Best Drupal Web Hosting
How to Choose the Best Drupal Web Hosting
How to Choose the Best Drupal Web Hosting
The market for open source content management systems has grown to be quite large over the years. While there is certainly a plethora to choose from these days, many hail the Drupal CMS as one of the best of them all. Get to know this impressive piece of software and you will understand why.
Just about every CMS on the market is capable of handling a content-rich website or blog. Furthermore, most of the open source platforms can be integrated with a myriad of modules and other components to extend their functionality. If this is common, then what makes Drupal so special? The simple answer would be flexibility that makes it unlike any other CMS in today’s open source marketplace.
Drupal has a level of flexibility that arguably surpasses any CMS in its class. And while the platform has a reputation of being complex, it is relatively easy to extend, even by those who only have limited programming skills. Moreover, creating and managing a Drupal website is made easy thanks to a collection of simple, yet powerful authoring and administrative tools. Once the platform is up and running, the management aspects flow like clockwork.
Another advantage Drupal has over the competition is well designed code that makes it a highly reliable CMS. The platform is specifically designed to encourage developers to build add-on components that make efficient use of system resources. This results in stability that often makes performance a non-issue. The code also allows for easy updates to ensure that you have no trouble running the most secure and reliable version of the software.
Not only does Drupal make an excellent choice for a website of any type, but also online communities, web applications, and much more. Before you begin your search, read this guide for tips on how find the best Drupal web hosting solution.
Drupal Compatibility
A fully compatible server is critical for running the Drupal software. When shopping for a web hosting provider, take note that you require a copy of the Apache web server, PHP programming language, and most importantly, the MySQL database server. Also keep in mind that you may need specific versions of these technologies depending on the version of Drupal you are trying to run. This CMS has been thriving for a while now with numerous releases, so compatibility definitely matters. Look for a host that offers the latest version of Drupal to make sure you have the utmost stability, security, and reliability.
Drupal Installation
You cannot enjoy Drupal and all the benefits it has to offer without installing it, so installation is an important factor to consider when searching for a web hosting solution. If you are knowledgeable of FTP and MySQL, installing the software on the server should not be much a problem. If not, then it could be a real struggle. In this instance, it would be wise to look for a package that offers Drupal in a one-click installation. Many hosts have utilities available that automatically create the database needed to store the CMS files, and install the software on the server. The process is as easy as filling out your administrative credentials and clicking a button.
Database Support
Like most open source CMS platforms, Drupal is a database-driven application. This means that in order to run, it requires a database to provide back-end support. If you want to make sure you are able to run Drupal, you should put an emphasis on finding a package that is rich in databases. This will ensure you have enough if you decide down the road that you need a standalone shopping cart, blog platform, or other database-driven applications. A hosting package with multiple databases guarantees that Drupal, as well as any add-on programs you want to install, are covered.
Multiple Domains
It is also important to keep your eyes on the number of domains offered in a Drupal web hosting package. While one is perfectly suited for some, it may not be enough for those who must support a variety of needs. For example, if you want to run Drupal beside the traditional site for your business, the plan that allows one domain will not be sufficient. You can get over this hurdle by opting for a solution that offers multiple domains. This will give you the advantage of being able to pay for one account, and manage each of your websites in one location.
Drupal Expertise
The Drupal CMS is supported by a vibrant and dedicated community. As an open source application, no official form of support exists, so if you want to use the software, you will have to rely on the community for help. The online forums are great resources to turn to, but it is still wise to invest in a solution that is backed by solid support. You never know when technical difficulties might come into play. For the best support results, look for a host with a team that is knowledgeable of the Drupal platform. Even though it is essentially a third-party application, having an expert staff that is there to help you find your way with the software is a major plus.
Reliable Infrastructure
Earlier we mentioned that the Drupal code makes it one of the most reliable CMS platforms. While the code has been optimized to maintain a high level of performance, your site could still run sluggishly if the hosting company you choose does not have a reliable infrastructure in place. They must have dependable equipment and a redundant network that provides for stability. With a reliable service, you will have to worry much less about poor performance or whether your site will even be available.
A Smart CMS
Whether you need create a simple website or a complex enterprise application, Drupal could be the solution for you. This platform currently forms the backbone for more than 1% of all of the world’s websites, used for everything from personal blogs to government portals. Find yourself a reliable web hosting solution, and you can enjoy all Drupal has to offer.