Unlimited disk space and bandwidth are technically a lie cause nothing in webhosting and most other things is unlimited. Therefore, are they lying? Note, one justification for unlimited stuff could be a comparison to an all you can eat buffet.
Unlimited Features in Webhosting - Is it the truth?
- Thread starter Jason76
- Start date
It is a lie. They typically wont make it clearly known that they will lock up and freeze accounts that use "too many resources."
It seems like they could use slightly different language to maintain a more truthful sound.
They often have a "Acceptance Use Policy" that limits the things you can do so technically, it isn't unlimited. It is better to avoid these hosts that claim they provide unlimited resources and actually go with a reputable host that has a limit which you can measure.
Doctor Tech
Resident
We do offer similar packages. However, a better term for these kinds of plans is "unmetered". At PremiereHost, we do not limit you on the resources you need if you are hosted on an unmetered package.
Clients who choose to host their sites on unmetered packages still use a finite amount of resources. However, some webmasters prefer to have the freedom and not be limited as to how much they can use their plan.
Clients who choose to host their sites on unmetered packages still use a finite amount of resources. However, some webmasters prefer to have the freedom and not be limited as to how much they can use their plan.
The term "unlimited" is very problematic. For one, it is NEVER true because hardware cannot possibly provide unlimited resources. The term "unmetered" is also very problematic because again, it is technically not true that you have unmetered use of a resource; there is a finite limit as to how much you can use before it starts causing problems on the server, and companies have to cut you off at some point or risk failure.
So I agree with @MasterA; don't go for unlimited or unmetered; it's a company's way of saying secretly "we'll cut you off when we feel like it"... and when they do cut you off, it is nearly impossible to claim they did so unfairly. However, if a company gives you a specific limit, not only will you know what the limit is (transparency), but the company then cannot just cut you off when they feel like it; if they cut you off when you didn't use the resources you were promised, you can file a claim against them and there would be solid evidence.
So I agree with @MasterA; don't go for unlimited or unmetered; it's a company's way of saying secretly "we'll cut you off when we feel like it"... and when they do cut you off, it is nearly impossible to claim they did so unfairly. However, if a company gives you a specific limit, not only will you know what the limit is (transparency), but the company then cannot just cut you off when they feel like it; if they cut you off when you didn't use the resources you were promised, you can file a claim against them and there would be solid evidence.
Doctor Tech
Resident
Unmetered is a much more suitable term used in the hosting industry. A "Meter" is a method to monitor the client's usage. Hence, unmetered means they will not cap you at a specific quota, so long as the Terms of Service are respected. Different companies have different conditions, but authentic users do not generally use "unmetered" packages in an abusive manner.
This is quite different from "unlimited". Unlimited means giving you an infinite amount of resources. This is physically impossible as each server is limited in its resources.
It might work but you have to be clear that it isn't truly unmetered / unlimited because you have to monitor and eventually restrict usage to enforce the "within reason" part.
Why even mention unmetered/unlimited then if you're going to say within reason? It's not unlimited at all and the same problem applies that users can be cut off whenever the host deems acceptable for them. Instead it would be far better to just be forthright about the limits. Just tell users that they have <bandwidth per month> and <disk space> (and whatever other specific limits you need to mention).
Though in many cases it's not the bandwidth or disk space they get you on in "unlimited" plans... it's the CPU or memory usage. Those are the trickier aspects since an errant script can consume a load of CPU/memory for too long and get you cut off. (Many hosts only allow you something like 2% of the total CPU with burst up to 5% for a very short time.) Plus the bigger your site gets the more resources it will need... meaning eventually your site will run afoul of the resource limits even though you're still well below the bandwidth/disk space allotment.
Though in many cases it's not the bandwidth or disk space they get you on in "unlimited" plans... it's the CPU or memory usage. Those are the trickier aspects since an errant script can consume a load of CPU/memory for too long and get you cut off. (Many hosts only allow you something like 2% of the total CPU with burst up to 5% for a very short time.) Plus the bigger your site gets the more resources it will need... meaning eventually your site will run afoul of the resource limits even though you're still well below the bandwidth/disk space allotment.
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