Hosting ...

Almost every prospective custom-development client we meet asks about our ability to safely and ably host, service, and maintain their website solution, should we be their vendor.  In response, we do try and help them understand the products a responsible website developer might provide around hosting and maintenance.  Still, we have come to expect that once becoming clients, some don't actually choose BlueBolt as their hosting partner, even while we feel our product is superior, and, our costs quite competitive.  We think there are several reasons:

• First, it's possible that some clients ask about hosting and maintenance simply to learn more about the topic.  They take advantage of the chance to inquire, most probably so that they can find out how to keep their options open.
• Second, all clients want to know that their web developer is capable of providing these types of service and assistance, even if they never have to draw on them.  As if, a developer not capable of providing some of these services isn't much of a developer at all...
• Third, to some, site security is a monstrous project in itself, and some clients may feel the need to find a specialist in these items, leaving the developers to develop, and the security details to security specialists.
• Fourth, clients want to gauge the developers' attitude toward support of their clients' ongoing needs.  Some developers are great providers for their clients' shiny, new website, only to later leave the client with the bag, and, in the dark, when it comes to supporting and maintaining the solution.  We have been told that clients absolutely hate that.
• Fifth (and, probably the most likely reason), the client wants to purposely separate the functions of the application developer from the long-term maintenance provider.  Otherwise, the client could be held hostage, and placed in a powerless position when they need additional help, be it in an emergency, updates, or simple upgrades.  Separation of these duties allows the client the ability to still search for other application service providers, marketers, and developers without worry for the security of their solution.