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web hosting provider
Recommendations
TBA-Berlin offers its own customers various web hosting packages. For many, this is an optimal solution, as web development and online provision of the website are technically carried out by a single source – this saves time and simplifies coordination.
In certain cases, however, it may make sense to operate your own, self-sufficient web server – for example, if your internal IT department would also like to use the server for other projects. We will be happy to advise you in such cases.
Below you will find information on the minimum requirements that a web server should fulfill, as well as recommendations for possible hosting providers:
Technical requirements
We assume a medium-complex CMS website without e-commerce/webshop, with a basic setup of editing and security plugins. Only a single website is hosted, not a multi-site environment.
In order to better compare hosting providers with each other – and with our offer – TBA-Berlin uses the following catalog of requirements as a basis:
Provider
- The provider is at least known to us and enjoys a good reputation; ideally, we have already gained our own experience.
- Competent, helpful support, at least by e-mail. Response times should not be longer than one working day.
- The provider should have its registered office in the EU, provided that the GDPR must be observed.
Location
- The servers are well connected to a central Internet node.
- The server location should be in the EU, provided that GDPR applies.
- Ideally, the server should be located in the same country as your company headquarters – or at least in a neighboring country.
Server equipment
- Current hardware.
- At least 512 MB RAM per script process should be available.
- The maximum script runtime should be at least 60 seconds, ideally 300 seconds.
- At least two CPU cores should be available.
- Use of modern SSD storage (no conventional hard disks).
- Clear security concepts for client separation, especially for shared servers (e.g. through quotas).
- Access to the server via the SSH protocol.
- Modern administration interfaces such as Plesk or comparable systems.
System mailbox
For the reliable sending of system-generated e-mails, we generally require:
- An SMTP relay mailbox with the following access data: server URL, port, user name, password and encryption details (SMTP or StartTLS).
- A suitable SPF record should be entered in the DNS of the domain.
Stand: 30. August 2022
Recommended web hosting provider
DF.eu (DomainFactory)
Packages offered:
- ManagedHosting (Shared Hosting)
Recommended minimum tariff: “ManagedHosting 64 PREMIUM” - WordPressHosting
Not recommended by us (see rating below) - ManagedServer (dedicated server, preconfigured)
All packages offered are suitable - CloudHosting (virtual server)
Recommended minimum tariff: “CloudLevel 2”
Advantages of DF.eu:
- Accessible and competent support (we recommend the optional “VIP” support add-on)
- If support from TBA-Berlin is required: We are very familiar with the DF.eu administration interface and offer advice and setup at reduced rates.
Disadvantages:
- Relatively high prices
- No free “Let’s Encrypt” certificates – high-end encryption for a fee instead
Rating:
DF.eu’s tariff structure is not always easy to understand. We consider the “WordPress hosting” in particular to be problematic for data protection reasons: the servers are located in the USA (GoDaddy) and run on outdated hardware and software.
Cloud hosting, on the other hand, is technically up-to-date and powerful. The “Reseller Dedicated Server” packages, which are almost unbeatably attractive for agencies, are particularly noteworthy.
WebGo
Packages:
- WebHosting (Shared Hosting)
Recommended minimum tariff: “BUSINESS” - DedicatedManagedServer (dedicated, preconfigured server)
All packages are suitable
Pros:
- Generally cheaper than DF.eu
Disadvantages:
- No personal 1:1 support
- Script runtimes for CMS systems or online stores are sometimes too short.
This can lead to problems during module updates (aborts, crashes) or when uploading larger files in parallel. - Fewer configuration options on the server compared to DF.eu
- If support from TBA-Berlin is required: We must first familiarize ourselves with the administration interface. Support requests may therefore take a little longer.
Rating:
WebGo enjoys a good reputation, especially in terms of performance and speed. Recommended for projects without special requirements for support or server configuration.
IONOS (1&1)
Packages:
- WebHosting (Shared Hosting)
Recommended minimum tariff: “Premium”
Pros:
- Very widespread and well-known
- Support is considered solid – according to feedback from customers
Disadvantages:
- Short script runtimes, particularly problematic for CMS or store systems.
This can lead to crashes during updates or to larger files not being able to be uploaded stably. - Fewer configuration options compared to providers such as DF.eu
- If support from TBA-Berlin is required: We first have to familiarize ourselves with the administration interface. Support requests may therefore take a little longer.
Rating:
IONOS is one of the largest hosting providers in Germany and offers solid basic packages. We are critical of the sometimes brief information on performance limits such as script runtimes and the somewhat confusing user interface in the administration area.
