• Multiple backbones -- Your Web hosting server should have more than one connection to the Internet, preferably by different providers. If one provider's connection is down your traffic still has a way to reach your Web page. Also multiple T3 or OC3 lines are preferable.

• Customer support -- Support is essential! 24-hour hosting is a definite advantage.

• POP 3 e-mail accounts - (post office protocol)- This is usually standard it is also beneficial to have business e-mail separate from your personal e-mail.

• Traffic issues -- Unlimited traffic is a plus. Some Web hosting services charge for numbers of hits to your site.

• Account options -- make sure you're hosting service has options to accommodate your growing Web site.

• Track record -- Does your Web hosting service have a good reputation? How long have they been business? Do they offer a money back guarantee?

• Server platform.

• Virtual domains -- almost every Web hosting service today offers domain name registration assistance. An example of this is " your-domain.com".

• Server logs -- Ross server logs offer accurate tracking of traffic to your site.

• Cost -- This is most probably the most important of all. Does the service offer the features you need at a price that fits your budget?