Eastern Oregon Net, Inc.
The Internet Done Right

A: There are really two answers to this question. First, in terms of monthly hosting fees, costs are higher for Complete Virtual accounts. Why? Complete Virtual accounts are supported by a separate database server, in addition to the Web servers that must host all Web sites and their pages. Special "middleware" application server software is required to enable communication and translate programming instructions between the database server and the Web server. Complete Virtual accounts also offer twice as much server space and transfer volume allowance as Basic Virtual accounts, as well as providing features such as a WebBoard option at no extra monthly cost, acclaimed WebTrends graphical site analysis, and availability of optional (additional programming may be required) support for full-text search capabilities.

Second, in terms of overall, long-term costs, Complete Virtual accounts are often less expensive than Basic Virtuals because they can be designed to be self- or client-maintained -- to the extent that site content can be organized in a database -- without requiring the costly and time-delaying intervention of a Web designer whenever changes need to be made to the site. Sites using dynamic and/or database-driven content also tend to be more attractive to customers and users as they can be made to be more interactive, giving the user great choice over what they want to see or get from the site. Usability of a site can often be enhanced by taking advantage of sophisticated features that database programming can add. These advantages should ultimately benefit your bottom line. The monthly hosting fee differential between Complete and Basic is $30; if you can save in excess of that amount in ongoing maintenance, or increase your sales by that amount monthly, your investment in a Complete Virtual plan will be well on its way to paying for itself and any special programming needed at the outset.