Hosting Eligibility
Hosting services are offered only to Further Design Group clients and other accounts specifically approved by us. We do not provide general public hosting services.
We reserve the right to approve, refuse, suspend, or terminate hosting services at our discretion, including when an account is not connected to an approved client relationship or is not a good fit for our hosting environment.
Acceptable Use Guidelines
Do you allow adult websites?
No. We do not allow adult or sexually explicit websites or content on our hosting services.
Do you allow websites with advertising?
Yes. Commercial websites and websites that display advertising are generally allowed, provided they comply with these Terms of Service and Acceptable Use requirements.
Examples of Unacceptable Content or Usage on Shared Hosting
- Using hosting accounts primarily for file storage, backups, or archiving
- Storing large collections of videos, audio files, downloads, or other non-website content not related to the normal operation of the hosted website
Examples of Unacceptable Content or Activity on Any Server
- IRC-related services
- Pirated software, warez, or copyright-infringing content
- Hateful, racist, or harassment-focused content
- Hacking-focused websites, tools, archives, or programs intended for abuse
- Fraudulent, deceptive, or high-risk financial schemes
- Adult or sexually explicit content
- Spam or services associated with spam activity
We are selective about the types of content and activity allowed on our servers in order to help protect server stability, security, and service quality for all clients.
We maintain a zero tolerance spam policy.
Resource Usage and Service Protection
If a website uses excessive server resources or causes performance, stability, or security issues, we may temporarily suspend the affected website, account, or directory while the issue is reviewed. In many cases, we may be able to suspend only the problem directory rather than the entire account, with the goal of keeping your website online whenever possible while protecting all accounts on the server. Each situation is handled on a case-by-case basis.
If your website is found to be causing resource-related problems, we will notify you as soon as possible by email with details about the issue and any steps needed to correct it.
There is no exact way to predict how many server resources a website will use, since usage depends on traffic levels, scripts, plugins, and how the website is built. If your website begins using excessive resources, it may be temporarily limited, throttled, or suspended in order to protect overall server stability.
Excessive resource usage is uncommon, but it can happen as a result of spam activity, compromised websites, or poorly coded or outdated scripts. You are responsible for the software, scripts, and code used on your website. We strongly recommend working with a qualified developer who understands website performance and security.
If your website consistently requires more resources than shared hosting can reasonably provide, we may recommend moving to a more suitable hosting environment, such as VPS or dedicated hosting.
Security and Client Responsibilities
Clients are responsible for maintaining the security of the websites, software, plugins, scripts, themes, and third-party tools used with their services unless Further Design Group has expressly agreed in writing to provide ongoing maintenance or security services.
If your website runs on WordPress, Joomla, or any custom platform, updates should be applied whenever the developer or software provider releases them, especially security updates.
If you are not on a security maintenance plan, you should make sure a qualified developer is actively maintaining your website. An outdated website is a much easier target for hackers.
Clients using their own developers are responsible for ensuring that code is properly maintained, software is kept up to date, passwords are handled securely, and server or application settings are configured appropriately.
Every login connected to your website should use a strong, unique password that is not reused anywhere else. Passwords should never be shared in plain text by email whenever a secure alternative is available. If credentials must be provided, they should be shared through a password manager or by using a reset process that requires the password to be changed on first login.
Whenever available, two-factor authentication should be enabled for website administration, hosting accounts, domain registrar accounts, email accounts, and password manager accounts.
If you use your own developer and host your website with Further Design Group, make sure your developer sets correct file permissions and ownership on the server. Files and folders should only have the access they actually need. Permissions that are too open can make a website easier to compromise, especially after migrations, restores, or manual file uploads.
Backups and Recovery
Even well-maintained websites can still experience failures, compromises, or data loss. Clients are encouraged to maintain current backups and a recovery plan appropriate for their website and business needs if our current backup plan does not fit your needs.
Payments, Renewals, and Suspension
Hosting and related services must remain paid and in good standing. We reserve the right to suspend or terminate services for nonpayment, policy violations, abuse, security concerns, or other material issues affecting service delivery.
Suspension or termination of services does not waive any unpaid balances or other obligations owed to Further Design Group.
No Warranty
All services are provided on an "as is" and "as available" basis unless otherwise stated in a separate written agreement. Further Design Group disclaims all warranties, express or implied, including any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and non-infringement.
Limitation of Liability
To the fullest extent permitted by law, Further Design Group shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, including loss of profits, revenue, data, or business opportunity, arising out of or related to the use of our services or website.
Where a separate signed agreement applies, the liability terms in that agreement will control.
Right to Refuse Service
Further Design Group reserves the right to refuse, suspend, or terminate any service at its discretion, including but not limited to hosting services, if an account presents a security risk, violates these policies, fails to remain in good standing, or is not a good fit for our service environment.
Governing Law
These terms shall be governed by the laws of the State of South Carolina. Any disputes arising from these terms or the use of our services shall be brought in the appropriate state or federal courts located in Charleston County, South Carolina, unless otherwise provided in a separate signed agreement.
Signed Agreements Control
If you are a client of Further Design Group and are subject to a separate signed agreement with us, including a master services agreement, statement of work, proposal, or other written contract, that agreement will control in the event of any conflict with these public terms.
Changes to These Terms
We may update these Terms of Service and Acceptable Use guidelines from time to time. Any updated version will be posted on this page and will become effective upon posting unless otherwise stated.
Contact Information
If you have questions about these terms or need assistance with your services, please contact Further Design Group through your client portal or by using the contact information listed on our website.
