Dedicated or Shared Server

The range of software options available to you will depend to a large extent on whether you plan on having your own server (for instance, a dedicated server), or whether you use shared web-space on an ISP’s server. If you are running your own server, you will have more options and a greater range of software packages to choose from. If you are using an ISP’s shared server to host your site, however, your options will usually be more limited. Many ISPs partner with one ecommerce or shopping cart provider, and have set up support systems for that provider only. If you do plan on using an ISP (rather than using your own dedicated server), it’s best to choose your preferred ecommerce application first, so you can then choose an ISP that supports it.

"Some ecommerce hosts offer "unlimited bandwidth, but this claim should be regarded with some suspicion"