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Developing your own website: do you need your own server? (screen 2 of 7)
You don't need your own server to have a website.
You can, of course have your own, but you could use someone else's - for example server space provided by an Internet Service Provider (ISP)(1).
If you want to run your own server
If you want your own server for your website you will need a reliable Macintosh, PC or Unix-based machine. It doesn't have to be particularly fast - but of course, as with most Internet technology, the faster the better!
Servers can range in price from around $AU2,500 to $AU150,000 - depending on what you need them to do, or will need them to do in the future.
You can buy servers secondhand, but if you do, buy from a reputable supplier and get as long a warranty as you can. Servers are just computers and most computers can do the job as long as they are set up with server software.
You will need server software
On your server you need to run different sorts of software. The main type of software you will need is Web server software to enable you to run the website on the server.
You will also need:
- Email server software to enable you to define and maintain email addresses for your organisation.
- FTP software to allow you and your clients to transfer files to and from the server from anywhere on the Internet.
- Mailing list software to allow you to maintain mail-based discussion lists with your customers or clients.
Most of the 
software you need for a server(2) can be downloaded from the Internet. You will need this software and you will need someone who knows how to use it - either in-house, or hired on a contract or casual basis for the job.
You will need a router if you have a network
If your server is part of a network, you will need a router to connect your local network to the Internet. Routers cost up to $AU5,000.
Numerous companies supply routers and they can be found under the 'Data Communications' heading in the Yellow Pages telephone directory(3). Computers attached to the Internet and which are not part of a local network do not need a router.
Incidentally, if you are a publicly-funded organisation, you should be guided by any mandatory purchasing policies that apply to you.
The cost of managing your own server
If you want to buy and manage your own server expect to pay around $AU5,000 or more for equipment if you don't already have it.
Server software could cost you any amount - from very little, up to tens of thousands of dollars.
A reliable link to the Internet (such as an ISDN connection) can cost you upwards of $AU1,000 for the connection and monthly charges from $AU250 plus traffic.
An indicative starting price to create a good, fast connection with everything you need would be $AU10,000.
If you have a very popular site which needs a high-speed connection you can spend more on connection costs.
Connection hardware and connection options
The cheapest (and slowest) way to connect your server to the Internet is with a modem(4) over a regular telephone line.
The modem should be at least as fast as 33.6 Kbps, and will cost between $AU150 - $AU300. Newer modems should support the V.90 standard which enables communication at up to 56 kbps. Ensure that your ISP supports this standard at their end.
Make sure that if the connection drops out it will be re-established automatically by the server. This will require a permanent connection to an ISP, with typical charges of $AU150 or more each month for a very modest site.
You can have a permanent connection just using a modem through a Telstra(5)
BigPond Direct connection. Other ISPs offer similar services. An ISDN
connection(6) is another option and this type of connection is substantially
faster.
If you expect a lot of traffic, you could consider a leased line into the Internet. The costs are higher again. Talk to your ISP about this.
Costs change continually and ISPs often have good sign-up deals, so shop around.
Whatever decision you make should be appropriate to the use your website will receive. There are many, many options available and it's probably best to seek the advice of someone who understands your situation and who knows what options are available in your area.
Your domain name
You will need to purchase a domain name(7) for your website.
Using an ISP to host your website
Unless you are part of a large organisation which can afford the hardware, software, and monthly connection charges, you're likely to be better off arranging with your ISP to host your website for you.
Unless you want to develop skills in maintaining a server, using an ISP to host your website lets you get on with your primary activity - your cultural pursuits.
Summary - what you need if you set up your own server to host your website
- A computer to act as a server.
- Server software.
- Someone to install software and set up the server.
- A connection to the Internet appropriate to your needs.
- A domain name for your website.
- Someone to develop your website.
Summary - what you need if you use an ISP to host your website
- An ISP whose costing structure and capacity is suitable for your needs.
- A domain name for your website (most ISPs will be able to purchase this on your behalf).
- Someone to develop your website.
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References
- Guide 6 screen 5 http://culture.gov.au/resources/guides/g6/s5.htm
- ServerWatch http://serverwatch.internet.com/
- Yellow Pages http://www.yellowpages.com.au/
- Guide 6 screen 3 http://culture.gov.au/resources/guides/g6/s3.htm
- Telstra http://telstra.com.au/internetdirect/index.cfm
- Telstra http://www.telstra.com.au/products/product.cfm?prod_id=4163
- Guide 8 screen 6 http://culture.gov.au/resources/guides/g8/s6.htm
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