Web hosting

[tightlines]

Non-profit organization for homeless vets looking for web hosting recommendations. We are using Access 2003 for our database. We have ADSL, and may be able to get T1, but are concerned about hosting it ourselves because of downtime, and, more importantly, security. Our records have to be absolutely confidential. We are somewhat familiar with MS SQL. What type of other programing languages should the server provide at a minimum? The vets need to be able to apply online in confidence. We also need to be able to share anonymous info with other agencies, such as information on vacant beds, etc. Should we try to host this ourselves? We may need to link up with several agencies in the area to create a homeless management information system, so we lean towards creating our on site. What will we need to do to accomplish this?

If I am in the wrong forum, boot me to the correct one.

[qball]

Non-profit organization for homeless vets looking for web hosting recommendations.


excuse me please.

[tightlines]

A non-profit organization for homeless vets is looking for web hosting recommendations. The vets already have theirs; they use the library.

[chubtub]

I would not host this yourself unless you are very good with security. If something goes wrong you would be liable, much safer to have someone professional server this.

Plus you can offload most of the work on them. You will most likly have to use ssl for security. Although it will cost more it will be worth the money.

[qball]

The vets already have theirs; they use the library.


"excuse me please"

what do you use?

the library?


A non-profit organization for homeless vets is looking for web hosting recommendations


sounds like YOU looking!

are you:

non-profit?
a vet?
homeless?
????

you already have yours, also.

[tightlines]

Is SSL an extra, or is it normally included with a reputable Web hosting service? If we set up our own server(s) and used a company like VeriSign, do you think that would be sufficient security? Isn't that the same as an SSL?

[qball]

what do you use?

the library?

try there, you might learn something, or not.

lookup:

vet(eran)
homeless, ergo
kompewter stuff.

oops, excuse me please...

[BipolarBill]

qball, I'm warning you that you need to either help people or avoid posting. No more commentary. No more wisecracks. We have a Community forum for that.

If you sass me about this post, it will be instant muzzling for you. Believe me.

[rsfnatik]

In regards to securing confidential data you need to be concerned about more then just the data transmitted through your website (re: SSL). There are additional security risks that can be exploited should you decide to manage your own servers. If you decide to do this "in house" make sure you have a competent admin or bring in a security consultant. Personally, I suggest you investigate a reputable provider who can manage these services for you.

[tightlines]

rsfnatik

I agree with you entirely, in principle. Indee, we have discussed this with venders of information management software for institutions. They want to provide an entire package, with servers, backups, training, support, etc., but only to a point, and then the fees start piling up. They have their fixed fees which go by the station or seat, but, man, after that it's like walking through a poorly marked minefield. Our grant has no provision for such an extra cost anyway (it was not my idea to talk to them, in fact I think it was a waste of valuable time). However we are operating under a government mandate: it is the good old fashioned "unfunded" type. So we learn as we go. We're only a year behind schedule, but then, so is the gov. We are in a university town, so we can get some very skilled people at very reasonable costs, like interns; however, is it just self-destructive to attempt this ourselves? Our data management will not entail monetary transactions, but rather case work with individuals, and I have written a program in Access 2003 Beta as our front end, as there will not be a considerable amount of simultaneus file access. Now I am exploring how to "host" it. :(

[rsfnatik]

I hear where you're coming from. I don't think hosting/managing this in-house would be "self-destructive", but I am concerned that you are not adequately funded/staffed.

I suggest you do some research into reputable hosting companies and domain registrars (most web hosts will do this on your behalf - just make sure your information is listed as the registrant).

Look for a plan that offers MySQL/PHP (or ASP/CGI) support and adequate disk space to house your database and other content. This way, you only need to look after basic database and site updates - your host will take care of backups/security and will work to gaurentee a minimum level of service. From my experience domain registration runs ~$20/year and hosting can run $10-$20/month. Could these costs be covered in your budget?

Also, you mentioned that a front-end had was created in Access? If you've entered any data into Access you'll need to transfer the data to your MySQL database and create a new web-based interface. I believe Access has tools available to transfer your data.

[tightlines]

"Could these costs be covered in your budget?"
Those figures you mentioned, we could manage. Where it gets expensive is getting licenses for commercial database management software specific to our particular needs. If they will host our database program, that is the way I would like to go. I would like to use MSSQL because I'm familiar with that program and I know Access 2003 integrates well with it. I'll research MySQL in hopes the same is true.
Thanks for the input.

[rsfnatik]

You should be able to find a host that gives you the option of Windows/MSSQL vs Linux/MySQL.