Email continues to be a powerful means of communication in our technology-driven world. With over 300 billion emails sent and received per day, the question of how to go about sending and receiving those emails arises. Should you use a dedicated server or use a lower-cost shared host, and what would be the risks?
The security factor
When using a shared hosting server for emails, the first consideration should be security. Unlike domain and web hosting services which have a dedicated email server option, shared servers may only require a name and login to access sensitive content. While generalized emails may not seem to have any need for more secure options, consider the personal information attached to your account.
The tricky part of the security is in finding a balance that allows you to have lower-cost shared hosting as well as protection for your address book and personal information. Not every low-price web hosting service is insecure or unsafe. Due diligence should be taken to see what measures are in place to secure content. Low price web hosting and email should have SSL certification.
How many people are there on the server?
Shared servers differ from dedicated servers in the number of people who have access to the server at any particular time. Shared servers for emails mean that several people on the server are trying to send and receive emails while you are trying to send and acquire yours. This could cause lags in delivery or, in some cases, render a message that the email is undeliverable. Additionally, depending on the shared server used, the bandwidth associated with the server may only allow you a certain amount of data per email. This would critically impair those who need to send more significant emails or have attachments.
Ease of access issues
Due to the nature of the shared server, gaining access to the server is going to depend on the number of people on the server, the bandwidth, and an assumption that the server is not undergoing maintenance or has any issues. Should there be any number of people on the server, or if the site is undergoing maintenance, you may not be able to access your email? Instead, you may get a 401 code (network connectivity error).
When choosing a domain and hosting web service that uses a shared email server, you will find it tricky to navigate connectivity issues. Pick a server that notifies you of any problems with the server.
The workaround
Shared server sites offering email services may allow you to forward emails to an outside account. This is an excellent way for you to access emails and keep from any downtimes. Keep in mind that redirected emails will come to your chosen email only as the server allows, meaning that if the server is down, you will not get new emails to the address. However, if the email has been received from the outside email provider and maintenance or other issues arise, you can still access the email and respond as usual.
Before setting up re-directs, individuals should check with the privacy settings and policies of any business associated with the email address.
What is your email address?
Perhaps one of the trickiest issues with a low-cost shared server for your email is obtaining an email address. Dedicated servers tend to allow you to make up the desired email address and go from there. Low-cost servers tend not to offer customizable email addresses, resulting in elongated names and numbers, which are not ideal. Depending upon the service provider, you may be able to buy an email address if you purchase their domain name registration services. Keep in mind that most shared server email providers limit the number of lessons you can have on one account. Should you find that you need additional email space, most providers will allow you to purchase more room for a low cost.
What are your needs?
Shared servers have their place in an email. For individuals who will be the primary sender using various email addresses daily, then using a platform such as an outlook or google groups may be the best option for your email. If, on the other hand, you have several individuals who will be sending and receiving data, files, and forwarding messages, it may be better to have individualized accounts rather than planting your emails on a server.
Conclusion
Having shared hosting email in today’s age can be a bit tricky, but that does not mean that it is impossible. Through using the proper hosting, having suitable server options in place, and using due diligence in finding a low-cost shared server, you can use a low-cost shared hosting provider to meet your emailing needs.
