Currently, a small business is using an automated procedure, with
limited but distinctive choices, to design and maintain its website
from Verisign (Network Solutions at www.netsol.com).  What might be
some better or more effective alternatives (e.g., website
designers/hosts/promoters) to designing and maintaining a website, for
driving greater internet business (ecommerce--through
personal/individual or business clients) to this website?

Hello henry041696~

Possibly the most-used software for creating small business websites
is FrontPage. For a review of this product, visit:
http://www.cnet.com/software/0-3227860-1204-5600609.html?tag=pdtl-list

It's easy to use, doesn't require special knowledge in HTML, and is
flexible. There are other, similar programs, too. You'll probably find
this link (to an already answered Google question) helpful; it offers
links to other programs similar to FrontPage:
https://answers.google.com/answers/main?cmd=threadview&id=88630

If you want to go even further, you can certainly hire someone to
create a business website. It can be difficult to wade through the
listings of online web creation companies and find professional firms,
but here are some examples.

Forward Web Design:
http://www.forwardwebdesign.com

Encompass:
http://www.encompassweb-design.com

Custom Web Media:
http://www.customwebmedia.com/html/services.htm

A bit of a disclaimer: I am not endorsing any of these companies. I am
not associated with them, nor have I ever used their services. To find
more web site creation businesses, try this Google search:
business custom website creation
://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&ie=ISO-8859-1&q=business+custom+website+creation&btnG=Google+Search

Possibly the greatest advantage to hiring a pro is that they can take
care of website maintenance, too. This can save you some time,
although you may find it easier to customize your website by yourself
if you have very specific ideas about what you like and dislike.

As for web site hosting, a web site creation pro can help you there,
too. But there are countless places to find hosts on your own. If you
need a dedicated server, here are some possibilities:

Top Hosts:
http://www.tophosts.com/

Host Pulse:
www.hostpulse.com/ 

Again, I am not endorsing any of these companies. You'll find many
more by using this Google search:
web host "dedicated server"
://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&ie=ISO-8859-1&q=web+host+%22dedicated+server%22&btnG=Google+Search

However, looking at your current host, it appears that you *might* not
need a dedicated server, with all it's room for website content and
traffic. If not, the possibilities are not only broader, but less
expensive. Another place to look for a host is this handy site:
http://thewhir.com

Here's an article on choosing web hosts that may also prove helpful to
you:
http://thewhir.com/find/web-hosts/articles/choosing_dedicated.cfm

I hope this helps! If anything I've written here is unclear, please
don't hesitate to ask for clarification.

kriswrite

Although I haven't had time to explore all of the information that was
provided yet, it does seem more than sufficient for me to now make an
educated decision about how to proceed with this.  I especially
appreciate Glynn's added comment with the reference and first-hand
recommendation for WebGenius.com, too.  Thanks very much for all of
your help!

Hi,
Though your question has been asked and answered I came across it and
was very motivated to give you a great resource that can accomodate
all of your ecommerce needs. This company has been in business for 6+
years, has amazing recommendations from top companies. They can take
your business ideas, build an amazing website, promote it, grow it,
help you track every dime you're spending as well as produce every
report you'll ever have need for.
I do not work for them but I am a client. What most impressed me was
that the CEO himself has personally called me numerous times and
answered all of my questions and explained in detail all I wanted to
know. Even though 60 programmers are employed there the CEO called me
himself. How often do you find that kind of service on the web? Check
our http://WebGenius.com/ I think you'll be pleased with their work.
All the best to you!
Glynn