Depending on what software you want to use on your site you will have a few areas to clarify before your final hosting selection.
Server operating systems: like any computer you need an operating system (OS). In general it will be one of Microsoft NT / Windows 2000 or Unix / Linux. Running on this OS will be web server software: Apache or Microsoft IIS. Unix / Linux and Apache tend to come as a bundle and be a cheaper option as they have lower license costs. Most businesses use this bundle but Microsoft has some very powerful software and if your web development is based on Microsoft software the extra cost are normally justifiable.
Scripts: many websites use common computer languages to run extra features called scripts. A very simple example of a script would be to post information from a form on your website to your email address. The most basic requirement for this is a CGI Bin (Common Gateway Interface) that lets your web developer upload these scripts. CGI Bins are almost totally standard but without one your site functionality will be limited.
Web Languages: many web applications (like shops) run on PHP, PERL, ASP, JSP or ColdFusion. These languages are very common and any eTrading solution you choose will clearly specify what you need. Make sure you tell your ISP what application you intend to use and they will confirm compatibility.
Databases: to store your department and product information you will need a database. The most common is MySQL and you would pay a small additional fee to get the database set-up. Another common, low cost database is Microsoft Access. At the higher end of the market are Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle 10g and PostgreSQL that are focused a bit more on the enterprise market.
Specialist hosting: you will find some ISPs focus on hosting shop applications or particular types of website. This means you will get good technical support for your solution and probably find it easier to set-up the solution in the first place. Joomla and Mambo are popular hosted CMS platforms, osCommerce is sometimes bundled with hosting as a shop solution and hosted phpBB offers you bulletin board functionality.
Extensions: some web authoring tools need extensions to operate properly. These are similar to a CGI Bin but specific to the authoring tool. Actinic, MS Frontpage, Macromedia Dreamweaver and Adobe GoLive make use of extensions but you will often find they are included in the basic costs if your ISP supports them.
SSL: A Secure Socket Layer (SSL) encrypts and private customer data you want to send from your site. Most merchants tend to use a third party credit card processor such as PayPal so they do not need SSL but perhaps if you are collecting private customer data i.e. health history, you may want to use SSL to offer customers added levels of security.
FTP Access: A File Transfer Process (FTP) is when you upload files to your server. Every ISP offers this but if you are developing your site on yourself you will need an FTP program to upload files. A good free option is Filezilla - http://sourceforge.net/projects/filezilla/
Statistics Program: Most ISPs offer user statistics but you might have to pay extra for advanced statistics. Statistics on the number of visitors, new visitors, returning visitors, the search engines used to find the site and which pages of the site they are viewing are very helpful in developing your site. It may be possible to install your own statistics programme; AWStats is a free advanced statistics program http://www.awstats.org.
