Real Web Hosting Provider or Reseller?
A Web Hosting Article Contributed by Frances Rhea
Is Your Web Hosting Provider a Real Host or a Reseller?
Choosing a Web hosting provider is a daunting process. In this Internet Age, there are millions of Web hosting providers that offer a variety of hosting packages and price levels. Does it make a difference when you are choosing a hosting company whether they are a real hosting provider or a reseller?
The Difference between a Real Web Hosting Provider and a Reseller
A real web hosting provider sells services from their own servers that they generally maintain themselves. They manage the machines, networks, Domain Name Services and all of their support directly through their staff.
A reseller is basically a merchant who is selling the services that are provided by a Web hosting company. The reseller often offers their own services, such as Web site design, in addition to the Web hosting packages. Resellers do not own their servers or manage their network. When you need support, they solve simple problems but the technical problems are sent to the real Web hosting provider.
How This Affects You
If you maintain a small Web site, this does not generally affect you. As long as you are getting the services you need at a price you are satisfied with, it does not matter if you are hosting your Web site directly with a hosting provider or with a reseller.
However, if you have a high volume Web site, or want to purchase dedicated or co-location hosting services, it may be beneficial to work with a real Web hosting provider. This will ensure you that your account will receive the best service possible.
Some resellers are equipped to handle your needs but working directly with a real Web hosting provider is generally the best solution.
How to Tell the Difference in a Web Hosting Provider and a Reseller
Discovering the difference between the two is not always simple. Most resellers do not tell you that they resell another company's Web hosting service. You can use the methods below to try to determine which they are for yourself.
-- Check a WHOIS directory: See if the name servers match their domain name. If they are different, they are probably a reseller.
-- Run a traceroute: This is a utility that shows the path of all computers when accessing a specific machine.
-- Visit hosting reviews: Search for reviews and information on the Web host.
-- Call and ask: If you cannot get a direct answer, they are probably a reseller.
By using these methods, you can usually determine whether a Web hosting provider is a reseller or not.
Most owners of small to medium sized Web sites can get most or all of their needs met quite adequately by hosting providers and resellers alike. If you feel that it is essential for your Web site to be hosted by an actual provider (or if you are just curious and want to know for sure), it should be fairly easy to find the facts on any host by using these methods.
