Can You Run a CMS on a Shared Server? – techgfx.com

For years, many have suggested that webmasters run their CMS software on a dedicated or virtual private server opposed to a shared hosting platform. However, that hasn’t stopped shared hosts from offering Joomla, Drupal, PHP Nuke and a host of other, php nuke, popular content management systems. While most claim to offer CMS-friendly solutions, many customers learn the hard way that these shared environments don’t always offer a level of stability they require with their content-rich websites.

Improvements in Shared HostingA large number of today’s shared hosting packages have features and services that are a great improvement over what was available two or three years ago. Web hosting firms finally came to the realization that static pages could only do so much and web 2.0 applications were the direction of the future. For instance, most hosts now provide their customers with access to powerful features such as server-side programming languages and databases, things that were off limits not too long ago.

 These packages provide you with much greater control than in past. In addition, hosting companies have embraced the multiple domain concept, thus allowing you to run several websites on a single account with relative efficiency. Such improvements are certainly noteworthy, but they are enough to handle the power of a CMS?CMS-friendly QualitiesThe truth is that you, php nuke, can indeed run a CMS on a shared hosting platform. In fact, many of today’s Drupal and Joomla sites are thriving in this environment.

 The key is knowing what to look for a shared hosting package.Language Support — Most content management systems are written in the PHP programming language. Therefore, you will need a web host that either supports PHP or the specifc language the software is written in on their server. Also keep in mind that there is a significant difference in PHP4 and PHP5 when it comes to certain CMS platforms.Database Support — Databases are critical for a CMS as they are responsible for blog entries, user data and other information related to your website.

 Therefore, you will need a shared hosting provider that supports SQL databases, preferably MySQL. It would also be a good idea to find out how many databases are included in the package, how large they are allowed to be and so forth. Should you decide to install a forum or shopping cart later on down the road, additional databases would definitely come in handy.Storage, php nuke, Space — Just as you need enough capacity on your local hard disk to store software, documents and music files, adequate web space is needed to store your templates, website files and databases.

 A content-rich site generally requires more space than the typical website so it is vital to make sure a shared host provides enough for your storage needs.Although you are likely to get a better performance out of a VPS or dedicated server, in most cases, a shared server can be sufficient for running a CMS. The ease of use and vast improvements in this environment makes it far more desirable for the less experienced user. Factor in cost and you have plenty of reasons to maintain your content on a shared, php nuke, hosting platform.

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