# Hosting: what it is and how it works · Zorraquino
> Hosting is the service that provides resources to host and serve a website or application.
URL: https://www.zorraquino.com/en/dictionary/internet/hosting.html

# Hosting

Hosting is the service that provides resources to host and serve a website or application

What it means, how it is used and where it comes up, with its related concepts.

[The whole glossary](https://www.zorraquino.com/en/dictionary)

## What it is and how it works

It can follow shared, dedicated or managed models, with different capabilities and responsibilities. The choice should take into account availability, performance, support and operational needs. The initial price does not necessarily reflect the total cost of maintenance.

Topics

[Technology and data](https://www.zorraquino.com/en/dictionary/category/tecnologia-y-datos)

## Variants and linked concepts

- **Server.** A server provides resources or services to other systems. Hosting can use different configurations and levels of management.
- **Shared server.** Shared hosting uses common infrastructure for several customers. Its limits and its conditions for isolation and support should be reviewed.
- **Dedicated server.** Dedicated hosting assigns resources to a specific customer. It requires considering who administers, maintains and monitors those resources.
- **Uptime.** Availability expresses the proportion of time a service can be used according to an agreed definition. It should be interpreted together with incidents and commitments.

## Related concepts

- [Web application](https://www.zorraquino.com/en/dictionary/technology/web-app.html)
- [Algorithm](https://www.zorraquino.com/en/dictionary/internet/algorithm.html)
- [API](https://www.zorraquino.com/en/dictionary/internet/application-programming-interface.html)