I want to have a site that will require much data input. I want to have a select group of users view data and make selections based upon that data. This data will change daily.
I will want to display their selections, but not immediately. Later in the day at certain times. And keep running accounts of the selections on a daily, weekly, etc. basis.
I would guess with luck this could become busy for a server. Any suggestions on which company to host this would be appreciated. In fact, any ideas on the scripting to do this would be very nice.
Two major problems are :
1) Entering data to forms in the morning. There will be a lot.
2) Displaying the selections made at specified times in the evening.

I apologize if I have this in the wrong area. Many times over.
This is an incredibly busy site and just chuck full of info. Thanks in advance.
John

scripting needs to go in the programming forum, as for the webhost think about the following:

1. What sort of package do you need (space, bandwidth)
2. Post a request in the requests forum
3. Shortlist some companies
4. Run searches on those companies here
5. Test there support with some emails
6. Go for it.

Hope that helped :)

I guess my question would be to provide a little more details on what you are looking for. Are you currently working from a vision, or do you know what you are going to code your site in and how you are going to manage it.

Once you have your scripting determined will determine if you go with a unix host or a windows host.

Also are there any particular features you are looking for other than something that can handle a lot of updates and dynamic content? Other than changing data, and running databases, are you expecting a lot of traffic or is this just a lot of data, but select crowd?

if you could expand what you are looking for that might help understand and provide some direction

Thanks very much. I will move the other info. Sorry.

To answer the question on pageviews, hopefully a bunch. That is why I am concerned about a host. Finding the proper match for it. Using the appropriate scripting device. Which hosts allow the most cgi traffic, for lack of a better way of putting it? And if you reach some sort of cutoff, can you do anything about it? Without a super hassle that is.
Thanks.

For the data input/retrieval, GOOD scripting is going to be critical. Whether you code it yourself or have someone else do it, make it so it's most efficient/practical for your own needs/uses. Otherwise, it will be more work and be nothing but a burden. The programming area here will likely yield more appropriate replies on that.

On the hosting aspect, you asked about effectively expanding and such. Thus, I'd highly recommend that when looking for a host, you look at what "upgrade" options there are down the road. That way, if you run out of space or BW, you can readily upgrade, and continue to do so if necessary. Most providers will accomodate this, but make sure it works for you. If you need "instant" upgrade options, you'll likely need to utilize credit card or paypal type payment methods, so watch for those angles anyway. Nothing as frustrating as mailing in a payment and it taking forever to get credited while you're in desparate need of it getting credited! But, overall, besides putting down your particular needs and making sure you get those met, look for "upgrade" or expansion options so you don't run into a jam. Once you have a load of information/data on a site, it can be a real chore moving it(especially at a moments notice), so finding a host that will fit you now, but also allow you to grow in a manner that works for you will be important.

Michael
EP

Michael-
Thanks very much for the reply. Makes very good sense and will do.
John

I agree about the 'upgrading' options. Whatever hosting company you choose, ask them what their policies are on 'outgrowing' your plan. So if you run out of space, use too much bandwidth/CPU. What are their policies and procedures for handling that.

Some companies will just shut you down until you pay, while others are more friendly and will contact you and work out an amiable solution. Whether paying for extra on your existing plan or upgrading to another plan.

Also checking if they will notify you first or just charge you.