• Very easy to implement custom solutions
• Easy administration tools for database management (like Microsoft Access, and Microsoft Enterprise Manager)

Weaknesses

• The Windows platform is unstable. The servers require periodic reboots, the programs you write might bring down other applications (or other people's scripts bring down yours!), and it is not easy to build high-end websites.
• Not easy to to administer the site -- most webhosts do not provide you with web administrator privileges win Windows hosting unless you sign up for dedicated server plans; then too, you have to use tools such as PC Anywhere.

Our PictureSearch, PictureExchange, Who's-who-What's-what features are hosted on the Windows Platform.

• Very stable and cost effective
• A lot of flexibility and choice of tools (if you need them)

Weaknesses

• Managing a UNIX based website does require a very devoted amateur.
• The only database web hosting companies offer is the MySQL Server which, while being fast, is not the easiest.

Our Full-text indexing, Adhik Prasangi, the entire The Kamat.Com website make use of the UNIX based technologies

• Go with Microsoft Technologies. Most amateur sites are well served by the commonly available Windows hosting solutions
• If you do have ambitious plans for the website (in terms of commerce, content, or popularity), do not go with Microsoft technologies because your website just does not scale up.
• You can do as we have done -- use each technologies where they serve you the best.  Of course, this means that you have to pay for two sites, instead of one.

Web Building on a Shoestring