Term · Security & infrastructure
Web hosting
Web hosting is the service that keeps a website or application running on servers connected to the internet, so visitors can reach it at any time. The hosting provider supplies servers, networking and, depending on the plan, management of the software on them.
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Explained
Types
- Shared hosting: many sites on one server; inexpensive, limited resources.
- VPS: a virtual server with guaranteed resources and full control.
- Dedicated server: a whole physical server for one customer.
- Cloud infrastructure: scalable resources and managed services billed by use.
- Managed hosting: platforms specialised for a CMS or framework, with updates and backups handled.
- Static hosting: for pre-built sites, often combined with a CDN.
See shared hosting vs VPS vs cloud.
What a plan should include
- Enough resources for normal traffic and peaks.
- HTTPS certificates with automatic renewal.
- Backups, ideally with copies stored separately. See backup.
- Security: firewall, isolation, DDoS protection.
- Monitoring and support with reasonable response times.
- Ways to export files and databases if you move.
What stays your responsibility
Depending on the type: application updates, plugin security, access management, off-site backups and monitoring of business functions such as forms and payments. Clarify with your provider and developer who does what.
Location
Servers close to your visitors reduce latency; for Azerbaijan, regional hosting and a CDN help. Data protection rules may also influence where personal data is stored. See choosing hosting.
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Should hosting and email be at the same provider?
Separating them is more robust: website problems do not affect email.
Who should own the hosting account?
Your company, with developers given access.