Choosing hosting
Why we use AWS hosting for NZ business websites
Key takeaway
Lightning Web Hosting builds its service on AWS infrastructure, with CloudFront CDN and daily AWS website backups included in both plans. You get a managed hosting relationship without running the AWS account yourself. The website still needs sensible configuration, maintained software and clear responsibility for its important functions.
In this guide
An established foundation for a small-business service
Amazon Web Services, usually shortened to AWS, supplies cloud services to organisations of many sizes, including large enterprises. It is also the infrastructure behind Lightning Web Hosting. A small business can use that foundation through a service that is easier to understand.
You do not need to become an AWS administrator or manage a cloud bill yourself. We agree the website setup and provide the hosting relationship through Lightning Web Hosting. The customer portal keeps your websites, people and change requests together.
What cloud hosting means for your website
Sources: AWS: businesses using its cloud infrastructure (opens in a new tab)
CloudFront helps deliver public content
Amazon CloudFront delivers content through a network of locations. Suitable public files can be reused closer to visitors rather than fetched from the main server on every request. That works alongside the website’s hosting and the choices made in its code and pictures.
CloudFront CDN is included with Thunder and Lightning. We do not make the CDN, SSL or platform security a separate premium security tier. If the website itself needs a rebuild or specialist repair, that is a different discussion with an agreed scope.
How CloudFront CDN delivers content
Sources: AWS: CloudFront content delivery (opens in a new tab)
Infrastructure and operation have different owners
AWS’s shared responsibility model separates the physical cloud infrastructure from the parts the customer configures and runs. Using AWS does not make every website setting correct or remove the need to maintain application software.
We operate the agreed hosting setup. Your website’s own features, plugins and connections still need clear support arrangements. Tell us about them before moving, so the assessment covers the working business website rather than only its appearance.
What a secure web host looks after
Sources: AWS: shared responsibility for security (opens in a new tab)
Backups and monitoring are practical inclusions
Both plans include daily AWS website backups of files and published content. The platform also has independent availability checks and operational alerts. We explain the recovery scope because a website copy and a record of every new booking are different things.
On the Lightning plan, everyday supported changes go through private proofs and approval. The system records who requested and approved the work. Keeping publishing controlled is another useful part of looking after the website.
AWS hosting, with CloudFront delivery
Your website runs on AWS servers, with CloudFront helping deliver public content quickly. We are locally owned and provide NZ-dollar plans for New Zealand businesses. Both plans include CDN, SSL, platform security and daily website backups.
A suitable service also depends on the website’s needs and the way it is operated. A familiar cloud provider is a sound starting point, not a substitute for confirming the actual configuration and support.
One foundation, two straightforward plans
Thunder is NZ$55 + GST per website a month. Lightning is NZ$99 + GST and adds everyday Arc text updates, uploaded image changes and simple layout moves, subject to fair use. Both include free domain registration, DNS, SSL, CloudFront CDN, platform security and daily AWS website backups.
Start with your current website address or your plans for a new site. We agree the transfer or modernisation route first, and hosting billing begins when the website is live with us.
Compare Thunder and Lightning costsWhat makes managed hosting a useful investment?