A Comprehensive Guide to Hosting a Website in 2022

A Comprehensive Guide to Hosting a Website in 2022

If you’re building a website, you will also need a server to host it. To put it simply, it is like renting real estate online to put your website files. To make the website more accessible to people, the host connects you to a web server. If this sounds a bit daunting to you, don’t fret. Your host website manages all the IT back-end work to ensure that your website runs smoothly.

Before moving on to how to host a website online, you’ll need for it a domain name registration (or your website address) and the right web hosting provider. This comprehensive guide will help you understand the basics of website hosting and help you take your content online.

Decide the type of website you want
Based on your content or your business, you will need a specific type of website. Depending on whether you’re uploading regular blogs, or running an E-commerce website, you will need to choose a type of website along with a hosting plan. Websites are broadly categorized into the following:
Static websites
Static websites are built using simple HTML code or website software. They are generally basic, inexpensive, and low maintenance. The website may need to be reuploaded to the server when changes are made to it. They offer limited functionality with no e-commerce option.

Dynamic websites
The content on dynamic websites can be changed in real time. These websites are resource-intensive and require high-speed servers and high-end security. Edits and content updates can take place at the servers’ as well as the clients’ end. The website can be loaded with extra features, to make it a fully-functioning E-commerce website.

Choose the right web hosting provider
Choosing the right hosting service can be confusing. Before making a decision, it is important to learn about the possibilities available platforms. Given below are the most common hosting service types:

Shared hosting
This is one of the most popular and beginner-friendly web hosting plans, where the websites have their private accounts and login credentials, but the cost of hosting and operating the server is shared.

Virtual private server
Websites are hosted on well-configured and virtually distributed, fast, powerful web servers. This is a great user plan for those who want to create a unique customer experience without compromising on security or having to pay high prices.

Dedicated hosting
Here, the websites are hosted on the entire server, making them faster, with powerful performance and security. These also tend to be more expensive than the other two forms of hosting. This is suitable for websites with high traffic.

Managed WordPress hosting
Many websites are built on WordPress CMS, which is why a lot of web hosting service providers also sell a Complete Managed WordPress hosting solution. This is optimized for WordPress sites and does not need any user intervention.

Cloud hosting
Cloud hosting is an advanced option that uses multiple web servers to host a website. It is efficient and more cost-effective for E-commerce or large websites with a high average monthly traffic rate.

What to look for in a web host?
A web hosting service does not just take your website to live, it also provides other services like security, firewalls, uptime monitoring, expert technical support, and others. Apart from the costing, here are some criteria to consider when picking a hosting service:

Server technology
It is important to check out the technology stacks of various servers before shortlisting one. Powerful and faster servers will result in better performance for site visitors.

Maximum Uptime monitoring
Web hosts must ideally offer at least 99.95% of uptime monitoring, to ensure that your website remains online at all times. Smaller websites can ignore uptime, but it is an essential feature to keep in mind for larger websites. Some hosts also provide compensation for any business interruption or losses incurred due to website downtime, so you don’t have to worry about losing revenue.

Security
Security is one of the most essential features that should not be compromised. Not only does it affect SEO rankings, but it also creates a strong shield against malware and hackers. When possible, opt for an SSL certificate for your website.

Bandwidth
Bandwidth refers to the amount of data that can be transferred between sites, servers, and users. For websites with lots of videos, graphics, and images, it is advisable to pick a website with higher bandwidth. Text-based websites with a few images don’t need as much bandwidth from their server host.

Scalability
If you’re setting up your website for a business, you likely have growth plans for the future. Choosing your website host and design needs to consider this factor, and offer a decent amount of scalability, so your website can grow and adapt to your growing business needs. Start with a limited program depending on your budget, but look for hosts with additional upgrade programs or resources so you never feel constrained.

Back-up
Taking regular backups of your website can be a cumbersome task. Many website hosts offer backup services that can take these tasks off your hands, and restore your data to its original form, should something happen to your website.

Manageability
Managing your data on your web hosting server is also important. For this, it is important to have a web host with a user-friendly interface and dashboard that lets you manage your website, hosting plan, back-ups, and add-ons in a simple yet effective manner.

Final thoughts
Once you have chosen your service provider and purchased a plan according to your needs, you will be presented with a Domain Name Server (or DNS), along with credentials to change name servers and manage your website. Make sure you choose a web host with good customer support, so they can walk you through the process should you run into any difficulties.

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Understanding Omnichannel Contact Center Software and Top 5 Options for Businesses

If you are looking for a platform to manage all your customer interactions, then omnichannel contact center software is the perfect solution. It improves customer experience and helps achieve tangible business results in your organization. The contact center fosters customer engagement, integrates with other communication platforms, and supports customers across social media, text, video, voice, email, and voice-over IP (VoIP) technology. Here is everything you need to know about this customer service function: What is omnichannel contact center software? Business communication systems come with call queuing and then routing those calls to agents with the right skills and expertise to address customer queries. Software with inbound queueing and routing, outbound dialing, call analytics, and workforce management that allows customers to switch back and forth across channels is called omnichannel contact center software. The software offers features like automatic call distribution (ACD), interactive voice response (IVR), omnichannel support, and computer-telephony integrations (CTI). This software facilitates all forms of business communication so that agents are able to provide customer service across multiple channels. Most software uses a cloud-based solution to handle customer interaction from multiple channels. Omnichannel cloud contact center software features ACD to route contacts from multiple channels, workforce management systems to forecast volume for channels (like phone, text, video, and social media), and tools to give agents customer data and customer conversation history. The sales team in your organization can use this software to handle prospecting, as the software can be integrated with applications to access customer information and update customer records. Must-have features A good omnichannel contact center software should have: A cloud architecture to quickly manage data across multiple channels Omnichannel routing to direct customer queries across service channels Additional features like speech analytics, workforce management, and quality assurance ACD, IVR, queue management, and computer-telephony integrations Integration with existing CRM (or customer relationship management) software Benefits Unified desktop: The software provides a unified desktop for agents to work on one screen without screen toggling hassles. Your sales agents can manage all the customer interactions from one place, whether by email, voice, social media, or live chat. It enables the sales workforce to plan and work responsively. Improves customer experience: Offers instant gratification to customers by supporting them across multiple channels like in-app chats, phone, live chat, and social media. It has a direct positive effect on customer experience. For instance, intelligent call routing can help agents provide personalized service. Better reach: Also, the omnichannel contact center software solution helps you reach a wide variety of audiences, widens communication channels, and provides abundant opportunities. Advanced AI-powered analytics: This helps transform customer engagement with intelligence, identifies priority customers, aligns skilled agents, and offers precise solutions. Increased efficiency: The software allows automated operations and streamlines your business workflow. For instance, omnichannel routing automation improves efficiency and productivity by featuring routing capabilities like preferred agent routing, dedicated agent routing, skill-based routing, and the least recently used routing. This ensures that the platform forwards interactions to the best agent to quickly meet the client’s specific needs. Quick action: Omnichannel Contact Center Software monitors real-time customer information from one place. Also, the software enables managers and supervisors to gain actionable insights and use them to make informed decisions. Reduces costs: Cloud-based contact centers lower operational costs compared to on-premise solutions. Best omnichannel contact center software Talkdesk Taldesk is an end-to-end cloud contact center solution with omnichannel and workforce engagement, employee collaboration, AI, and customer experience analytics. The top features of Talkdesk are: 60+ pre-built CRM integrations Talkdesk AI to automate customer self-service, empower agents, and mitigate fraud A real-time activity dashboard for contact and customer management IVR and VoIP technology Integration for automatic missed call notifications and new contact information Call conferencing, tracking, monitoring, recording, reporting, tagging, and scheduling Voice, digital, and outbound engagement Workforce management Actionable customer intelligence analytics Nice CXone This is one of the best omnichannel contact center software that comes with digital entry points, an AI engine, self-service, journey orchestration, automation, and prepared agent features. Some noteworthy features of Nice CXone are: Captures data through AI and optimizes workforce Enables planning, staffing, and scheduling through AI Robotic process automation for faster resolution of customer issues and reduced costs Optimizes voice as a service solution Predictive dialer and call recording capability ACD and IVR Real-time reporting and dashboard Five9 Virtual Contact Center Five9 is a cloud Contact Center platform for inbound, outbound, blended, and omnichannel contact centers. It elevates customer and agent experience through AI. Also, Five9 comes with inbound and outbound communication functions and predictive dialing features. Other striking features of this cloud-based Contact Center solution are: API and CRM integrations Natural language processing and speech recognition for IVR (with visual options) Reporting and customer interaction analytics Live agents with AI assist feature Genesys Cloud CX This is an omnichannel contact center solution that manages interactions and metrics with features: Real-time response Automated routing and cloud telephone for unified communications AI support ACD The pricing starts from $75 per month with inbound, outbound voice, Secure IVR, callbacks, and voice campaigns. 8x8 8x8 is an omnichannel cloud solution with advanced speech, engagement, customer, and interaction analytics. Intuitive features include: Integrated voice, web chat, email, and social media Skill-based routing Interoperable team messaging and graphical call flow design Predictive dialer, post-call surveys, and collaborative performance management It has an open integration framework that connects business and CRM apps to the contact center, phone, video meets, and team chat. Also, it provides end-to-end encryption with unified journey analytics starting from $15. Omnichannel cloud contact center software can help capture customer interactions at every stage across multiple platforms and allows you to create intelligent solutions for cross-channel personalization. Moreover, AI bots can boost your team’s efficiency, and CRM integrations can unify customers’ journeys. Also, it tracks customer data and information, offers real-time insights, optimizes agent productivity, and routes customers intelligently through social media, web chat, or text messages. Explore all the five omnichannel Contact Center Solutions and choose the right platform for your organization.

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An Overview of SD-WAN Technology

There have been significant changes in technology in the past few years. These not only aim to make life easier but also provide us with services that are easy to use, improve connectivity, and help us manage the most important thing, data. Enter software-defined wide area networks (SD-WAN), a software approach that enhances data management in wide-area networks at reduced costs. It also offers network security and simplifies the existing WAN architecture.  What is SD-WAN? Software-defined wide-area networks (SD-WAN) employ software such as firewall software, software-driven network encryption, and internet-relying communication tunnels to control the management of services between various data centers, cloud instances, and branches, all while maintaining their connectivity. It aims to simplify how companies function, manage and share their data and, in the process, also save them a lot of money.  Benefits of SD-WAN The most traditional approach of businesses to WAN was previously limited to data centers, branches, and enterprises. Still, with the introduction of cloud-based applications, it has become extremely difficult for them to control the amount of traffic accessing the data applications worldwide. With SD-WAN, this becomes easier as it provides threat protection, simplified management of the WAN, and other business benefits such as:  Higher security As various business organizations embrace new technologies, it has also brought them various problems in the shape of cyber crimes. But most SD-WAN solutions offer built-in services, including software security solutions that help keep the data safe and improve its security for the users with next-generation firewalls, data encryption, intrusion prevention systems, etc. Additionally, more features are available that prevent data loss, legal liabilities, and downtime.  Greater agility of network SD-WAN users can easily configure it to meet their needs and even steer business traffic through the most efficient routes. This can be done by prioritizing services such as voice over internet protocol ( VoIP). The flexibility offered by SD-WAN allows users to change the bandwidth access provided by the internet service provider to match the real-time demand. Some of the other techniques used by SD-WAN for greater agility include data compression, secure sockets layer, and data de-deduplication.  Lesser operational costs The improved technology offered by SD-WAN also allows self-managed procedures and even automation to enable organizations to reduce the number of external IT experts that help carry out maintenance and periodic tests. This makes SD-WAN a service software that proves to be highly cost-effective in the long run while also empowering the organization to set up branches at any location and even online in a reduced period of time and costs.  Reduced complexity of data Small businesses possess limited resources and funds that need to be efficiently allocated. With their continuous usage of cloud-based, edge, and local services, network complexity becomes one of the problems at the top of the list. This might necessitate the hiring of IT specialists on-site, which might lead to increased costs. SD-WAN offers a solution for this issue by altering and managing various data types to ensure enough bandwidth is allocated. The users themselves can also configure service software such as SD-WAN to prioritize critical traffic through the most efficient path to improve performance. Different types of SD-WAN deployment models SD-WAN deployment offers to securely connect a distributed network of remote locations and branches to enable the sharing of data via the shortest path without going through the public internet. When opting for SD-WAN, there are usually 3 deployment options that are made available, and they are:  Do-it-yourself (DIY) model The DIY SD-WAN deployment model gives the organization complete control over its networks. This is suitable for large-scale companies with the necessary resources available at their disposal with the required technical knowledge to configure and deploy the networks promptly. This also comprises dealing with any issues that may be faced during the installation and deployment. They will also be responsible for the maintenance of the SD-WAN equipment along with the software and network connections.  Managed SD-WAN model In this SD-WAN deployment model, the providers offer not only the necessary equipment but also the required personnel who will assist in the installation process all the way up to the completion. This is most suitable for small and medium-scale companies that cannot avail of full-time resources for this purpose. It will also entail the procurement of necessary access links and the handling of the day-to-day operations for the organization. This also offers these companies a good medium to not only manage their data but also begin their transition to software-defined networking. Also, it gives them the chance to study and learn more about SD-WAN, its features, benefits, and intricacies to get good quality performance from networks and applications scattered across various WAN locations. Hybrid model Another SD-WAN deployment model that organizations can avail of is the hybrid model. This gives them the right blend between their resources and the ones offered by the provider. It also offers a wide degree of flexibility in creating the kind of network they need. This model is usually managed by both the organization and the service provider. It also gives an additional benefit where the existing multiprotocol label switching (MPLS) does not need to be stripped off completely to help the company retain a few pipelines to receive and transmit data. In addition, the service provider would also be responsible for managing customer experience, providing guarantees, and handling connectivity. One of the best in the business is SonicWall, which aids organizations in reducing their costs without compromising on the consistent and secure performance of applications critical for the business. SonicWall also offers features such as the Secure SD-WAN technology that allows distributed companies to operate, build and manage high-performing and secure networks by employing low-cost internet services such as cable, DSL, and even 3G/4G.

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Invisible Braces – Benefits, Costs, and Top Brands

Invisible Braces – Benefits, Costs, and Top Brands

Braces are the go-to option most people choose for straightening teeth and jaws. This treatment provides aesthetic benefits, helps improve oral health, and relieves pressure from the joints. Traditionally, the base material used to be metal, but the latest developments in dental technology have given us a new option. This article gives you in-depth details about what makes invisible braces so popular, how much these products cost, and the best brands. What are invisible braces? Invisible braces, commonly known as clear aligners, are transparent dental trays that are used to correct your bite. These trays are usually worn for 20 to 22 hours a day. As the teeth shift, you have to make a new invisible tray every one or two weeks. Invisible braces are quite similar to retainers, but the former is used the slowly align your teeth while the latter keeps your teeth in place. Benefits The biggest benefit of invisible braces that’s quite evident at first sight is the fact that they are transparent. Factors like the lack of wires, bands, and brackets make these braces suitable for people of all ages, especially adults. Unlike the metal and ceramic counterparts, these braces can be removed at any time, which makes them easy to clean as well.
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Overactive Bladder – Common Causes and Management Techniques

Overactive Bladder – Common Causes and Management Techniques

Those suffering from an overactive bladder experience an increased urge to urinate. Such an uncontrollable need significantly compromises one’s quality of life. Issues that arise from this condition may lead the patient to compromise or rearrange their daily routine around their diagnosis. One may even suffer from bladder-related symptoms due to complications from other diseases like diabetes. This article highlights the significant causes as well as management techniques of an overactive bladder in patients: Causes Overactive bladder can result from various reasons such as unhealthy lifestyle choices, age, and underlying health conditions. Here are some of the common causes that lead to the development of this urological condition:  Poor pelvic muscle strength Pelvic muscles provide the lower abdomen with the necessary support. As a person ages, their muscles tend to lose strength. Weak muscles are, thus, a common causative factor that leads to the development of an overactive bladder. Factors like pregnancy and childbirth are also known to weaken the pelvic floor muscles.    Nerve damage This cause of an overactive bladder is quite common as the nerves can sustain damage from conditions like multiple sclerosis and herniated discs. This damage affects the signal transfer among the brain and other body parts, including the bladder.
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Top 9 Life Alert System Providers for Seniors

Top 9 Life Alert System Providers for Seniors

A medical alert system consists of life-saving devices that instantly connect the user with emergency help with the push of a button. Such equipment helps seniors live independently and offers peace of mind to their loved ones and caregivers. A good-quality life alert system for seniors has several useful medical features like fall detection, GPS tracking, and professional monitoring. In this article, we’ve listed the best medical alert systems for seniors out there today. Medical Guardian Founded in 2005, Medical Guardian is known for designing best-in-class life alert devices and systems. Depending on the lifestyle of a senior individual, they can choose between different types of On-The-Go and In-House systems. Almost every Medical Guardian life alert system for seniors features its state-of-the-art fall detection technology, along with other essential features like GPS location tracking, extra neck/wrist buttons, and water resistance. This company’s medical alert products have the longest battery life (up to 168 hours) and furthest signal range (up to 1300 feet) compared to any other product on the market. Medical Guardian also has a highly reliable monitoring center that operates 24/7. Bay Alarm Medical With over 70 years of experience in life alert devices, Bay Alarm Medical is one of the most trusted providers in the country.
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Dental Implants – Its Types and Associated Costs

Dental Implants – Its Types and Associated Costs

The ability of dentures or implants to mimic natural teeth is so impressive that it has changed millions of lives worldwide. These prosthetics are used when natural teeth have significant issues. With a little maintenance, they can be an efficient and long-lasting solution. So, if you are planning to get them yourself, the following article can help you know the factors to consider and the prices of dental implants and dentures. How do dental implants work? Before discussing dental implant prices, it is essential to understand how they work. Dental implants consist of three different pieces that serve distinct functions, as given below: Implant post Also known as the fixture, this small, cylindrical screw acts as an artificial root for the tooth. Abutment This piece connects the implant post and the crown. There are various types of abutments depending on the prosthetic type requiring support. Crown The final piece of the entire prosthetic, the crown rests on the top of the abutment. It can be made from porcelain, metal, resin, or ceramics. Porcelain or ceramic crowns look the most natural. Costs of dental implants Depending on one’s needs, there are four types of dental implants. Given below are average costs for the same:
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Dental Procedures That Don’t Need Braces for Teeth Alignment

Dental Procedures That Don’t Need Braces for Teeth Alignment

If your teeth alignment has always made you conscious of your smile, you need to address the issue. Crowded or crooked teeth and crossbites can majorly affect your facial profile and the way you chew your food. The insecurity and complications of a crossbite only grow with age. If you’re contemplating ways to align your teeth, and you want to achieve that without braces, you’ve come to the right place.  This article discusses teeth alignment options that are possible without prominent braces. Invisalign It is one of the most popular ways of teeth alignment without braces. The treatment involves using a set of clear retainer trays made to fit the moving teeth. You will be given a set of new retainer trays every two weeks to make the desired changes. They can be removed when eating, but one needs to ensure they have them on for at least 22 hours in a day. The treatment tenure depends on the severity of the case and takes approximately around 12 to 24 months to align teeth. Advantages They are invisible, so you won’t have to avoid social gatherings or feel awkward They are removable, which makes cleaning the trays and teeth easy  These can be removed when having a meal, which means fewer restrictions when eating Disadvantages Invisalign is a more expensive option  The flexibility of removing trays can elongate the treatment if not worn for prescribed hours  Some may develop a lisp or speak awkwardly with trays Inman Aligner This is another efficient way of teeth alignment without braces.
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Signs and Remedies of Pulmonary Fibrosis

Signs and Remedies of Pulmonary Fibrosis

Pulmonary fibrosis is a severe lung disease that occurs when the lung tissue is damaged and scarred. The scarring leads to thickened, stiff tissues and makes it difficult for the lungs to work efficiently. Several factors may cause pulmonary fibrosis. However, doctors cannot assess what triggers the condition. While the damage to the lungs is irreversible, there are several remedies that can help. So here are the signs of pulmonary fibrosis and some remedies. The signs of pulmonary fibrosis Before getting into the remedies of the condition, let’s learn about the signs of pulmonary fibrosis. Doing so can ensure proper diagnoses and care at the earliest. The first sign of pulmonary fibrosis is getting out of breath. The symptom occurs when the person exerts themselves through physical exercise. When the condition progresses, the affected individual may find it hard to breathe even with little to no physical activity. Older people who experience shortness of breath often confuse the condition as a sign of aging, failing to diagnose the disease early. Other signs of pulmonary fibrosis include: A dry cough. The sudden loss of weight. Fatigue. Pain in the muscles and joints. Clubbing, a condition that results in the widening and rounding at the tips of the fingers or toes.
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