A domain name such as whcf.org.uk is of no practical use unless it is connected to a hosting package provided by an Internet Service Provider (ISP).

Having registered a domain name, most organisations want to use it to publish a website and to receive email addressed to that domain.  To do so requires a hosting package provded by an ISP.  This will usually include some or all of the following components:

• server space for a website, anywhere from 1 GB upwards
• POP3 mailboxes to receive email, anywhere from 1 to 250 mailboxes
• email forwarders
• online databases such as mySQL, usually 1 or more
• server side scripting such as PHP to run a content-managed website

Costs from ISP such as 1&1 Internet or Zen Internet start from £ 4 + VAT per month.

If you ask the Telematics Centre to make a proposal for domain name hosting we will first clarify your requirements, including:

• how many domain names will be hosted
• whether you currently have a hosting arrangement with any ISP
• whether you require POP3 mailboxes or if mail will be delivered by SMTP direct to your email server
• the technology behind any planned website to find out if mySQL and PHP are required.

Once these requirements have been clarified we will provide you with a written quotation (usually by email) covering the whole job.  When we have received your approval we will then:

• open a hosting account in the name of your organisation with the selected ISP
• make suitable arrangements for ongoing payment of the monthly hosting fees
• connect your domain name(s) with the new hosting package
• configure email for SMTP delivery to your email server (if appropriate)
• pass the username and password for uploading a website to the appropriate member of staff 
• fully document the work in our detailed documentation on your computer installations.

As usual, we take care of all parts of process for you, leaving you to start setting up mailboxes for receiving email from the new domain and begin building your website.

Cost:  the Telematics charge for setting up domain hosting is usually £ 60 plus incurred costs from the ISP.  If carried out at the same time as Domain Name Registration then discounts apply.