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What's in a Web Host?
Easy to implement applications...
part 1 --> part 2 --> part 3
Blaine Fallis, Managing Director - FriendlyWeb.net
Founder: Friendly Web Design
Most hosting companies give you a few basic applications in your CGI
bin, such as form mail, and a guestbook, plus they'll give access to
a control panel that gives you a way to add email addresses, change
passwords, etc. There may be other applications too, but you'll find
out quickly that you're on your own in most cases in getting any of
these up and running. For many Web developers this is OK and even expected...
they know how to tweak perl code or chmod a script and it's no big
deal. But a good host helps. Friendlyweb.net for example, the host
I manage, uses the Appies Web Site Manager. (See a demo ) This I believe
represents a major difference between us and most other Web hosts.
We provide real, usable applications and even support them and make
them easier to install (usually 1 or 2 clicks), and by leveraging the
power of Open Source programs, and our own in-house tech support talent,
we provide a combination of original scripts, and 3rd party programs,
with a goal of making each one easier to use, and readily available.
Plus, by having our servers managed by great tech support talent, we've
already gone through the hassles to see if each 3rd party app works
with our updated versions of Linux, Perl, Python, and MySQL, meaning
the hosting customer can get right into focusing on the application
and how to use it, and customize it.
Here is a partial list of the Web site tools and applications we provide with our hosting accounts:
Ecommerce
We provide Appieshop, a no-brainer shopping cart application, which works well for stores with less than 500 items. We also include OSCommerce with our hosting plans for a more robust solution.Calendars
This tool is customizable, and can be added to and edited by a non-tech person. This is great for musicians, churches, businesses, or any group of people that wants to provide accessible dates. Some nice extra touches... visitors can enter an email with a "remind me" message which will email a reminder back to them a specified amount of time before the event occurs.MySQL-driven Prospect manager
Manage a sales team with this app... with the database on the server anyone with internet access can log onto it and make updatesSite Map Creator
It's good to provide a site map, and this tool makes it easy to create a page that both your visitors, and search engines will appreciatePhoto gallery
This is a 3rd party open source app that just works! Here's my design gallery which was made using the Photo Gallery app.phpBB Discussion Boards
This is a very popular 3rd party open souce app, and we make it easy to install and customize. McAfee is among the thousands of companies who use this internally or for tech support.File manager
Allows you to easily upload files into the appropriate directory on your server, and/or copy, delete, or edit files. Using the file editor you can actually make changes to HTML pages using either a text-based or WYSIWYG view.Domain Management
Set up virtual folders and run multiple domain names all from one account. Not sure how? It's all spelled out in our easy online manualFlashChat
Site Share
Allows visitors to fill out a form and share your web site with others by entering an email addressKnowledge Base Manager
Create a MySQL driven FAQ or Q&A without programmingCompany Directory
Upload pics, bios, and contact info for all your employees, or organization membersRealServer
Stream audio or video filesBanner manager
Run banner ads and track the results!This is about all I could fit into my space here, but suffice it to say we've gone way beyond the extra mile in our efforts to make a difference in what we offer our hosting customers. Wherever you decide to host, it might behoove you to check out their applications, and to learn whether or not they support them well. Chances are you won't use all of them, but they can come in handy and it's good to have choices, and a set of tested tools all ready to go if you need them.
by Blaine Fallis, Managing Director - FriendlyWeb.net
Founder: Friendly Web Design
"If you're going to lead by example there has to be an element of calculated risk. You've got to challenge ideas and stir the pot by taking action."
Chris Pirillo, LockerGnome
