Enterprise web site hosting is more of a theory or an idea than other types of hosting people normally discuss. It is easy to define a dedicated server, a shared server, or many other kinds of servers people can purchase.

Since the enterprise web site hosting is more of a theory or idea you will get a few different answers to the question "What is enterprise web site hosting?" depending on whom you talk to. Since the server will be important to your business making sure the hosts network is well connected with multiple routes to it is also another very important aspect, even if it is not for an enterprise host. The ability to upgrade either software or hardware should be on your list of things to look for along with the ability to add more servers if needed for seasonal rushes.

These answers will range from the ability to upgrade systems or software at a moments notice to never having downtime. When the answers are put together we end up with the following list of what an enterprise host must contain: security, scalability, availability, performance, and reliability.

Some of features of the enterprice web site hosting:

* Security, an enterprise web site host should have a dedicated team of security professionals watching the network at all times for attacks.

* Scalability, an enterprise web site host should be able to upgrade the system or even be able to put up another system or two up for you to use at a moments notice in case you foresee a significant traffic increase.

* Availability, the network should always be up and running so users/clients can get to your web site

* Performance, the network (low latency) along with the computer itself should be setup such that performance is of utmost importance.

* Reliability, the network should be reliable, much like availability, and the servers themselves must be reliable. Preferably backup power supplies and other fail-safes

Anyone who relies on their server for their web presents, data, or other means needs to get an enterprise host. There are different levels of enterprise servers, which come with different price tags, but if your business is going to rely on this server in anyway you will need to make sure it is reliable, scalable, and secure. You will also want to make sure the network can perform, is available, and is secure.

What should you look for in Enterprise Web Site Hosting? It depends on your exact needs but at minimum you will want to make to make sure you are given a contact person for billing and/or technical issues. (see the article Web Site Hosting Options). The reason for this is that you want someone to be accountable if your server is a business critical component of your business. While you might send your technical support questions to a support e-mail address you really should make sure if the question or issue is not taken care of to your satisfaction that you have a point of contact to get the issue resolved.

Why would you need enterprise web site hosting? Security, scalability, availability, performance, and reliability; if those are important to you then you will want to consider an enterprise host. The ability to add hardware, software, additional servers, and other time sensitive details like that is what an enterprise-hosting package offers of just a regular hosting package. The purchaser of an enterprise-hosting package also gets more personalized service, usually with dedicated technical personnel to talk to when there are issues and dedicated account personnel to talk to if there are billing issues. If the server you are looking to get is going to be an important part of your business then you need the personalized service along with the ability to get things done fast so you should look for an enterprise host.