Simply stated, 100% reliable Web hosting is imperative. Customers demand the sites and services they use be available, and reliable, not to mention secure. Fortunately today's server technology can easily provide round-the-clock reliability.

When looking for Web-hosting services, you should invest not just in the hosting itself but also consider the full, value-added packages which include data protection, application hosting, Web analytics , performance, and of course, a high level of customer service.

Furthermore, it is wise to ask for a Service Level Agreement (SLA) which will detail guaranteed uptime/Web site availability and will provide methods of recourse should the vendor's guarantee not be upheld.

Another thing to consider is the return on investment (ROI) to be gained from outsourcing Web site hosting compared to hosting in-house. If your organization is not in the business of hosting Web sites, then you should look for a knowledgeable and professional vendor with strong experience and a history of excellence in customer service. A good vendor will have expert knowledge of hardware, software, and security technology, and will be constantly upgrading their services.

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