Until October 7, 2025: no initial fee (normally 16,500 yen to 385,000 yen) and free server migration service
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11 Recommended Hosting Services for Corporations and Small Businesses in Japan, Plus How to Choose
Published: 2025.07.11
Updated: 2025.07.11
Web hosting is essential for putting a business online. Yet many people in charge say they are overwhelmed by the sheer number of options and unsure how business hosting differs from personal hosting. A poor hosting choice can directly lead to lost business opportunities and damage to your company's credibility.
This article thoroughly compares 11 hosting services recommended for small businesses and corporations. From business-specific viewpoints such as uptime, security, and support, it clearly explains the three points you need to choose the right server. Find the one that fits your company and use it to accelerate your business.
Comparison Table of 11 Recommended Hosting Services for Small Businesses and Corporations
Data based on market research as of
November 4, 2025
, arranged
in order of speed
Monthly prices are the first-year cost of the cheapest plan that supports WordPress
Speed is the Time to First Byte measured on demo sites under the same conditions
Hosting service (plan) | Speed | Monthly price | WordPress Preinstalled | Uptime | Support (hours) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Average and recommended | 210ms | 1,903 yen | Yes | 99.99%+ | 24/7 or better |
XServer Business (Shared) | 40ms | 4,180 yen | Yes | 99.99% | Phone / Email (weekdays 10:00–18:00) |
ConoHa WING (Basic) | 160ms | 941 yen | Yes | 99.99% | Phone / Email / Chat (weekdays 10:00–18:00) |
Shin Rental Server (Basic) | 200ms | 985 yen | Yes | Undisclosed | Phone / Email (10:00–18:00) |
Sakura Rental Server (Standard) | 440ms | 550 yen | No | 99.99% | Chat / Email / Phone / Callback reservation (10:00–18:00) |
KAGOYA JAPAN (Grade 1) | — | 440 yen | Yes | 99.999% | Phone / Email (weekdays 10:00–17:00) |
Onamae.com Rental Server | — | 2,398 yen | No | 99.99% | Phone / Email / Chat (weekdays 10:00–18:00) |
iCLUSTA+ byGMO (Mini) | — | 1,027 yen | No | 100% | Phone (weekdays 10:00–18:00), email support 24/7 |
WADAX (WP Standard) | — | 1,540 yen | No | 99.9% | Weekdays 09:00–22:00, weekends 09:00–18:00 |
WebARENA SuiteX | — | 1,997 yen | No | 100% | Email / Chat (weekdays 09:30–17:00) |
Heteml | — | 2,035 yen | No | 99.99% | Phone / Email (weekdays 10:00–18:00) |
CPI Rental Server (Shared) | — | 4,840 yen | No | 100% | Phone / Email (weekdays 10:00–18:00) |
11 Hosting Services for Small Businesses and Corporations
XServer Business
is the business-focused hosting service from Xserver Inc., the company with the No. 1 domestic market share. It posted the No. 2 display speed in our measurements. It is one of the best migration targets, and server migration is also free.
Server type | Shared hosting / Managed dedicated server (virtual) / Managed dedicated server (physical) |
Speed (TTFB) | 40ms |
Recommended plan and term | Shared Hosting Standard, 12 months |
Free trial / money-back guarantee | 10-day free trial |
Monthly price (12-month plan) | 2,926 yen |
Initial setup fee | 16,500 yen |
Free domain | 2 domains free forever |
Support | Phone / Email (weekdays 10:00–18:00) |
Uptime | 99.99% guarantee |
Storage | 700GB |
Number of databases | Unlimited |
Security features | WAF / Website tampering alerts / Secom security diagnostics |
SSL | Free dedicated SSL / Cloud SSL / Speed Certification SSL / Quick SSL Premium |
Backup / restore | 14-day automatic backups / Free restoration |
Number of email accounts | Unlimited |
Email security features | Antivirus / Spam filter / Advanced spam filter / POP over SSL / SMTP over SSL / IMAP over SSL / DKIM / DMARC |
Server / website migration service | Full migration service free of charge (first time only, up to 10 sites) |
WordPress preinstall | Yes |
CDN | None |
Its greatest strength is the exceptional trust that comes from being the business service of Xserver, which holds the No. 1 market share in Japan for personal hosting. It uses high-speed NVMe storage and 10Gbps lines as standard, and it has a strong reputation for both fast page delivery and stable operation, backed by an uptime guarantee of at least 99.99%. Compared with other providers, it offers high specs at a still reasonable price, giving it outstanding cost performance.
Hikaru Ono
Its strong free phone support is also a major source of reassurance for corporations that do not have an in-house IT specialist. It also ranked No. 1 in display speed in our measurements.
XServer Business Review [2025 Latest]: Thorough Testing of Speed, Pricing, and Features
XServer Business Review [2025 Latest]: Thorough Testing of Speed, Pricing, and Features
serverfield.org
Sakura Rental Server
is a long-established hosting service with more than 480,000 accounts in use. It used to be called slow, but recent infrastructure upgrades have made it much faster. The affordable pricing, however, has stayed the same the whole time, which makes it very cost-effective.
14-day free trial
Server type | Shared hosting |
Speed (TTFB) | 440ms |
Recommended plan and term | Standard, 12 months |
Free trial / money-back guarantee | 14-day free trial |
Monthly price (12-month plan) | 550 yen |
Initial setup fee | Free |
Free domain | None |
Support | Business hours: 10:00–18:00 Phone callback reservation, chat, and email (reply the same day or by the next business day) |
Uptime | 99.99% |
Storage | 300GB |
Number of databases | Unlimited |
Security features | Website tampering alerts (paid), WAF, foreign IP filtering, anti-relay measures, encryption |
SSL | Free shared SSL / Dedicated SSL |
Backup / restore | 8 backup generations free / Free restoration |
Number of email accounts | Unlimited |
Email security features | POP3 / IMAP4 / Virus scanning / Basic spam filter / Advanced spam filter |
WordPress preinstall | No |
Server / website migration service | None |
CDN | 100GB per month free |
Its greatest strength is the overwhelming track record of more than 25 years in operation and the trust that has made it a choice even for government agencies.
Hikaru Ono
Sakura Internet, the company behind Sakura Rental Server, is the only domestic cloud provider selected for the Government Cloud, the cloud foundation used by the Japanese government.
What sets it apart is that it offers everything from shared hosting to cloud services in one place, allowing flexible expansion as a business grows. It suits corporations that value stable long-term operation more than raw speed, and its cost-effective plans and free phone support are also attractive. Its stability, backed by a long history, sets it apart from the rest of the market.
Sakura Rental Server Review [2025 Latest]: Is It Scary or Slow? Pricing, Pros, and Cons for Personal and Business Use
Sakura Rental Server Review [2025 Latest]: Is It Scary or Slow? Pricing, Pros, and Cons for Personal and Business Use
serverfield.org
ConoHa WING Business
is the high-speed hosting service from the GMO Internet Group, and our company uses it as well. Because WordPress is preinstalled when you sign up for the server, anyone can get started easily. It has an excellent balance of cost and performance, which is why we use it ourselves.
Until August 5, 2025: up to 53% off hosting fees, 2 domains free forever, and the first month free
Server type | Shared hosting |
Speed (TTFB) | 160ms |
Recommended plan and term | Basic, 12 months |
Free trial / money-back guarantee | First month free |
Monthly price (12-month plan) | 971 yen |
Initial setup fee | Free |
Free domain | 2 domains free forever |
Support | Phone / Email / Chat (weekdays 10:00–18:00) |
Uptime | 99.99% guarantee |
Storage | 300GB |
Number of databases | Unlimited |
Security features | WAF / Directory access restrictions / IP restrictions / Vulnerability diagnostics / Spam comment and trackback limits / Overseas comment and trackback limits / Overseas access restrictions |
SSL | Free SSL / Alpha SSL / Quick SSL / Organization Validation SSL / EV SSL |
Backup / restore | 14-day automatic backups / Free restoration |
Number of email accounts | Unlimited |
Email security features | Virus scanning / Spam filter |
Server / website migration service | WordPress migration service from 7,678 yen / Free migration tool available |
WordPress preinstall | Yes |
CDN | None |
Its strengths are extremely fast page delivery in Japan powered by the nginx web server and stable operation supported by guaranteed resources. While many competitors focus on stability first, ConoHa WING pursues web performance through speed and cost performance. It is an excellent choice for corporations running e-commerce sites or media businesses where page speed directly affects business results.
Hikaru Ono
This site is also run on ConoHa WING.
ConoHa WING Review: Testing the Speed Benefits, Pros, and Cons Behind Why 750,000 Users Choose It
ConoHa WING Review: Testing the Speed Benefits, Pros, and Cons Behind Why 750,000 Users Choose It
serverfield.org
iCLUSTA+
is a hosting service with 25 years of operational experience from GMO GlobalSign Holdings. It is affordable to use, yet stable enough to offer a 100% uptime guarantee, which makes it highly recommended for small businesses and corporations that want to control costs.
Until July 30, 2025: no initial fee, up to 9 months of hosting free, plus a 30-day money-back guarantee
Server type | Shared hosting |
Speed (TTFB) | Not measured |
Recommended plan and term | Mini, 12 months |
Free trial / money-back guarantee | 30-day money-back guarantee |
Monthly price (12-month plan) | 1,027 yen |
Initial setup fee | 5,500 yen |
Free domain | None |
Support | Weekdays 10:00–18:00 Email support is available 24/7 |
Uptime | 100% guarantee |
Storage | Web 180GB / Mail 120GB |
Number of databases | Unlimited |
Security features | Intrusion prevention (IPS) / Overseas web access restrictions / GMO cyberattack diagnostics |
SSL | Dedicated SSL Alpha SSL / GlobalSign one-click SSL / GlobalSign organization-validated SSL / GlobalSign EV SSL |
Backup / restore | 7 off-site backup generations (770 yen per month) / Free restoration |
Number of email accounts | Unlimited |
Email security features | POP over SSL / SMTP over SSL / SMTP AUTH / STARTTLS / Mail filters / Spam filters / Email virus removal service / DKIM settings |
Server / website migration service | Full migration service: 33,000 yen |
WordPress preinstall | No |
CDN | None |
Its biggest defining feature is its high stability, which comes from the cluster technology that links multiple servers together. Even if one server fails, the others continue processing, which is why it can offer a 100% service-level uptime guarantee. While other providers compete on speed, iCLUSTA+ puts the highest priority on not going down.
Hikaru Ono
It publishes the actual uptime rate of the servers every year.
For corporations that absolutely cannot allow downtime and require stable operation as a non-negotiable condition, that reliability has major value.
iCLUSTA+ Review [2024 Edition]: A Thorough Guide to a Business Server Starting in the 1,000-yen Range per Month
iCLUSTA+ Review [2024 Edition]: A Thorough Guide to a Business Server Starting in the 1,000-yen Range per Month
serverfield.org
CPI Rental Server
is the hosting brand of the KDDI Group. It is expensive. Even so, its robust backup environment and comprehensive support structure can satisfy the strict hosting standards demanded not only by small businesses but by large enterprises as well.
10-day free trial
Server type | Shared hosting / Managed dedicated server / Dedicated server with root access |
Speed (TTFB) | Not measured |
Recommended plan and term | Shared Plan Business Standard, 12 months |
Free trial / money-back guarantee | 10-day free trial |
Monthly price (12-month plan) | 4,840 yen |
Initial setup fee | Free |
Free domain | None |
Support | Phone / Email (weekdays 10:00–18:00) 24/7 support available for an additional 990 yen per month |
Uptime | 100% guarantee |
Storage | Web 300GB / Mail 200GB |
Number of databases | 5 |
Security features | WAF / Website tampering alerts (paid) |
SSL | Free CPI SSL server certificate |
Backup / restore | 30 backup generations / Free restoration |
Number of email accounts | Unlimited |
Email security features | Virus scanning / Spam mail checks / Spam subject line display / Automatic spam sorting / STARTTLS / Active! gate for misdirected email prevention |
Server / website migration service | Some migration work free of charge / Full migration service 283,800 yen |
WordPress Easy Install | Yes |
CDN | Paid |
Its strengths are the trust that comes with the KDDI Group name and its solid operation focused specifically on corporate use. Its biggest difference from competitors is the separated configuration that physically separates web and mail servers so that heavy load on one does not affect the other. That is why it has earned tremendous support from corporations that treat stable email operation as an absolute requirement.
Hikaru Ono
It is a strong choice for small businesses and corporations that want to entrust both their website and email to a single company.
Rather than pursuing raw speed, it has established a unique position in the market by putting the highest priority on rock-solid stability and a support system that keeps businesses running.
CPI Rental Server Review: Is Its 100% Uptime Guarantee for Businesses Really That Stable? A Thorough Look at Pricing and Features
CPI Rental Server Review: Is Its 100% Uptime Guarantee for Businesses Really That Stable? A Thorough Look at Pricing and Features
serverfield.org
Shin Rental Server
is the high-speed hosting service from ShinCloud Co., Ltd. Its affordable pricing makes it easy to use even for individuals, and it also runs regular campaigns. Signing up while a promotion is active is the best timing.
Until August 6, 2025: 50% cashback and a 10-day free trial
Server type | Shared hosting |
Speed (TTFB) | 200ms |
Recommended plan and term | Basic, 12 months |
Free trial / free period | 10-day free trial |
Monthly price (12-month plan) | 880 yen |
Initial setup fee | Free |
Free domain | 1 domain free forever |
Support | Phone / Email (weekdays 10:00–18:00) |
Uptime | Undisclosed |
Storage | 700GB |
Number of databases | Unlimited |
Security features | Secom security diagnostics / WAF / ads.txt / Login attempt limits / Access restrictions from overseas IPs / Mass comment and trackback limits / Comment and trackback limits from overseas IPs / Antivirus / Spam filter |
SSL | Free dedicated SSL / Optional dedicated SSL |
Backup / restore | 14-day automatic backups free of charge / Free restoration |
Number of email accounts | Unlimited |
Email security features | POP over SSL / SMTP over SSL / IMAP over SSL / DKIM / DMARC |
Server / website migration service | None |
WordPress preinstall | Yes |
CDN | None |
This innovative server is operated by ShinCloud, a group company of Xserver. By using the KUSANAGI acceleration technology together with the LiteSpeed web server, it delivers some of the fastest site speeds available in Japan. It stands out for performance and cost efficiency that outclasses many competitors. It is a great choice for forward-looking corporations that want to maximize results from their web business.
Hikaru Ono
The standard plans reserve resources, while the business plans provide guaranteed resources, including guaranteed CPU and memory values, which leads to more stable operation.
Shin Rental Server Review [2025 Latest]: A Hands-On Breakdown of Speed and Pricing
Shin Rental Server Review [2025 Latest]: A Hands-On Breakdown of Speed and Pricing
serverfield.org
Onamae.com Rental Server
has been used by both individuals and corporations. It comes from Japan's largest domain registration service, and one of its greatest attractions is how easily you can manage your domains and servers in one place. That makes handling email, websites, and domains much simpler overall.
Eligible domains are free forever
Server type | Shared hosting |
Speed (TTFB) | Not measured |
Recommended plan and term | 12 months |
Free trial / money-back guarantee | None |
Monthly price (12-month plan) | 2,398 yen |
Initial setup fee | Free |
Free domain | 1 domain free forever |
Support | Phone / Email / Chat (weekdays 10:00–18:00) |
Uptime | 99.99% guarantee |
Storage | 1TB |
Number of databases | Unlimited |
Security features | WAF / Access restrictions / ads.txt / SiteLock |
SSL | Free SSL / Alpha SSL |
Backup / restore | 14-day automatic backups / Free restoration |
Number of email accounts | Unlimited |
Email security features | Spam filter and virus scanning / SMTP over SSL and POP over SSL / IMAP / Restrictions on sending from overseas / Blacklist and whitelist |
Server / website migration service | No migration service / Migration tool available |
WordPress Easy Install | Yes |
CDN | None |
Operated by the GMO Group, its biggest strength is the ease of managing both domains and servers together through one of Japan's largest domain registration services.
Hikaru Ono
The hosting fee itself is on the high side, but the cost of acquiring and renewing domains is among the lowest in Japan.
It also offers many discounts when you apply for domains and hosting together, which can cut initial costs significantly. Rather than competing on the raw performance of the server alone, it differentiates itself through management convenience and overwhelming cost efficiency. That makes it an excellent choice for small businesses without dedicated IT staff and corporations launching a website for the first time.
Onamae.com Rental Server Review: 99.99% Uptime, Stability, and Value
Onamae.com Rental Server Review: 99.99% Uptime, Stability, and Value
serverfield.org
Heteml
is GMO Pepabo's ultra-fast hosting service. The price is a little high for individual users, but it spreads web, mail, and backup servers apart so that sudden surges in access do not create a single point of failure.
14-day free trial
Server type | Shared hosting / Managed server |
Speed (TTFB) | Not measured |
Recommended plan and term | 12-month contract |
Free trial / money-back guarantee | None |
Monthly price (12-month plan) | 2,035 yen |
Initial setup fee | Free |
Free domain | None |
Support | Phone / Email / Chat (weekdays 10:00–18:00) |
Uptime | 99.99% actual performance |
Storage | 600GB |
Number of databases | Unlimited |
Security features | WAF / Overseas Attack Guard / Device security |
SSL | Free SSL / GlobalSign Quick Certification SSL / GlobalSign Organization Validation / GlobalSign EV |
Backup / restore | 14-day automatic backups / Restoration 5,000 yen |
Number of email accounts | Unlimited |
Email security features | Spam filter / Virus scanning |
Server / website migration service | WordPress migration service 33,000 yen / No migration tool |
WordPress Easy Install | Yes |
CDN | None |
Operated by GMO Pepabo, it is especially popular for features tailored to creators such as web production agencies and designers. Compared with competitors, it stands out for its large SSD capacity and unlimited multi-domain settings. It is an excellent fit for corporations and sole proprietors who create and manage many websites.
Hikaru Ono
Website production companies use it often. In other words, it is a server chosen by professionals.
It has carved out its own position by balancing the usability and cost efficiency demanded in professional web production work.
Heteml Review and Pricing: A Thorough 2025 Guide to Pros and Cons from User Reviews
Heteml Review and Pricing: A Thorough 2025 Guide to Pros and Cons from User Reviews
serverfield.org
WADAX
is a business-focused server from GMO GlobalSign Holdings. It is comparatively affordable, and support is available every day of the year. Problems can happen at any time, and that daily support is what makes WADAX reassuring.
30-day money-back guarantee
Server type | Shared hosting |
Speed (TTFB) | Not measured |
Recommended plan and term | WP Standard, 12 months |
Free trial / money-back guarantee | 30-day money-back guarantee |
Monthly price (12-month plan) | 1,540 yen |
Initial setup fee | Free |
Free domain | None |
Support | Weekdays 09:00–22:00, weekends 09:00–18:00 |
Uptime | 99.9% |
Storage | 50GB |
Number of databases | 20 |
Security features | WAF / KYUBI (WordPress vulnerability diagnostics) / Web virus scanning / Regular security diagnostics / Intrusion prevention system / DoS and DDoS attack protection |
SSL | Shared SSL / FTP over SSL / Quick Certification SSL / Organization Validation SSL / EV SSL / Secom Trust Systems for Web SR3.0 / for Web EV |
Backup / restore | Backups free of charge / Free restoration |
Number of email accounts | Unlimited |
Email security features | Spam filter (SpamAssassin) / POP over SSL / SMTP over SSL / SMTP AUTH / SMTP submission port / IMAP / IMAP over SSL / Virus scanning |
Server / website migration service | No migration service / Free migration tool available |
WordPress Easy Install | No |
CDN | Free |
Operated by GMO GlobalSign Holdings, which is well known for SSL certificates, its greatest strength is a support structure strong enough that you can practically entrust server administration to it. Its solid security has led to adoption by e-commerce sites and government agencies as well. Rather than competing on raw specs, it sells peace of mind through dependable reliability, which makes it especially well suited to corporations without in-house server specialists.
Hikaru Ono
It also provides a CDN free of charge, allowing even heavy data such as videos and images to be delivered quickly.
WADAX Review: Phone Support Until 10 PM. Is It a Good Server for Busy Businesses?
WADAX Review: Phone Support Until 10 PM. Is It a Good Server for Busy Businesses?
serverfield.org
WebARENA SuiteX
is a business-oriented server operated by NTTPC Communications. It starts at a reasonable price. Its AI-based predictive email security is a standout feature, and it is a strong choice for small businesses and corporations that want to run both their email and website together.
When applied for together with a domain: one month of hosting free, no setup fee, and a 10-day free trial
Server type | Shared hosting / VPS / Windows Server VPS / Cloud server / Mail server / VPS for businesses |
Speed (TTFB) | Not measured |
Recommended plan and term | SuiteX V2 Standard, 1 year |
Free trial / money-back guarantee | 10 days |
Monthly price (12-month plan) | 1,998 yen |
Initial setup fee | Free (credit card payment only) |
Free domain | None |
Support | Weekdays 09:30–17:00 |
Uptime | 100% guarantee |
Storage | 300GB |
Number of databases | 3 |
Security features | Firewall / IPS (intrusion prevention system) / DoS protection |
SSL | Shared SSL / DigiCert Japan SSL / GlobalSign SSL |
Backup / restore | 1 backup generation / Free restoration |
Number of email accounts | Unlimited |
Email security features | Virus scanning / Spam filtering / Spam quarantine / White and blacklists / Automatic deletion of quarantined mail / Sender domain authentication / Encrypted connections / SMTP over SSL / SMTP STARTTLS / POP over SSL / POP STARTTLS / IMAP over SSL / IMAP STARTTLS |
Server / website migration service | Web data migration 66,000 yen / No migration tool |
WordPress Easy Install | No |
CDN | None |
Operated by NTTPC Communications, part of the NTT Group, it stands out for reliability. Backed by more than 20 years of operational experience and the solid infrastructure of a major telecommunications company, it is especially well regarded for the stability of its email functions. Rather than flashy features or speed competition, it offers the dependable stability that keeps the core of a business running, and it does so at a reasonable price. It is used by many government agencies and educational institutions, which makes it a highly cost-effective choice for corporations that place the highest value on a proven track record and reliability.
Hikaru Ono
The Mail Premium plan is operated on redundant equipment that distributes processing across multiple servers, which adds an extra layer of reassurance.
WebARENA SuiteX Review: How to Get NTT-Grade Stability for the Equivalent of 1,997 Yen per Month
WebARENA SuiteX Review: How to Get NTT-Grade Stability for the Equivalent of 1,997 Yen per Month
serverfield.org
KAGOYA JAPAN
KAGOYA JAPAN is the hosting service of KAGOYA JAPAN Inc., which has more than 20 years of experience. It is affordable, and its 99.999% uptime is extremely stable and reassuring.
First month free and a 14-day free trial
Server type | Shared hosting / Cloud server / WordPress dedicated server / VPS |
Speed (TTFB) | Not measured |
Recommended plan and term | WordPress Dedicated Server Grade 1, 12 months |
Free trial / money-back guarantee | None |
Monthly price (12-month plan) | 440 yen |
Initial setup fee | Free |
Free domain | None |
Support | Weekdays 10:00–17:00 |
Uptime | 99.999% guarantee |
Storage | 20GB |
Number of databases | 1 |
Security features | Dashboard access restrictions / Dashboard login attempt limits / XML-RPC API restrictions / REST API restrictions / Limits on mass comments and trackbacks / Restrictions on comments and trackbacks from overseas IP addresses |
SSL | Free SSL |
Backup / restore | 1 backup generation free of charge / Free restoration |
Number of email accounts | None |
Email security features | None |
Server / website migration service | Migration service 11,000 yen / No migration tool |
WordPress preinstall | Yes |
CDN | Paid |
This WordPress-specialized server is run by long-established KAGOYA, which operates its own data centers. By combining the KUSANAGI acceleration engine with guaranteed resources, it delivers both speed and stable operation. Unlike general-purpose servers, it is built specifically to pursue WordPress performance and security. That makes it ideal for corporations, such as e-commerce businesses, where fast and stable WordPress operation is essential to prevent missed opportunities.
Hikaru Ono
Its very low price is especially attractive.
KAGOYA JAPAN Review: Used by 61,000 Businesses. Is Its WordPress Dedicated Server Cost-Effective?
KAGOYA JAPAN Review: Used by 61,000 Businesses. Is Its WordPress Dedicated Server Cost-Effective?
serverfield.org
Differences Between Business and Personal Hosting
There are
clear differences
between business hosting and personal hosting. If you choose a personal hosting plan by looking only at price, you may regret it later.
Support Structure
Business hosting services
offer a much more substantial support structure.
In most cases, they provide phone support in addition to email and chat support. Depending on the hosting company, support is available every day of the year. Personal hosting services rarely provide support at that level.
When something goes wrong, website operation and email operation directly affect a company's credibility. That is exactly why extensive support is one of the defining features of business hosting.
Backup Systems and Security Features
Business hosting services generally have
stronger backup systems and stronger security features than personal hosting services.
In general, they retain more backup generations than personal hosting services do.
They also naturally include up-to-date security measures such as WAF and IPS. In addition, email security is comprehensive as well, with measures such as virus scanning and encrypted communication.
Uptime
Unlike personal hosting services, business hosting services usually come with
published uptime results or an uptime guarantee.
Most of them either report or guarantee uptime of 99.99% or 100%. With personal hosting, uptime is often not disclosed at all.
A high uptime figure shows the true capabilities of a hosting company. It cannot be achieved unless every part of its operation, including infrastructure, security measures, and backup systems, is maintained at a very high level.
★
Must-read for beginners: understand hosting uptime and SLAs
Email Features
Business hosting services offer
more comprehensive email features than personal hosting services.
It is not just email security. They also provide many useful functions, such as unlimited account creation, generous mailing list limits, and safeguards against accidental sending mistakes.
How to Choose Hosting for Small Businesses and Corporations
Because there are so many hosting services for small businesses and corporations, it is natural to wonder which one to choose. In reality, however, you can choose the right server by focusing on
just three key points
.
Set Your Budget
First, decide on your budget.
Even if you want a high-quality server with excellent support, you cannot use it if it is outside your budget.
Because price and quality are related to a certain extent, here is a rough guide to monthly hosting price ranges.
Low-priced:
1,000 yen or more per month, with an uptime guarantee
Mid-range:
2,400 yen or more per month, with a well-developed support structure
High-priced:
3,600 yen or more per month, offering top-level functionality, performance, and support across the board
Choose the monthly hosting cost your company can comfortably allocate from the ranges above. On top of that, annual domain costs and other option fees may also apply.
Hikaru Ono
If the monthly price is under 1,000 yen, the service often does not reach a business-grade level of quality, so I do not recommend it very strongly.
Whether You Also Plan to Run Email in Addition to Your Website
If you plan to run email in addition to your website, choose a hosting company that lets you manage your domain in one place.
When your domain can be managed together with the server, you can avoid unnecessary management complexity and reduce wasted costs.
Some hosting companies make the domain free when you sign up for the server, so add those to your shortlist if you want to keep costs down.
Choose by the Support Structure
Look carefully at the support structure.
Do they support you every day, or only on weekdays? If no one in your company is familiar with servers, choose a provider with a stronger support system.
Some services, such as CPI, can provide 24/7 support if you pay an additional fee.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hosting for Small Businesses and Corporations
Here are the most common questions about hosting for corporations and small businesses.
How Much Do Server and Domain Costs Usually Run?
Hosting costs are generally around 20,000 to 60,000 yen, and domain costs are roughly 5,000 yen.
What Is the Difference Between Hosting and an Internet Provider?
Hosting stores data, while an internet provider offers the internet connection service that transfers that data.
What Expense Category Should Hosting Be Booked Under?
For accounting purposes, hosting fees are generally booked under communication expenses or advertising expenses. However, because this depends on how the server is used, the best approach is to ask your tax accountant.
Summary
We compared 11 recommended hosting services for small businesses and corporations in detail and explained how to choose among them.
Because business hosting is more expensive than personal hosting, it is worth taking the time to choose carefully.
Even so, if you are still undecided in the end, I recommend choosing from the following three providers.