Hosting blog

It sounds daunting, but there are websites that can reach several terabytes in size. Typically, these are video portals or large e-commerce sites. So, how do you host a multi-terabyte website?

1. Backup is Essential: The first thing to remember is that every website needs to be backed up. People often confuse availability with backups. Availability ensures the website remains operational, whether through Cloud, CDN, clusters, or other technologies. Backups involve storing server data in dedicated space that can be restored at any time. If you want access to backups for at least a month and use effective backup methods (full, differential, incremental), you need at least double the dedicated space on another server. You’ll need a source server, possibly a content distribution system, and a backup server.

2. Client Location: The farther your clients are from the source server, the longer they will wait for the server’s response. It may not be a significant delay, but it can be a few seconds. If the source server is in the Czech Republic and your clients are often in the USA, it’s worth setting up a mirror server in the USA or using a content delivery system, such as a CDN (Content Delivery Network).

3. Data Flow and Capacity: Excluding file hosting and video portals, a 1 Gbps link is generally sufficient. Typically, you receive a 1 Gbps link to NIX (CZ) and a 100 Mbps link for international transit. Additionally, you’re limited by the amount of transferred data (traffic). Data transfer to NIX is relatively inexpensive, but international data transfer can be costly. Initially, you might request a link upgrade and increased data transfer limits. A cheaper and faster option is to connect the server to a CDN network and save up to 80% on traffic.

4. Data Needs: Do visitors really need data to load instantly? Static websites don’t require immediate page loads; visitors can tolerate a brief delay. However, with video portals, it’s a different story. Sooner or later, you’ll need to connect your site to a CDN to avoid video buffering and save on traffic.

5. Development and Growth Strategy: A nightmare for all website owners. It’s always worthwhile to invest in the best available solution from the start. Purchase the best servers with full specifications, distribute the load across the cloud, and connect to a CDN... BUT!!!

6. Legislation: Have you heard of GDPR? The regulation requiring all personal data to be stored within the European Union?

7. Costs: Ultimately, it comes down to money! Based on years of experience, we can confirm that it’s always beneficial to invest in the best solution with full features and guarantees. Electronics age, spare parts and upgrades become more expensive, and services increase in cost. HOWEVER, going for the best solution comes with a high price tag. You need to decide on a plan from the beginning: go all in and pay a large sum up front, or start modestly with smaller monthly payments that add up to a significant amount over time? You can either go all out quickly, earn a lot, and risk bankruptcy, or proceed gradually and limit losses in case of failure.

The best part is that the website owner doesn’t need to worry about all of the above. The owner needs a website that will be profitable and accessible everywhere. It’s up to the server administrator to propose the appropriate technological expansion. Contact us, and we’ll develop a tailored solution for you.