Hosting With SQL Server

Hosting with SQL server is important if you are planning on using any kind of application or script that requires database support. Most quality discount web hosting providers offer SQL server as part of their web hosting packages.

SQL stands for Structured Query Language and is basically a programming language used to retrieve or store information in a database. The language itself was first developed in the late 1970s which makes it one of the oldest. Since that time, the language has gone through many changes but hosting with SQL server is still considered one of the best options available for ecommerce sites which require the use of a database.

Before you choose just any discount web hosting service, however, you need to compare a few factors and use them to make a decision.

Advantages & Disadvantage of hosting with SQL Server

On the down side, SQL server only works with Windows-based programs which can be a challenge if you’re interested in alternatives.

SQL Server Hosting Factors

• Storage – If you’re a growing web site, you don’t want to be limited by the amount of disk space available through your SQL server hosting plan. While there is no set amount of storage to look for, more is always better.
• Bandwidth – Visitors to your site are going to be looking at products, downloading details, or doing other activities that will require the transfer of data via the Internet. If you go over your data transfer limits, then you’ll be charged an additional cost which can be quite significant. Again, more is always better. In this case, unlimited bandwidth is the most desirable.
• Guarantees – The two guarantees you want to make sure to look for before signing any agreements, even with discount web hosting services, are uptime and money back guarantees. Most web hosting companies promise at least a 99.9% uptime – anything less is probably not worth your money. You also want a money back guarantee available so you can try out the service without taking too large of a risk.
• Other features – Pay attention to the list of features available. Look for plenty of available email addresses (particularly if you want to have a staff or look as if you do), the ability to host multiple domains on one account, and e-commerce features that will make your visitors’ shopping experience run smoothly.

Of course, you’ll also need to consider cost. Pick the most feature-rich plan available within your budget.

SQL Server vs. MySQL

For example, SQL supports some features that are not available with MySQL, such as triggers and user defined functions.

Another major difference is price. MySQL is open source, which means it is even more affordable and is most often what you’ll find when using discount web hosting. Lastly MySQL can run on both Windows and Unix servers.

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