Before we do anything else, at the very beginning of this article, we will explain what is DNS and how it’s used. As you suppose, it’s related to the Internet, and it’s short for Domain Name System, which can be compared to an address or a phone number. When you want to access a page, you are using the domain (the web address you are typing in the browser), and then you are able to take action on the website. Every domain has an IP address that is assigned, and the DNS service is translating the domain to an IP, so the browsers can find the resources, and access the website.
Every device you are using has a unique IP address, and the Internet is helping you to look for the location you want, and then use the IP to represent the results to the display of your computer or smartphone.
Once you type the exact address or the keywords in the browser, you are sending a request for one or more results that are sent to your IP address, and the mediator in those processes is the DNS service. So, we hope that now you understand how it’s done. And if it seems too complicated to you, then you have to know that the whole process between browsing and finding the result is even more complicated than that.
But, today we won’t talk about the background processes, and we will mention a few basic things you have to know and understand when you look for a DNS service provider:
1. Your DNS goals
According to https://constellix.com/news/9-things-to-consider-before-choosing-a-dns-provider, your goals are one of the main things to consider before choosing a DNS provider – which means you have to plan on a long run and know exactly how you want your domain or domains to perform over time. Knowing your goals will ease the provider’s job, and they will exactly know what to offer, and the capacity you will need, so everything you have will be properly covered by them. If you are not sure, they will also help you estimate the goals and set realistic expectations.
2. Is the provider available and eligible for your needs?
When the providers are too busy, they won’t be able to successfully cover all the actions and will take the bigger clients as a priority. That process is made automatically, and that’s why it’s better to look for a provider who has a good and stronger architecture, and understands the potential risks and issues, so they can always deliver a fast and competitive service. That’s the reason why you have to research before you sign a contract with anyone. Providing the right support is a key part of your service to work smoothly, without any big issues over time.
3. The overall performance
Every provider should list the settings and properties, so the potential clients can be informed transparently about their capacity. The people there should explain their architecture and the speed of resolving the issues. Also, if your website is not demanding and you don’t have a lot of redirecting links, you don’t need the strongest DNS service, and you can go for some basic and affordable option, and upgrade it if needed. But, if you serve ads from the very beginning, you really have to consider taking an advanced pack, because in this case, the DNS performance is crucial for your business.
4. Safety and security
We don’t need to give a deep explanation on this, because we all know how important security is. No one wants malicious logins to their websites, and when you have a serious business related to your Internet location, security should be a must and at the top of your priorities.
Many businesses suffer the different types of attacks, and when that happens, your provider should be able to track the malicious activity and help you resolve the issue.
5. Do you need to hire a person for this?
Maintaining these actions is a job for an IT department, or we can say that you need a professional who will follow these processes, and react immediately if something happens. Additional support can’t be bad, especially if the provider’s support is too expensive for you. But, having a person who will mediate the whole process, or resolve it by themselves before escalating the issue, can be a pretty cost-efficient action for you and your company. On the other hand, if you are able to afford it, you will hire at least one person who needs a job, especially in these hard times of global crisis due to the pandemic.
6. The amount of content
Some websites have only informational purposes, and they provide the needed contact details and a basic description of the company’s job. But, if you are planning to publish the goods, services, and related blog-content, you will need stronger support. Also, if you have a larger amount of multimedia to publish, like photos, graphic designs, animations, and videos, you will have more than a simple and basic DNS configuration.
Or, with the simpler words said, the more content you have on your website, the more support you will need for it to stay active and provide its service.
7. Is your industry prone to cyber-attacks?
If you have a read-only website, then the chances for cyber-attacks are low, and you can go with a simple DNS service. But if you allow the users to create profiles and use login details to access the content, then your network is prone to attacks, and you have to take care of your security.
So, there they are, the seven main things you need to look for and take in mind before you buy a DNS support pack for your business. Also, be very careful when you are looking for an appropriate provider, and check if they are reliable, their previous experience, and proof of successfully completed work – and we must repeat this, even though we know you already know all of that.
