated Web Servers. Their Network Operations Center, in Atlanta GA, runs through, Cisco 7513 routers, designed to handle traffic from multiple T3 lines, 5500 Cisco Catalyst switches, redundant batteries, diesel generators and tape backup.

	#9	NetNation

	NetNation communications Inc. is a well known publicly traded, web hosting and E-Commerce solutions company, offering a wide range of services, including web server co-location and free domain name submission for .com .net. NetNation features UNIX and Windows NT servers on a 155 Mbit fiber optic connection, directly linked to major internet backbones.

	#10	Media3 Technologies

	Media3 web hosting operates on Windows NT and BSDi Servers. Tools such as Coldfusion, ASP, Perl/CGI, Frontpage 98, and mSQL are supported on their various accounts, while they feature a group of specialized software, such as e-Share, Lyris, Advanced E-mail and an E-commerce package.

	#11	ValueWeb

	ValueWeb is an IBM, ISP business partner, a Registered Microsoft Web Presence Provider, and a Network Solutions Alliance Partner. ValueWeb offers a full range of hosting solutions and 24/7 customer support. Among the equipment installed in ValueWeb's data center are 7500 series Cisco routers, 7 terabyte IBM robotic tape library, IBM RS/6000 SP computers, and a 200 KVA UPS emergency power system with back up generators.

	#12	OLM

	Founded in 1996, OLM has since emerged as one of the largest global providers of reliable, highly scalable integrated Internet solutions, hosting more than 110,000 domains in over 150 countries. Dedicated to helping individuals and businesses, OLM provides numerous virtual and dedicated hosting and e-commerce solutions and 24/7 tech support. DS-3 multi-homed connections to the world's largest backbone providers for redundancy guarantee high-speed web access and 99.9% uptime.

	#13	Intermedia

	Founded in 1995, Intermedia.NET is an exclusive provider of Windows NT hosting. The company offers Web site and Exchange hosting, a state of the art control panel, unlimited email, support for ecommerce and many advance development tools.

	#14	WorldWide Internet

	Exclusively hosting on Microsoft NT Servers, Worldwide Internet's Network and Corporate headquarters are located in Boca Raton, Florida. They offer a range of NT hosting services including dedicated servers built on-demand to customer specifications.

	#15	Superb Internet Corporation

	Superb Internet offers service on both UNIX and NT platforms, including customer support, in English, German, French and Latvian. Their customer support structure is efficient and well organized. Superb Internet Corporation is also one of the industry leaders in the field of dedicated and reseller web hosting.

	#16	Concentric Host

	Offering initial months free with any signup and 24 hr toll free support, Concentric demonstrates the level of customer-commitment that has allowed them to grow to be one of the top internet hosting companies. Scaleable solutions such as shared, E-commerce, and managed server hosting, allow Concentric to compete on a worldwide scale.

	#17	Addr.com

	Administrating LinkSociety, an Internet promotion and information resource, Addr.com, also offers a one-stop web design and web hosting plan on Windows 95/ NT/3.1, Macintosh and UNIX operating systems, with free Domain Name registration.

	#18	SpeedyWeb.Com

	Daily server backups, lightning fast Pentium III machines and multiple dedicated DS3 backbone connectivity, help earn SpeedWeb¹s reputation as a reliable and speedy hosting provider. With free search engine submission, a web-based control panel and a powerful Miva-Merchant enhanced ecommerce product package, SpeedyWeb provides one of the most valuable hosting solutions on the market.

	#19	BHCOM

	BHCOM offers superior Unix and NT Hosting Solutions to individuals and corporations from all parts of the world. A worldwide leader in the Web Hosting industry, an ICANN Accredited Registrar Partner, a Network Solutions Gold Premier Partner, Nominated Entrepreneur of the Year 1999 and 2000, BHCOM provides custom e-commerce solutions to take advantage of the growing digital economy now!

	#20	AstroHosting.Com

	Astro Hosting's web servers use the Unix and Microsoft WIN2000 operating systems, which are established and reliable platforms. What that means to you is increased dependability, performance, and less concern about your site's "up-time". If you have developed your site using FrontPage, our servers can accommodate you as well. We'll install Microsoft FrontPage extensions (both Unix and WIN2000) on your account at no additional charge!

	#21	DreamHost

	Most hosts offer a wide range of features bundled with various service plans, and DreamHost are of course no exception. Canned CGI scripts, full CGI access, PHP3, ssh and telnet, raw log files plus analyzed access statistics, unlimited email forwarding, aliasing, auto-responding, vanity domain names, MySQL, e-commerce, plenty of disk space and transfer allowance are available on DreamHosts numerous service plans.

	#22	Virtualscape

	Known as one of the premier ColdFusion hosting organizations in the industry, VirtualScape offers ultrafast Pentium III 500 MHz servers with Proactive System Monitoring on all their servers. By providing flexible virtual NT and UNIX hosting plans, dedicated, co-located, AbleCommerce readied Ecommerce solutions and application hosting, Virtualscape serves up one of the most complete product portfolios in the marketplace.

	#23	Interland

	Interland offers E-commerce solutions, user-friendly Web tracking software, and 24-hour toll-free technical support. By registering with Interland's reseller program, web developers can take advantage of discounted hosting options.

	#24	Virtualis

	With a wide range of hosting solutions from the robust VS Mini to the VS Mega, and onwards to dedicated hosting, Virtualis offers exceptional value in their packages. Additionally with their proprietary web authoring tools HiRize and CartSnap, Virtualis makes it easy for businesses to establish a highly professional online business.

	#25	Zanova

	Zanova's mission is to simplify the creation of custom e-business solutions by delivering leading edge ecommerce applications for their clients. By offering proprietary web site design and content management services like iEdit, and complete turnkey ecommerce solutions, Zanova allows their clients to begin, grow and profit from their online business.