Scalable broadband, which many providers package using the term "cloud," offers business consumers the opportunity to increase their broadband as they need it. Everyone from Web 2.0 developers to Fortune 500 companies are taking advantage of what cloud sites have to offer — incremental purchasing of storage, bandwidth and much more. With scalable broadband technology, your business can get a web application out to millions of users without large cash outlays or long-term vendor contracts. Online software is generally packaged along with the service to allow you to create sites, databases and email accounts.

When gathering scalable broadband information, make sure your scalable broadband list of cloud hosting providers includes those that can handle your business growth or downsizing in a manner that is automatic, seamless and affordable. Be sure to ask yourself the following before committing to a scalable broadband provider:

1. Does the scalable broadband service let you pay according to what you need at that time?

2. Are infrastructure upgrade options available?

3. Did you comparison shop to make sure your business got the best deal?

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Look for scalable broadband providers that let you pay for what you need

It is important to find scalable broadband providers that allow you to pay as you go in small increments. When business is starting out, pay for a little. If business starts to boom, pay for more space as you grow.

I recommend: Mosso, a division of Rackspace, offers unlimited scaling for applications big and small. ServePath's Go Grid service also offers pay as you go service and allows businesses to deploy a network of as many tiers as is necessary in minutes.

Find scalable broadband service with infrastructure upgrade options

Many cloud hosting or scalable broadband providers offer infrastructure upgrade options. Similar to when you need more broadband, you pay for these only if your business needs them. Upgrades can include everything from additional Internet protocol (IP) addresses, anti-spam and security software services and much more.

I recommend: FastServers and OneStop Network advertise extra hard drive space as needed along with a list of additional services available for upgrading as you go.

Compare prices to make sure the scalable broadband provider offers you quality service and value

Be sure to compare apples to apples when considering what comes with each scalable broadband service. Some offer live support, others may not. Some require short term contracts, and others don't.

I recommend: Good Avocado offers a variety of services for just $4.99 per month. RightScale is currently offering a free 10-hour trial.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  With scalable broadband or cloud hosting, your business will never experience long periods of server downtime or lose data. Thanks to GRID technology, if a server fails your business applications are automatically back online within minutes.