What is website hosting?¶
Website hosting is the computing infrastructure used to store or deliver a website’s content and functionality. It is separate from the domain registration and separate again from the person responsible for the content.
Hosting may involve:
- a physical or virtual server;
- a cloud environment;
- a managed website platform; or
- several combined services.
The domain is the name used to reach the service. Hosting is part of the infrastructure that makes it available.
Why the distinction matters¶
A company may register its domain with one provider and host the website with another. Separate services may handle email, payments, images, analytics or customer accounts.
Identifying the registrar does not necessarily identify the host. Identifying the host does not identify who created or controlled the content.
Potential hosting records¶
Depending on the service and relevant period, records may include:
- customer-account details;
- payment records;
- assigned infrastructure;
- access history;
- support communications; and
- creation, change or cancellation events.
When making enquiries, specify the exact domain, hostname, IP address, dates and page involved.
Key takeaway
Hosting explains where and how the website is delivered. Identify registration, hosting and content-control roles separately before deciding where to direct enquiries.