The challenges for hosts don't end there. Add on rapid changes in Web technology, a national shortage of IT talent and the huge surge in demand, and you can see why even the best names in the business are stretched thin. Nearly half of the corporate customers interviewed by Forrester Research told of problems with their host services. Competition between Web hosts is fierce, but that doesn't necessarily translate into lower prices. Some analysts predict fees to rise for the higher levels of service, while competition drives down the cost of Web-hosting services at the low end.
Fees generally rise with the degree of handholding and focused care.
Obviously, the more dedicated and custom the service, the higher the price. Premium dedicated service operators charge tens of thousands of dollars a month, competing on the basis of reliability, technical support and custom services. The entire staff of Network Computing extends their thoughts and prayers to the victims of this nationwide tragedy, their families and friends. Our support also goes to everyone working in the recovery efforts. If you wish to get involved through donations and volunteer work, we've compiled a list of government agencies and relief organizations.