Web Hosting

Top questions asked so far...

Q.

I want a website - how do I go about getting one developed?

A.

Depending on your level of IT expertise and the complexity of the website you are wanting to build, you could develop a simple web site yourself using our SiteBuilder tools included with all WebCentral web hosting plans.

Alternatively, we can build a website for you. We have packages suitable for a simple brochure website with a contact form to full ecommerce websites. Give us a call on 1800 800 099 (ext. 1) if you're intrested in learning more.

If you have already chosen your web developer, we're always here to help out.

Q.

How do I set up and manage a MSSQL database?

A.

Puchasing a MSSQL database is a simple process as shown below.

1. In Mission Control Account Management (MCAM) go to Services
2. Click on MSSQL Server Hosting or Buy
3. Select what product you want to buy
4. Name your product
5. Select what storage you want to buy
6. Click Buy. You will see a pop-up screen confirming successful purchase and the monthly charge for the product.
7. Click Back and you will see your product
8. Click on the database that you want
9. Click the link Service Management Area. This will direct you to Mission Control Service Management (MCSM) where you can allocate to a user and provision.

Allocating MSSQL Database to User

By clicking on the Service Management Area link you will be directed to MCSM.

1. Click on Home
2. Once in the home screen click on All Users
   Note: If it is a new user please refer to the New User Manual
3. Select the user you wish to allocate the database to by clicking on the drop down arrow
4. Click on Services. This will expand a list of unallocated services
5. Select the Microsoft SQL Server Hosting by clicking on the drop down arrow. Note that the current status is set as a grey circle.
6. Click on the drop down arrow to show the User Service Setup
7. Select the service access level required
8. Record the server login details and enter a password for your database
9. Click Provision
10. You will see that your Micrososft SQL is now provisioned and the status is a green circle

Now that you have successfully purchased and allocated your databaseyou need to configure your database.

Locating MSSQL Server Hosting Configuration

1. In MCSM click on Cutomers tab from the navigation menu
2. Select Customer Services
3. Select the database from the service menu that you are wanting to set up
4. Click on the drop down arrow to expand. Under the heading "SQL Server Hosting Configuration" is the database server address.
   Please note: Service package configuration options are for 2005 or 2008 only
5. Provision any changes
6. To download Microsoft® SQL Server® 2008 Management Studio Express, click on the below link, this is a free application.
   http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/en/details.aspx?familyid=08E52AC2-1D62-45F6-9A4A-4B76A8564A2B&displaylang=en

Q.

How do I set up and manage a MySQL database?

A.

As MySQL is an open source and free product you will need to purchase storage to allocate to your database(s). The initial step is to purchase storage.

Note: If you have more than one database within your account, the storage is shared.

1. In Mission Control Account Management (MCAM) go to Services
2. Click on MySQL Server Hosting or Buy
3. Click Buy Storage
4. Select what MySQL Storage Product
5. Click Buy. A pop up will appear confirming successful purchase.
6. Click Back to view purchased storage

Once you have purchased storage for your MySQL database you will need to configure within Mission Control Service Management (MCSM). This includes:

• Naming the database
• users to access
• Granting Permission for users

Creating a Database

1. In MCSM click on Services
2. Select MySQL
3. Select Databases
4. Click on New MySQL Databases
5. Enter the name for your database and click on Provision

Once the database has been named and provisioned it will listed under databases
Note: The server address is provided in the database details.

Allocating the User

1. To create a MySQL navigate to the Services tab
2. Click MySQL Manager
3. Click Users
4. Click on New MySQL User
5. Enter a Username and Password
6. Click Provision. You will navigated to the Manage MySQL User Management page where the new user will be listed
7. You now need to select a user role. Click on the drop down arrow next to the newly created user.
8. Click on Edit to unlock the User Role.
9. Select the user role from the selection in the drop down menu.
   
   A user role is identified in 4 categories:
   
   
   • Read-only
   • DBA (Database Administrator)
   • User
   • Full

   For a more comprehensive overview of user roles click on the below link: http://dev.mysql.com/doc/refman/5.5/en/mem-managing-users.html

10. Click Update
11. Click Provision to confirm selection
12. To view user roles click on the drop down arrow of the user again

Q.

What is data transfer?

A.

Data transfer (also referred to as data traffic) is the information travelling to and from your web site. When someone requests a page from your web site (ie. by typing in your domain name and your home page appears), this is referred to as outbound traffic, as the web server that your web site is being hosted on is sending this information out to the visitor.

Inbound traffic also contributes towards your data transfer limit, and includes such things as:

• Uploading a new page or making changes to your web site, as you are sending information to the web server; and
• A visitor inputting their details into a form on your web site, such as a 'Request More Information' or 'Contact Us' form, and submitting it, as again, this is sending information to the web server that your web site files reside on.

Q.

What should I look for in a web hosting company?

A.

In addition to being able to provide you with the server space for your web site files to reside, there are many other important factors you should take into account when selecting a web hosting company:

• The company’s reputation - are they reputable, how long have they been in business for? You need to be sure they’re going to be around tomorrow, and have the financial stability to continue to provide flexible solutions to meet the expanding online needs of your business.
• Do they have uptime guarantees? -Today, you can't afford to have your website down. WebCentral guarantee your business website will be up 99.99% of the time.
• A fast connection to the internet - This is more important than the server space provided for your web site files. WebCentral maintains high levels of redundant bandwidth to the internet via multiple links through most of Australia's Tier 1 telecommunications providers, which helps to ensure your web site pages can be delivered to internet users worldwide not only during peak times, but also in the event that one link is down for a period of time.
• High quality, reliable infrastructure is crucial in a web hosting company - This means an appropriate environment for optimal performance of the web server, and includes climate control, uninterruptible power supplies, back-up generators for emergency situations, physical and technological security measures, and fire suppression facilities. It is no good to have a fantastic web site if it is often offline and inaccessible to visitors because the hosting company’s infrastructure is below standard.
• You should also ask about future scalability of the hosting level you are on too - You might start out with a simple web site but may wish to enhance its interactivity in the future, so it is good to be sure that your hosting company can cater for your future needs as well.
• 24 x 7 support is also important in a web hosting company - You may rarely need to request technical support in the middle of the night, but it's comforting to know that there will always be someone available to help you in the event of an emergency.