Control vs. Responsibility: How to choose the best software for your business

Whether you’re the CEO of a Fortune 500 company or the sole-proprietor of a local boutique, you need to be aware of the different types of web-based business software before you’re able to intelligently pick the best option for your organization.

I consult a wide variety of business executives, and many of them don’t know the first thing about web-based business software. Some are eager to learn while others have the “I’m-too-important-to-worry-about-tech” attitude. Sure, that was fine a decade ago (or maybe even a few years ago), but as the mobile and social web transform our business landscape, a CEO with some geek kung fu is a valuable asset to a forward-looking corporation.

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Website advice for small business owners: Make sure you have control

During the past few months, I’ve consulted several small companies who have left or are trying to leave their current web design company. I call them dot-refugees, and I’m always interested in finding out why they parted ways with their previous agency. They’ll talk, and I’ll listen. Sometimes it becomes apparent that the disgruntled business owner is at fault, and even the best web design company will fall short of their expectations.

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Shared, VPS, or Dedicated: Which web hosting type is best for your business?

Web hosting is one of the most important aspects of any internet business. However, it’s commonly misunderstood. There are so many web hosting companies, and each one offers different types and plans. It gets confusing, and shopping for the best one can take days or even weeks. Since 1999, I’ve used over a dozen web hosts, and each one is different. However, most reputable web hosting companies now offer three types of hosting: shared, VPS (virtual private server), and dedicated. Regardless of the hosting company you choose, you should understand these three types of hosting before signing up for a plan.

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