Mysql hosting
Overview
If your web host doesn’t provide separate web space to host databases, you may need to seek a separate database host, and the most common amongst them happen to be MySQL hosting service providers. MySql is a free database, which can be downloaded from mysql.com and installed locally on your computer. Generally php is used as scripting language and MySql databases are found to work ideally in tandem with php. So, PHP and MySql have had a deep connection in past, which continues to build even stronger.
MySql is Free: Then Why Should You Pay?
Well, this is definitely a very obvious question that runs through the mind of any individual. However, to run your databases on the web server, you require web space on the server, and your MySql hosting service provider usually charges server maintenance cost and the charges for renting web space.
Is it Necessary to Have Separate MySql Database Hosting and Web Hosting Services?
Well, the answer basically depends upon several factors. Some of the website owners prefer to keep databases hosted on a different server and website data on a separate one. This holds true especially if you’re running sites like Wikipedia, Wapedia etc, which require hell a lot of web space just to accommodate their databases. Moreover, the size of database may grow unexpectedly with increase in the amount of data collected about new things (as in case of Wikipedia), so the threshold limit of disk space, and bandwidth is most likely to be overrun if the database is hosted on the same server. However, if you intend to host personal blogs, static web pages, simple dynamic websites requiring low disk space, or something similar then you don’t really require a separate MySql database hosting provider. Your web host can provide you with everything that’s required to run your website/blog and even its database.
Advantages of MySql Hosting
Sure thing, there are other databases like Oracle, SQL, PostGre SQL, etc, but MySql is one of the most popular choices of databases, due to the sheer fact that it is free available under the GNU/GPL. Hence, the MySql hosting providers just charge for server maintenance costs and web space, while Oracle hosting is usually costlier due to involvement of licenses. MySQL databases work well with all web programming and scripting languages like PHP, Perl, CGI, Ruby, Java, J2ee, ASP.NET. MySQL is also compatible with most platforms as well as web servers such as GlassFish, TomCat Apache, IBM Websphere and the likes of them. Next, with MySQL web hosting you don’t need to bother about your database or maintenance, and you host will offer an intuitive easy-to-use admin program, using which any normal PC user (who is totally unaware of MySQL) can log in and edit things. Most of the MySQL hosting service providers also offer MySQL Database Wizard that allows you to create tables on the fly, and load data into them effortlessly. You can manage MySQL accounts, users, and databases without writing any complex queries.
MySQL versus Oracle
Oracle databases require licenses, whereas MySQL database are freely distributable software under the GPL. Therefore, when you consider pricing, Oracle databases have a big downside. However, Oracle databases are ideal for large organization, wherein the business needs involve massive quantities of database tables and millions of table rows and columns. It is mandatory to have database support from an organization like Oracle that things don’t slip out of your hand and cause disasters. On the other hand, MySQL databases are ideal for small to midsize businesses and personal usage, as the size of database remains comparatively small, and support doesn’t come into play to a good extent.
Disadvantages of MySql Hosting
Just as every coin has its flip side, MySql hosting also has certain downsides despite all the goodness. Since MySQL is free, you won’t find dedicated support in case of any issues, unlike in case of Oracle databases. In such cases, you need to refer to developer communities and relevant forums to seek resolution. But, in most cases, the issues are handled by your MySQL hosting service provider.
Can You Do MySQL Hosting Locally?
Of course, you can run local MySQL databases, but you must also keep in mind that there can be a whole lot of database management issues. Without a good database administrator things may get tricky, and trying to save few bucks may cost you a lot, in case you lose some precious data, or mess up a large database. Remember, corrupted database may go beyond the point of recovery and you may not have any other option except to kick a trash can, and regret your acts. Spending a small amount of MySQL database hosting may be beneficial, unless you’re too confident about your database management skills. As a matter of fact, if a personal blog is all that you’re looking at, then you can sign up for a MySQL hosting plan and ensure that they support latest version of PHP too! These are the only 2 primary requirements for a Wordpress blog to work.
In a Nutshell
MySQL databases are extremely popular and above all they’re free for commercial as well as personal usage, so you don’t need to worry about licensing. Your MySQL host will take care of database set-up and management, so you’re free from all troubleshooting tasks, and at the same time you don’t need to pay much for the services. Hosts running MySQL Servers on the latest Dual Xeon, RAID 5 servers specially optimise them for MySQL database hosting, enhanced security and performance. They also take regular back ups on a daily/bi-weekly basis to ensure that your precious data never gets lost or corrupted, even if things go wrong. Even if you’ve pre-written PHP or ASP/.NET application, you may need to connect to the MySQL database and carry out a number of tasks. This may be rather intimidating for a beginner level business owner. So, you can even contact the technical support team of your MySQL hosting provider to run scripts or perform other tasks needed. Once the application database is installed onto the MySQL server, it will be ready for use!