(The Hosting News) – As many already know, the factor of cloud computing has, without a doubt, definitively shaped the course of the web hosting industry as a whole. This is true whether it’s evidenced by different providers announcing new cloud offerings on a regular basis, or true whether it’s by cloud dominating the discussion at hosting-related conferences.
However, there are plenty more issues that warrant attention as well. Today we provide a look at some fascinating hosting issues that are perhaps, a bit less under the radar. Maybe one could say that they’re quietly doing their part to shape the industry:
The Open Compute Project: Data center operators rely on energy efficiency to not only cut costs, but to cut down on carbon emissions and have their facilities run as smoothly as possible. In April, after custom-designing their own data centers with increased efficiency, social networking giant launched the Open Compute Project. It’s a platform where data developers can share open source data center designs with the goal of efficiency. The idea has caught on too. Most recently, it was reported that leading data center solutions operator Digital Realty Trust would be participating in the initiative.
Current Copyright Legislation: There’s federal legislation currently being weighed by the U.S. Congress and it specifically affects one of the world’s largest platforms: The Internet. Current legislation including the Protect IP Act aims to cut down on online copyright infringement, a legitimate concern. However, web hosts have banded together to oppose the legislation. Why? Opponents content that the law would hold the hosting provider just as accountable as the individual offender. After all, how easily can a web host monitor every single act done through a base that may include hundreds-of-thousands of users?
Meanwhile, the internet’s economy could be at stake. Under the legislation, the accused infringer would have no chance to defend against charges. Prosecutors would be mandated to simply shut down the sites without going through what many would consider proper steps. Overall, this could discourage innovation. For example, what if authorities had shut down internet pioneers like YouTube in its early days? Opponents contend that, if passed, the law could have the effect of discouraging people who would otherwise innovate.
Hosting Has a New Script Library: Look at hosting news headlines and you’ll notice a pattern. More and more web hosting providers are adding a new script library to their control panels. Known as Softaculous, the platform offers more than 230 scripts (such as WordPress) in a simplified and fast manner. Most recently, Softaculous announced the availability of its apps installer AMPPS for the Mac (AMPPS includes Softaculous among services).
Web Hosts on TV: The web hosting industry used to have a nonexistent presence on television. Then things changed. Domain registrar and hosting provider GoDaddy shot to the top, making advertisements focused on its services available during prime time TV hours, even during the most popular TV event, the Super Bowl. Now the company has had a TV presence for quite some time and until recently, was one of the only participants in the hosting industry to have a meaningful presence on TV.
But things have changed. Earlier this year, web hosting provider 1&1 Internet launched advertisements focusing on its simplified website creation solution for small businesses: 1&1 My Website.
Cooling Techniques for Data Centers: With colocation providers launching new data centers all the time, the need to expand is often due to higher demand. To achieve energy efficiency at their facilities, operators rely primarily on cooling techniques. Earlier this year, Google launched a data center in Finland that handles server cooling by using water from the nearby Baltic Sea.
Most recently, it was revealed that social networking giant Facebook would be constructing its first data center outside the U.S. in Sweden, not far from the Arctic Circle. Without a doubt, the cool climate played a factor in the location’s selection, especially with how a cool temperature can efficiently maintain data center servers. However, what appears most fascinating is how cooling techniques often vary dependent on a data center operator, whether its a small web hosting company or the tech giant (such as Google).
Hosting: 5 Fascinating Issues Impacting the Industry
