Business websites, like all websites, use various tools, programming languages and other resources to accomplish their purposes: text in the right place and size, colors and illustrations that are consistent for all viewers, special features and effects that launch when visitors click on business Web pages.
If you're using website builder software – or working with a professional Web designer – you don't need to know a lot about these tools.
On the other hand, if you – or your Web designer – are creating your custom business Web pages, you should be familiar with the tools and resources required for business websites.
HTML: Hypertext Markup Language
HTML is the language that sets the stage for your business Web pages, identifying positions, colors, and locations for other elements throughout each page, and communicates that information to your customers' Web browsers.
PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor
A PHP program runs on a Web hosting company server and enables dynamic, lively Web pages to be generated quickly for your customers, and to change in response to their inquiries and inputs. This process is called scripting; PHP is a scripting engine.
ASP: Active Server Pages
This is a Microsoft® script engine program for websites running on Windows®-based server platforms and accomplishing the same purposes as PHP hosting engines.
JavaScript®
JavaScript® is a scripting tool that enables features such as launching new windows from within a Web page, highlighting links represented by illustrations, and so on.
SSI: Server Side Includes
SSI is a scripting language that simplifies the process of moving information from one file to another; many of its features are now included in more advanced tools such as those available with ASP and PHP hosting services.
Resources and Expertise
When considering the best Web hosting company for business websites, you must also look closely at the resources and expertise your Web hosting company has both with supporting these tools and, equally as important, supporting your use of them. Look for:
- Programming support: Does the Web hosting company support the platform you're using – UNIX® or Windows® – to develop your business Web pages?
- Ease of uploads: Can you send HTML pages to your Web hosting company easily and frequently?
- Online information resources: Does the Web hosting company maintain ample and thorough help pages, instructional and how-to pages, and FAQs to help you implement the most common programming and scripting features on your business Web pages?
- Technical support: Is the Web hosting company's technical support available both online (via email) and by telephone 24 x 7?
- Up-to-date offerings: Does the Web hosting company keep current with the latest innovations and developments in Web design and programming? Do they make information about new tools and techniques available to its customers?
The best Web hosting company will offer complete technical support as well as business support – and both are essential to the success of business websites.