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Fasthosts Launches ‘Get Online’ Competition To Support The Great Exhibition 2012

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Fasthosts Internet Ltd, a founding Technology Sponsor of The Great Exhibition 2012, recently launched a competition that encourages individuals and businesses to get online. To support and celebrate The Great Exhibition 2012, each month for 25 months, Fasthosts will provide a worthy applicant with infrastructure they need to be successful online. Every month, the company will also award a substantial package of internet services to help people promote any company, sport, hobby or community project to the rest of the nation. Fasthosts invites any UK individual or company to nominate their project for support. Participants can enter The Great Exhibition 2012 competition online.

Until the start of The Great Exhibition 2012 festival on 1st June 2012, Fasthosts will each month award a First Prize of a DELL laptop, 3 years free Business Premium hosting package (including software to build, optimise and monitor a website), a domain name and Microsoft Exchange email. Furthermore, Fasthosts will support 20 further projects every month that will receive 3 years free business web hosting.

To take part, entrants need only complete a quick online application. During the Great Exhibition, there will be a special award to recognise and celebrate the best new online business and best online community project from all the participants.

Steve Holford, Marketing Director at Fasthosts Internet Ltd, said “The ‘Get Online’ competition is a great opportunity for those individuals or organisations with great ideas but limited resources. In the spirit of the festival, we aim to provide the Internet as a way to champion as many great new British endeavors as possible”.

The Great Exhibition 2012 event, which is billed as the biggest of its kind in more than a generation, will open on 1 June 2012 and will echo similar events held in London in 1851 and 1951. The festival will showcase the advances and innovations that put Britain at the forefront of digital development, celebrating British creativity and entrepreneurialism. Live events and performances will take place throughout the 77-day season on the site at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire.

In addition to The Great Exhibition 2012 competition, Fasthosts recently pledged support for ‘Race Online 2012’, a Government-backed project that aims to make the UK the first nation in the world where everyone can use the web. Fasthosts has pledged help to get more people online throughout the UK by training its resellers in how best to educate end-users about the benefits of using Internet solutions. To achieve this, the company will deliver a series of instructional webinars on the subject, running from October 2010 through to February 2011. This commitment is in addition to the Fasthosts pledge of support with The Great Exhibition to support 25 businesses going online in the run up to the festival and to provide hosting to dozens of runners up.

Via EPR Network
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Fasthosts Discovers Firms At Risk From Over-Reliance On External Web Professionals

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A new Fasthosts Internet Ltd survey* has revealed that British firms may be placing themselves at risk through an over-reliance on IT or web consultants who look after their website.

The study* found that many firms do not have simple arrangements in place to retain basic control or in some cases even legal ownership of their website and domains.

Ever broadening consumer expectations for the web has led more firms than ever (43%) to opt for using the services of skilled web professionals to help create and maintain their website. 92% of these companies rate their external web consultants positively, with 38% reporting a ‘good’ return on investment. However, the Fasthosts ‘SME & the Web’ study found that many UK companies may be risking revenue and reputation as a result of weaknesses in their workflows with such third parties.

Issues can occasionally arise between companies and external web partners. During the past 2 years, 1 in 4 firms paying for an external web professional have had their website off-line as a result of a problem related to the other party. 1 in 5 businesses incurred delays to projects caused by their external partner, and 17% reported losses of both staff time and sales revenue over £1000 as a result. For 14% of respondents, an external advisor or agency had gone out of business.

A large number of small companies are failing to take basic steps to safeguard the continuity and protection of their web presence. In the event of an issue with their external partner, 56% of firms have no way of making any changes or additions to their website themselves and 80% have no facility for switching their website on/off independently. For these businesses, the link to their external web professional is a single point of failure in their online presence. Whilst UK firms invest millions in professional web design each year, 70% of those using a web designer do not retain a back-up copy of their website themselves.

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Fasthosts Launches Online Storage Service

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Fasthosts Internet Ltd, a leading web hosting provider, has launched a brand new online storage solution especially designed for archiving valuable business data. The service provides secure off-site storage space within a state-of-the-art UK data centre.

The online storage solution is designed for all levels of business user, with multiple methods of uploading data, and functionality for sharing documents between teams on and off the premises. ‘Cloud-based’ services, such as Fasthosts Secure Online Storage, offer businesses substantial cost, scalability and security benefits. Significantly, new research of 209 UK firms conducted by IDC on behalf of Fasthosts, shows 60% are still not leveraging any cloud-computing and missing out on important benefits.

Fasthosts Secure Online Storage addresses the challenge businesses face in coping with the off-site storage of increasing amounts of valuable electronic data. The solution uses a highly scalable ‘cloud-based’ model to deliver easy-to-use, fast and highly secure storage on demand. Users can utilise the storage as a primary file store, or as a location for back-up copies. Storage capacity is selected according to requirements and can be increased dynamically from 50 Gigabytes to a massive 2 Terabytes. As a cloud solution, the user is not limited to specific hardware for utilising the service and can upscale or downsize at any time and pay only for their required usage.

All data is transferred using SSL, backed-up automatically and stored securely. The solution offers flexibility in how data is uploaded – Drive Mapping, web browser access, and FTP access. Furthermore, the solution enables users to effortlessly share documents across teams and locations. All storage packages feature the same high level of quality and 100Mbps connectivity and customers are offered flexible contract options and significant discounts for annual payment.

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Fasthosts Counted Among Top Finalists For 2010 Microsoft Partner Awards

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Fasthosts Internet Ltd, a leading web hosting provider, announced it has been selected as a finalist for the Microsoft Partner Awards in the Hosting Solutions Partner of the Year award category.

Steve Holford, Marketing Director of Fasthosts Internet Ltd. said: “We are delighted to be recognised in this significant award. Microsoft products have always been a popular choice with our customers. However, in recent years we have gone further to investigate and develop new ways to apply Microsoft server technologies and as a result have seen excellent performance and usability benefits for the end-user.”

Awards will be presented in a number of categories, with winners and finalists chosen f r o m a pool of almost 3,000 entrants worldwide. The Hosting Solutions Partner of the Year Award honours partners who have demonstrated solution innovation and a commitment to engaging with Microsoft. This award recognises Fasthosts for teaming with Microsoft to address their customer needs through identifying new market opportunities and using technology innovation.

“Congratulations to the 2010 Partner Award finalists for delivering such creative and superior Microsoft solutions and services,” said Allison Watson, Corporate Vice President of Worldwide Partner Group at Microsoft Corp. “It’s incredible to see the level of expertise our partners continue to exhibit as they create and deliver innovative solutions and services to grow their businesses, meet customer needs, and drive down costs.”

Fasthosts has long been regarded as an expert in Microsoft hosting, having offered Microsoft-driven web solutions since 2002. Fasthosts’ award nomination follows the company’s recent launch of innovative new Virtual Servers that use Hyper-V (hypervisor based) technology, the latest in Microsoft server virtualization, to harness the full power of the hardware. All Fasthosts users can also benefit f r o m the most advanced Microsoft Server operating system yet – Windows Server 2008 R2.

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Fasthosts Debuts Virtual Server Range

Fasthosts Internet Ltd, a leading web hosting provider, has introduced a new range of virtual servers that combine high-speed performance, scalability and resource monitoring.

Fasthosts Debuts Virtual Server Range

Designed to scale with the changing needs of businesses and their customers, RAM, CPU, disk space, and IP addresses can all be determined by the user and dynamically adjusted. The Virtual Private Servers deliver dedicated resources, the latest Windows 2008 R2 operating system and full remote access and resource monitoring as well as fullVirtual Private Server control.

Fasthosts Virtual Servers are based on Microsoft Dynamic Data Center architecture, meaning that resources are dedicated but also adaptable dynamically and can be upgraded or reconfigured easily without losing data or functionality. Fasthosts customers can select f r o m a range of suggested configurations or design a server by choosing capacity, processor power and control settings at order, and are free to modify these at any point in time. By re-adjusting their server, the user only pays for the resources they need and so saves money and helps the environment.

All servers receive the power of Intel Xeon Quad-Core processors and dedicated RAM. Fasthosts has used Hyper-V (hypervisor based) technology, the latest in Microsoft server virtualization, to harness the full power of the hardware. All users can benefit f r o m the most advanced Microsoft Server operating system yet – Windows Server 2008 R2. Furthermore, Fasthosts provides free Resource Monitoring via the user Control Panel. Customers can measure CPU, RAM, disk space and network usage in real-time, and so keep an accurate check on their requirements. For business users and IT professionals alike, the ability to adapt to peaks and troughs in demand with speed and at low cost, makes the task of managing a server far simpler and improves ROI.

Steve Holford, CMO Fasthosts Internet Ltd., said, “As a long-standing expert for Microsoft web hosting, we have taken our time to invest in and develop a range of virtual servers that deliver the performance and strength traditionally only seen with dedicated server hardware. Microsoft Hyper-V virtualisation is well suited to our robust network and connectivity. For even the most demanding pro users, we expect virtual servers to be a popular choice”.

Fasthosts Virtual Servers benefit f r o m greatly increased redundancy, built-in. Clustered servers provide automatic fail-over and combine with RAID disk arrays to enhance reliability. Users have full access to their server via remote desktop connection, and can apply the powerful Parallels PLESK 9 Control Panel, for effective deployment and server management. Packages also include Windows Platform Installer 2.0 which provides effortless implementation of the latest Windows compatible applications.

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Report: Half Of Web Designers Work With Unlicensed Software

Fasthosts Internet Ltd, a leading web hosting provider, has released new research which reveals that a large number of web professionals are using unlicensed or pirated software to create websites.

Report: Half Of Web Designers Work With Unlicensed Software

The poll of 500 web designers conducted with .NET magazine found that more than half of web designers and developers admit to having worked in an environment where they used unlicensed web design software. As licences for web design software can often cost small agencies thousands of pounds, recent economic pressures are a likely factor in the problem.

Fasthosts recently announced its work with Microsoft to promote the WebsiteSpark program – an initiative that provides eligible users with free licenses for Microsoft Expression and Visual Studio software. The initiative is a good example of how web professionals can access software through legitimate schemes and so avoid the risks of using unlicensed software.

According to Fasthosts’ survey of 546 .NET magazine readers, the use of unlicensed software by web professionals is rife in the UK. 59% of those surveyed have placed themselves, their colleagues and their work at risk by using unlicensed software to create websites. If a worker uses software without a license number, or if the license only entitles its use for an individual machine and it is copied and installed on multiple computers, the company is likely to be breaking the law – often punishable with a substantial fine. There is also strong evidence that the use of unlicensed software can be a false economy – users often face bugs and do not benefit from access to support services which can result in downtime and delays.

Steve Holford, CMO Fasthosts Internet Ltd., said, “Great web projects can often rely on the latest software and at times businesses may be tempted to cut corners with their software licenses. Web designers should not struggle with sub-standard software or more importantly jeopardise their future by using illegal software”.

FAST (Federation Against Software Theft) has an ’employee whistle-blowing’ campaign to tackle employers who pressurise staff into installing illegal software. John Lovelock, Chief Executive of FAST, commented, “The software industry is a vital part of the economy and deserves the same protection as counterfeit consumer goods. We want workers to know there is support and the means to combat any illegal behaviour by contacting us via the Fasthosts, and have protection in law under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 (Whistleblower Act). We hope that by raising awareness of the laws protecting employees, the number willing to blow the whistle will increase and reduce the illegal use of software,” added Lovelock.

Nowadays there are industry schemes that can provide eligible web pros with free access to fully licensed professional software. For example, Microsoft’s WebsiteSpark program offers support for web design and development agencies with up to 10 employees. Eligible Fasthosts customers gain an immediate financial benefit – saving £240 per year with a free Windows Server license and saving even more with a free MSSQL license. Upon enrolment, members gain access to free Windows Expression Studio 2 (1 user license), Expression Web 2 (2 user licenses), Visual Studio 2008 Professional Edition (3 user licenses) and DotNetPanel control panel

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B2b, Internet, Services, Web 2.0, Web Design & Development, Web Directories, Web Images, Web Marketing, Website Localization, Wi-Fi, Wikis

Fasthosts Unveils All New Dedicated Servers

Fasthosts Internet Ltd, a leading web hosting provider, debuts its new range of high-performance dedicated servers for IT professionals.

Fasthosts Unveils All New Dedicated Servers

The new Fasthosts dedicated servers feature the latest Intel Xeon quad core processors, 100Mbps connection and Fasthosts’ unlimited bandwidth. Deployed in minutes and available in either Linux or Microsoft operating systems, the servers provide a reliable, secure and highly flexible server platform. Fasthosts’ robust network and unlimited data transfer can further benefit individuals and enterprises that generate or process large volumes of data.

Dedicated servers represent a cost effective and reliable solution for hosting core IT infrastructure such as websites or business application software. They provide a secure and private environment for the user’s applications to be operated and data to be stored. Business users can enjoy the full power of the hardware and guaranteed access to bandwidth, and retain complete hands on (KVM) remote control of their server at all times.

The latest Fasthosts Dedicated Server packages provide IT professionals and businesses with reliable server operations without the capital expenditure investment in the servers or in the physical space associated with running hardware on their premises 24/7. The latest-spec Intel processor in Fasthosts servers delivers powerful, energy-efficient performance so users can run several intensive programs at once without slowing down. Each server is maintained with the latest operating system u p d a t e s to maximise efficiency and security.

Fasthosts’ brand new range of Dedicated Server packages comprises the DS300 (Dual Core & 2GB RAM), DS500 (Dual Core & 4GB RAM), the DS700 (Quad Core & 8GB RAM), DS900X (Xeon Quad Core & 8GB RAM), and the DS1000XX (2x Xeon Quad Core & 16GB RAM). Servers are available in either Linux or Windows configurations and feature full admin control as well as Fasthosts’ unlimited bandwidth and 100Mbps high-speed virtual data pipe. Businesses are assured that Fasthosts guarantees 99.9% server uptime. Technical support is provided 24/7 f r o m UK by email or online.

Steve Holford, CMO Fasthosts Internet Ltd., said “We have upgraded and invested in our Dedicated Server range to ensure unbeatable service delivery and excellent ROI for business users. In an increasingly digital economy, success often begins with a robust and reliable server access that you have confidence will be working for you round the clock, day in day out, with all the benefits, but none of the high costs of running it as an internal operation”.

Fasthosts offer a range of powerful control panels enabling the user to set up websites and applications quickly and easily, meaning more time to focus on running their business. The award-winning Plesk 9 control panel interface provides ultra-intuitive server maintenance and control.

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Fasthosts and Microsoft launch WebsiteSpark

Fasthosts Internet Ltd, a leading web hosting provider, has announced its work with Microsoft to promote the new Microsoft WebsiteSpark program for web professionals. The initiative assists smaller web design and development companies in launching or growing their business by providing better access to the Microsoft web platform. The scheme delivers free Microsoft Server OS, free licenses for Microsoft Expression and Visual Studio software, as well as training and access to MSDN newsgroups.

Eligible Fasthosts customers can save over £240 a year in server licensing costs as well as valuable software licences direct from Microsoft. The scheme is an example of how businesses can gain significantly from discussing their technical requirements and business needs with Fasthosts. Fasthosts has been selected by Microsoft to promote the program benefits and guide eligible Windows Server customers through enrolment.

The Microsoft WebsiteSpark program offers new support for web design and development agencies with up to 10 employees. Eligible Fasthosts customers gain an immediate financial benefit – saving £240 per year with a free Windows Server license and saving even more with a free MSSQL license. Upon enrolment, members gain access to free Windows Expression Studio 2 (1 user license), Expression Web 2 (2 user licenses), Visual Studio 2008 Professional Edition (3 user licenses) and DotNetPanel control panel.

A great number of professionals and enterprises can achieve cost savings by discussing their server and software needs with a long-standing expert like Fasthosts. The company’s advisers are trained to identify and leverage the efficiencies that hosted technologies can deliver. By working-through requirements with Fasthosts, synergies between software and hardware can often be identified.

Steve Holford, CMO Fasthosts Internet Ltd., said: “WebsiteSpark is an excellent opportunity for smaller web agencies. It delivers exactly what they need most – free tools and practical help. As hosting partner to thousands of web pros, Fasthosts is well qualified to advise participants on how to apply Windows hardware and development tools to best effect.”

Simon Pryce, Director of Skylight Media, is a Fasthosts customer who enrolled in the WebsiteSpark program to help boost the web design side of the business. Pryce commented: “We had discovered WebsiteSpark through our business network, and our successful enrolment in the scheme led to us setting up additional dedicated servers with Fasthosts at the same time. The WebsiteSpark scheme is an ideal way for us to update our use of Windows Server technology, enabling us to save a significant sum of money on license fees. We were also delighted to find during our consultation with the ever-reliable Fasthosts, that these new server resources will save us money too, so we’re very pleased all round.”

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Report Says That Firms Are Not Measuring If Their Website Is Working

Fasthosts, a leading web hosting provider and domain name registrar, reports that 43 per cent of UK companies admit that they have no quantifiable method of measuring whether their website is effective, according to recently released research released.

The study of 430 UK firms (431 UK businesses with a website surveyed via electronic feedback form) by Fasthosts found that whilst the average business has published a website for 3-4 years, a huge number of businesses have no numerical grasp on how well their website is performing, or whether it is leading to sales. One in four owners do not believe their website has potential as a sales channel. A remarkable 77 per cent of firms fail to measure any type of ‘return on investment’ for their websites, and 1 in 3 owners (34 per cent) admit that they have never considered checking the popularity or effectiveness of their website. The research suggests that many companies are failing to analyse and optimise online as diligently as they do other areas of their operation.

Whilst studies show that the majority of business owners today realise the importance of having a presence on the Internet, it appears that a great many do no more than publish their website. Fasthosts’ survey of 430 small local businesses using a website, found that over 40 per cent currently do not use data (such as a graphical web statistics tool to assess whether their website is working to support their business goals. During the first half of 2009, the vast majority of SMEs (83 per cent) have not analysed their websites performance against their business plan.

Despite half of businesses feeling happy with their websites and 43 per cent viewing these as integral to their marketing efforts, it would appear that a great many firms simply do not know whether their website is making the right impact. Only 57 per cent of firms do monitor their website performance by checking an overall traffic volume statistic for their homepage. However, only 40 per cent currently analyse where their website visitors are being referred from, an essential element of effective online marketing. Furthermore, only 33 per cent of owners who do measure their website look at the click-through rates to individual sections of the site.

It is perhaps unsurprising over three quarters of businesses questioned (77 per cent) make no assessment of ‘return on investment’ for their websites. Only 11 per cent of those surveyed, judged the effectiveness of their website in terms of ‘clicks vs. sales’ or ‘web cost per order’. Worryingly, the research would suggest that for a significant number of companies, expectations for their website are rather low. 1 in 4 owners (23 per cent) still do not believe their website has potential to be a sales channel.

However, nowadays easy-to-use tools are available for any business owner to evaluate the effectiveness of their website themselves. For example, Fasthosts provides its hosting customers with a free MatrixStats tool, a graphical web statistics tool that provides an instant snapshot of how well websites and domains are performing.

Steve Holford, CMO Fasthosts Internet Ltd., said: “By taking note of their website statistics and making necessary changes, many companies we work with enjoy a real fiscal impact.”

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Report Says Non-Profit Websites Grow Amidst UK Recession

Fasthosts Internet Ltd, a leading web hosting provider and domain name registrar, today reported a marked increase in the number of .ORG domains registered by non-profit organisations during the past year. The domain suffix has out-grown in percentage terms many other non business top-level domain suffixes, indicating an increase in the number of non-profit and charitable projects being launched in the first half of 2009. The unique growth lends weight to the theory that many such organisations have initiated or grown web-based projects in response to the global recession.

The .ORG domain name is the domain of choice for organisations dedicated to serving the public interest. Data from Fasthosts, one of the UK’s largest domain name registrars, shows that .ORG registrations made by its customers grew by 27% compared to the same period in 2008. The domain has seen the highest demand over all other non-business domains. Whilst domain success can often be skewed by short-term price promotions, the growth of .ORG comprises like for like growth over the 12 month period.

As many UK charities have reported falls in donation income since the economy slowed down, such growth in .ORG domain registrations may suggest that non-profit bodies have stepped up investment in the internet. Web solutions now offer such groups extremely cost effective and scalable channels for gathering support and participation for causes, and taking donations directly from a website.

Steve Holford, CMO Fasthosts Internet Ltd, said: “It is pleasing to note the growth of the .ORG community and witness the remarkable difference that the web can deliver to non-profit organisations. In challenging economic times, such groups are wise to leverage the efficiencies and visibility that online projects can offer.”

Holford added: “Just as the recession has led UK businesses to step up ecommerce efforts, the Internet is the right logical step for non-profit groups to broaden their reach and safeguard their revenues.”

iT4Communities, a Fasthosts customer, is a charity that runs a large UK-wide network of IT volunteers who support hundreds of charity IT projects a year. They have seen a steady increase in requests for volunteer help with websites for small charities year on year. It remains the largest area of request for help as charities strive for a good website that helps them reduce costs and attract more support.

Anne Stafford, Programme Manager for iT4Communities, said: “Charities are relishing the benefits of websites with a CMS, making it cost effective to update their information and easier for volunteers to help as building a good site can take much less time”.

Fasthosts is a leading provider for shared and dedicated web hosting and business-class email solutions, and is the UK market leader for reseller web hosting.

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Study Shows That 53 Per Cent Of US Business Owners Seek More Involvement In The Purchasing Of Their IT Services, Such As Hosting, Than Ever Before

Fasthosts Internet Ltd, a leading web hosting provider, has released a study showing that 53 per cent of US business owners seek more involvement in the purchasing of their IT services, such as hosting, than ever before.

Study Shows That 53 Per Cent Of US Business Owners Seek More Involvement In The Purchasing Of Their IT Services, Such As Hosting, Than Ever Before

The survey of 132 US business* owners found that in the past year, over half (53 per cent) have purposefully sought a greater understanding of the IT services they use as a direct result of economic pressures, and intend to be more involved in selecting their IT service providers going forward.

F r o m those businesses that use dedicated hosting services, 1 in 4 owners wish to renegotiate associated costs this year. As businesses worldwide scrutinize IT costs, Fasthosts is encouraging UK companies to review their hosting costs and seek out the best possible technology for their money. Fasthosts is also helping UK businesses to lower their server costs by reducing its dedicated server prices with discounts of up to £480 per annum for the life of the contract.

Steve Holford, CMO Fasthosts commented, “Every business owner understands the importance of procurement. One should review their web solutions periodically, and push through necessary changes. In a challenging operating environment, it is imperative that every business gets what it pays for and pays only for what it needs”.

Fasthosts dedicated server solutions have been tailored to support business needs with high-speed performance and connectivity, no bandwidth charges and 24/7 UK-based support. All dedicated servers are housed within a state-of-the-art data centre in Gloucester and designed to provide demanding users with high specifications and excellent service levels. Business owners can contact advisors at Fasthosts to discuss their requirements and potential cost savings for their business.

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Survey Shows Fear Outweighs Cost Concerns With Business IT Needs

A new survey by IT specialists Fasthosts Internet has revealed that companies are being forced to re-evaluate their IT systems and question what they really need due to the unsettled economy. In these difficult times, one-third said they still hesitate to consider a replacement server even if it is necessary. At the same time, 53% of business owners are becoming more involved in decisions relating to their IT needs in light of the challenging economy.

Survey Shows Fear Outweighs Cost Concerns With Business IT Needs

When times get tough, a company’s budget spending strategy can seriously affect the quality and quantity of the company’s technology resources. The Fasthosts survey showed 29% of respondents have reviewed their budget for servers in the past six months. Nearly twice that number (54%) has analysed their finances during the last 12 months.

For many people the fear of what might happen when they replace their server looms over their decision. One in three survey participants (33%) said they would be fearful of switching to a new provider because of a potential disruption to their service. Perhaps bound by this fear, 22% have not updated or changed their server solution in at least three years even though at least 25% said they want to lower their external server costs.

Stephen Holford, chief marketing officer of Fasthosts Internet, says the company understands where its customers’ fears lay and hope they are able to clear up questions about servers.

He said: “Fasthosts products are offered by the leading provider for reseller web hosting in the UK, and one that is making a strong mark in the US. We try to emphasize that a background in IT isn’t necessary to use and profit from our servers and reseller solutions so that smaller businesses can better understand their IT needs. If given a closer look, they will see the top-of-the-line solutions that Fasthosts offers at very competitive prices.”

Getting the most value for their money is a concern many have when deciding how much should be spent on their IT provider, especially regarding servers. Almost half (45%) of survey participants said they felt overcharged for costs including monitoring fees, server management, additional memory and IP addresses, back-up space, consultancy fees and server traffic. One third of the respondents, however, pay more than just their provider to upkeep their server.

Holford added: “Balancing a budget is difficult, especially when there is uncertainty concerning necessary versus peripheral costs. IT solutions, like servers and online services, are important to any company. It seems that people must realize that there are providers out there like Fasthosts that can alleviate concerns by offering solutions that exhibit both quality and value for a reasonable cost.”

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Fasthosts Warns Businesses Not To Copy Others Website Material

Fasthosts Internet Ltd, has warned UK businesses not to be tempted to copy material from other companies’ websites.

This warning comes off the back of findings by the web hosting provider which showed that there was an 89% increase in the number of content disputes reported to its in-house Abuse Department from April 2008 to April 2009. The problem varies from the occasional image being used, right through to entire website designs being replicated. The practice can lead to consumers becoming confused, or even being misled into purchasing from the wrong company.

In many of the cases Fasthosts investigated, the offending businesses stated that they did not realise that copying items of online material could land them in trouble.

A recent Fasthosts’ commissioned survey of 152 UK businesses also found that ‘web envy’ can be a real temptation for time-stretched business owners, with 39% admitting they are presently envious of the website of a closely competing business. Additionally the survey showed that 1 in 4 companies are actually considering reducing their use of external website design services in order to cut costs despite the average company only rating their own website at just 6 out of 10 for effectiveness, yet aiming to treble its online revenue in 2009. At a time when there is a huge amount of pressure on small business owners’ to maximise their use of the web, the temptation to take shortcuts by duplicating material from other companies’ websites can sometimes prove overwhelming.

Steve Holford, CMO Fasthosts Internet, said: “Particularly in a challenging economic climate, business owners may be tempted by the quick-fix of copying another firm’s work. Replicating material for commercial use often breaches copyright. Always obtain permission before using anybody’s website material.”

Significantly, the Fasthosts survey also found that 10% of participants had at least one item of their own company website copied by a third party between March 2008 and March 2009. The issue actually proved to be twice as common as cyber-squatting or other online security breaches. As a result Fasthosts is advising all affected users to contact the offending website hosting provider who should then intervene on their behalf.

Holford added, “Website envy is not new, but the tough economy appears to have led more companies to act unfairly upon it. Businesses will gain a better foothold on the Web and earn most value through a regular output of their own compelling material, and applying time to their website in small manageable steps”.

About Fasthosts
Fasthosts is the UK’s number one web hosting company. Based in the UK and operating 24×7 from their dedicated UK data centres, Fasthosts keeps over 1 million domains running smoothly and ensures over 6 million emails are delivered safely each day. All Fasthosts services can be self-managed through the award winning Fasthosts web-based control panel that provides customers with unparalleled online control, enabling them to manage hosted services including domain name registrations, shared web hosting, business-class email, dedicated servers, software-as-a-service, internet merchant accounts, reseller web hosting and unlimited broadband. Fasthosts’ highly successful reseller channel has recently been rated Number 1 for reseller hosting by industry portal Web Host Directory.

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