Web Hosting Job Description
Since the Internet has become accessible to the public, anyone can create a website after registering for a domain name and buying Web hosting services. The information that's stored on a website and accessed by visitors has to be stored on a piece of hardware known as a server; Web hosting provides this server space to website owners. Since these servers can be expensive, many website owners buy server space from companies known as Web hosters.
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Function
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A Web hosting company is made up of Web administrators and technical support representatives. Web hosting companies must not only provide server space but also provide resources to aid customers in setting up their websites. Web administrators are also responsible for performing maintenance to keep Web servers up and running, as well as maintaining the security of the computer network databases. The technical support representatives answer questions that customers have about their Web hosting agreements. These reps guide customers through the resolution of technical problems so that the customers remain satisfied with the Web hosting service.
Conditions
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Web hosting companies often have staff available 24 hours a day to fix late-night glitches and other problems with computer servers. This around-the-clock attention is also needed because customers often buy server space from around the world and need technical support at various hours.
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Skills
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Since almost anyone can buy a server, anyone can become a Web hoster without any specific educational background. However, sufficient knowledge of computers and computer networks is important to know how to effectively run a Web server. Web hosting companies might want their staff to have degrees in information science, computer science or information technology. Technical support representatives need to be trained to answer questions that customers will have. Interpersonal and communication skills are needed by Web administrators (especially by technical support representatives), since website owners often decide which company they intend to continue doing business with based on the quality of customer service.
Outlook
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As more people use the Internet, an increasing amount of data is being sent over the Internet. The need for Web hosters and other network systems administrators, therefore, is expected to grow by 53 percent between 2008 and 2018, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Earnings
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As of May 2010, the median hourly wages for Web hosters was $31.56. Many Web hosters are self-employed and earn their income from the fees that they charge the individuals or organizations they host.
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References
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