Many large corporations run Web sites on their own servers, but smaller companies often put their sites on the servers of Web hosts.

Dell officials said their new service is aimed at the 74 percent of small businesses that lack a Web site and the 85 percent without online storefronts.

"There are a large number of small businesses that aren't on the Web ... who analysts are predicting will get on the Web," Tim Mattox, vice president of Dell's hosting group, said Tuesday. "We want to take advantage of that."

The Web-hosting market for small and medium businesses will be $16 billion by 2003, according to a study by International Data Corp.

The Round Rock-based computer maker that made most of its fortune by selling computers directly to large organizations recently has been increasing its presence in the home and small-business market by offering new products and services.

Earlier this month, Dell launched its Internet Partner Division, promising to provide companies with servers, storage, and services to build Internet infrastructure.

Last November, Dell introduced the Webpc, a line of low-priced personal computers that trade fancy features for a focus on easy, quick Internet access. It also announced its involvement in all.com, which connects computer users to online technical support.

"It's kind of a natural extension of trying to provide services to small business and giving the whole e-commerce trend customers sort a package deal," said Barry Jaruzelski, an analyst with Booz, Allen & Hamilton Inc. in New York.

For fees ranging from $17.95 per month for shared hosting to thousands of dollars per month for dedicated hosting, Dell will provide space for Web pages and technical support. Design services and tools also are available through the new Web site, DellHost.com.

Dell has partnered with Houston-based Interliant to provide the application services. Terms of that deal were not disclosed, but Dell along with Houston-based BMC Software has a $17.5 million investment in Interliant.

Because they are targeting small and medium businesses, Dell — the nation's No. 1 personal computer maker — is not risking alienating its own customers, such as Intel, that offer Web-hosting services to larger clients, Mattox said.