I'm looking for options to move to a host who is known for fast response times, good business dealing and has technical adept at helping server side problems. Someone where clients with zero technical knowledge can host their sites.I have a 2 websites that run on wordpress and am looking for a host at can offer under $400Dual Core 4GB Ram Raid-1 + additional harddrive (250GB)2000GB + up BW or 10Mbpshas experience in hosting wordpress and knows how to fine tune machine to WPCPanel + FantasticoFully managed solutionResponse time to urgent tickets under 10 minutes. For normal tickets under 45 minutes. 24/7 supporttakes care of local and remote backup Will migrate our existing websites to them and seamless transition switch to new server.have visited rackspace and liquidweb so far. Would like to know if there are hosts who have been in business for sometime and are known for their reliability and stability. Reading all the hosts' info here is making my mind spin. Any help by sharing any experience you may have had would be so much appreciated...pair.com are also brill and should be able to help you witin your budget. Best of luckpair.com isn't offering much of what we are looking for... I checked their site.Sorry, i must have gotten 2 posts mixed up, :SAnyway i was suppose to mention layeredtech.com as they also have quite pretty reviews and offer quite a few servers you may want to take a look at.Sorry for the earlier post and having you hunt round the wrong website, my bad. Best of luck!sorry again... but LayeredTech said they don't offer fully managed services...Any recommendation forum surfers?No, LayeredTech does not offer managed servers. I don't know why that was recommended to you 
I would recommend taking a look at AxisHost (<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.axishost.com">http://www.axishost.com</a><!-- m -->). 
BaileyThey don't talk about dedi servers on their site, but they have been doing wp and hosting for a long time. They should be able to send you in the right direction anywaylaughingsquid.netMattAnother thing you can do, is order your servers through someone and get a third party management company. Like Platinum Server Management. They have many positive reviews. Rackspace is good from everything I've heard. WHT is on RackSpace.Acunett.com (<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.acunett.com/dedicated/fullymanaged.php">http://www.acunett.com/dedicated/fullymanaged.php</a><!-- m -->) has fully managed servers at a reasonable price. They have been around a long time and have a good reputation.Zapatab,I'd recommend checking steadfast.net, netwisp.com & maybe webNX.com -- I say 'maybe' webNX because I'm not sure Dan & them offer management with their packages.Enjoy & best of luck with the hunt 
What's traffic like in those two sites?thankschecking all the leads.The traffic is about 100,000 unique visitors a month. but according to my host the hits comes to around 9 millionIm sure anyone would be able to suit your needs.. Liquid Web would probably be best in your case.. They have an unmatched level of support with their dedicated servers...And the price tags and show for them 
Liquidweb is good for our requirements... but checking their reviews online here and elsewhere I'm quite nervous...I think I'm leaning more and more towards AxisHost... darn selecting a host is just like lottery ticket plucking. But here there's a lot more at stake... hope I'm not making a mistake...Other option will be unmanaged server + management service..that's true... but axis is something that is offering both... I'm gonna go for axis and come back here with my review in a month or two... either way I need to see if they are good before I go for a big event I'm organizing on my blog site.Go with rackspace. I've been dealing with them for years. Their support is unbelievable.Axishost isn't a bad choice, they are a good host. Tina works hard to earn the spot she's earned today and they do allot to please their customers..
Another option, try checking out peerlessmachines.com, if you order a cpanel server they will manage it free. They seem like a really good web host, the people their are nice..
I have no experience with either host...
To take a side now, most dedicated providers charge an extra $$ because the server is "fully managed" try taking a look at platinumservermanagement.com they can fully manage your server for $29 a month for the first one and $19 for any other server. I use them and they are great. It would save you hundredes on your dedicated server. Wouldnt you rather save the extra $100+ the company will charge because its fully managed?
buying a server with cpanel and then going to psm would be a sweet choice and would save you tonsZapatab: how is your search going... I am in a similar boat. (if someone see's an error in what I say... please tell me... I need to know also). This is the route I am leaning towards: Platinum Server Management (PSM) - is basically a server management company. PSM recommends LayeredTech.com and SoftLayer.com. SoftLayer.com - obtain a (unmanaged) dedicated server for $259 (mth). PlatinumServerManagement.com (PSM) - obtain service for $29 (mth). Provide admin info to PSM. SoftLayer will handle all hardware upgrades / connectivity issues (ie: faulty hard drive / network outage). PSM will handle all software upgrades / patches. If the SERVER drops / stalls - you call PSM and they will contact SoftLayer for a REBOOT (ie: tech must physically touch the box) (obviously you can call Softlayer also). If a SERVICE drops / stalls (ie: Exim (mail)) - you call PSM and they will login into your server and RESTART the stalled service. (With ROOT access... you could do this also - not a biggie... only takes a couple minutes - but for $29 a month it's easier to make a phone call to PSM). For me... the big thing is server hardening / upgrades / patches / etc. PSM will perform these services for you... this allow you to do the easy stuff - like creating accounts and email addresses.more info: Calling SoftLayer.com - they "usually" recommend the 2 following companies RackAid.com TotalServerSolutions.com I checked out out - and they appear to be more expensive than PSM. Generally people have sticker shock when they see a higher price. PSM is substantially lower than the other two. Anyone have experience with RackAid or Total Server Solutions ?I agree PlatinumServerManagement.com is the way to go for a managed service, it would save you hundredes on your dedicated server provider charging you the extra bucks because its fully managed when PSM only charges you $29 for your first server and $19 for the restGreetings:
"Anyone have experience with RackAid or Total Server Solutions ?"
Both companies have a good track record with cpanel management.
Thank you.Sydi, Sorry have been away.I did call PSM and they recommended the same two companies given to you. But both these hosts have mixed reviews and the negative reviews aren't too good. I checked some negative reviews and realized that atleast in a few of them the Hosts were at fault.I'm talking to Axis and will most probably go with them. They offer fully managed solutions. And are quite economical though not dirt cheap which in any case would have raised a big red flag for me... the only thing I'm worried about is the "response times" of Axis... I have been with my present host Living dot for 2 years and their response times are exceptionally phenomenal... but they are charging a lot and I mean a lot. I'll have a living dot review up in a few days, since I found not much is known about them here on WHT.So for now I am seriously thinking about going to Axis even if their response times are a bit unsettling for me.Sydi, Sorry have been away.
I did call PSM and they recommended the same two companies given to you. But both these hosts have mixed reviews and the negative reviews aren't too good. I checked some negative reviews and realized that atleast in a few of them the Hosts were at fault.
I'm talking to Axis and will most probably go with them. They offer fully managed solutions. And are quite economical though not dirt cheap which in any case would have raised a big red flag for me... the only thing I'm worried about is the "response times" of Axis... I have been with my present host Living dot for 2 years and their response times are exceptionally phenomenal... but they are charging a lot and I mean a lot. I'll have a living dot review up in a few days, since I found not much is known about them here on WHT.
So for now I am seriously thinking about going to Axis even if their response times are a bit unsettling for me.
What company do you know that doesn't have mixed reviews? What company do you know has 100% positive reviews? One way or another, an apple is going to get smashed. One way or another, someone isn't going to like somebodys service. The only way for you to find out is by going with them yourself.
Axis host is a very good company, I never used them but they seem pretty good. I'd say going with them at this point would be your best bet.Frimon, It's completely an individual customers' pov. Sometimes negative reviews don't mean or matter much and sometimes they do. I haven't gone specific into what negatives I didn't like and what I just didn't care about. Yes no one will have 100% positive reviews but it's an every individual customer's perspective at the way they look at the combined impact of both the positive and negative reviews. Reducing as much risk as possible before going in for a host or any other thing for that matter is what one does and that's the reason why wht is popular because it provides both sides of the information. Though a lot depends as you say "by going with them yourself" and trying out... it would still be wise to analyze the reviews and calls (positive & negative) and then decide... that way atleast one can reduce one's risks.Let's quantify your needs here. You would like:
- 10mb/s of bandwidth
- 10 minute "Urgent" support
- 45 minute "regular" support
- managed backup services
- Free professional services to manage your server migration
- "Fully Managed" solution
- Management of specialized software like wordpress
- Commercial software like CPanel and Fantastico
- Dedicated use of $2,500 worth of hardware
And you want to pay less than $400/month for it. Personally, I'd be afraid of any provider who would do all this for under $800/month, and without a $1k setup for the effort.I'd check out Acunett. I have them managing my server is they are pretty good. They also offer managed servers but I don't have any experience with them on that offering.try caro.netWell for fully managed solutions use caro.net , there management service is excellent , highly recommended , We tested their service for our test server and they did a great job .Let's quantify your needs here. You would like:
- 10mb/s of bandwidth
- 10 minute "Urgent" support
- 45 minute "regular" support
- managed backup services
- Free professional services to manage your server migration
- "Fully Managed" solution
- Management of specialized software like wordpress
- Commercial software like CPanel and Fantastico
- Dedicated use of $2,500 worth of hardware
And you want to pay less than $400/month for it. Personally, I'd be afraid of any provider who would do all this for under $800/month, and without a $1k setup for the effort.
Bandwidth alone, that is dedicated (aka free of overselling) and of good quality would cost close to $400 dollars.I d suggest Rackspace, we have 7 servers over there... Their response time is TRUELY unique and HUMAN... No matter where you are, US or UK, there is always someone to help you... Our next server will surely be there...Try ISPrime or Natnet,both are known to be nice hosts,Natnet usualy reply to tickets in less than 5 minutes.I will recomend wiredtree.com. They are very good and their response time is very good.
Good Luck.
OluI do not see how us non tech people can even shop for a hosting company. I simply do not know enough to make the purchase.
I find like most other things, its what the hosting company does NOT tell you that is the problem.
I am thinking about switching to another hosting company and I am so confused and nervous that I can not decide what to do.
I am tempted to select RackSpace simply because I do not know what to do and I do not want to make a mistake.For dedicated server, I will recommend wiredtree.com. They are very good and their response time is very good.
Good Luck.
Oluas i said in my post "confessions of..." don't think pricewise, think solution. what would it be worth spending for you never having to worry. concern yourself with that first, then negotiate a price with someone who shows you that kind of support.Just to add to that a bit for GaryPilot, if you are confused about the different hardware or software options available, first decide on what kind of support and level of involvement you want from your provider. Then make a list of potential candidates that you think will be able to provide that and contact them. Any host worth going with is going to be able to explain what the different technical options are and will also be able to evaluate your needs to help determine what the best solution will be. That will help narrow down the field and make the search a little less overwhelming.I do not see how us non tech people can even shop for a hosting company. I simply do not know enough to make the purchase.
I find like most other things, its what the hosting company does NOT tell you that is the problem.
This is always a challenge. With literally thousands of dedicated hosting companies who come in different types and shapes. Because it is really easy for any company to offer hosting services through reselling, it becomes much more difficult for customers to really identify the right solution. To simplify things, dedicated server companies will be one of these:
A) Companies that own their equipments and networks. Typically, they have their own support.
B) Companies that own their equipments but use a 3rd party provider for their datacenter or network (colo). Usually they have their own support.
C) Companies that lease the servers from one of the two above and resell their services with additional bundles (self-managed dedicated reseller). They may or may not have their own support.
D) Companies that resell any of the above three, but they refer you to those (A,B or C) companies technical support for any help (commission reseller).
Once you approach a company, try to identify to which type the company belongs.
Determine your needs is most important. If you're not technically savvy, ask the sales person to create the solution for you. Then take that solution to another provider and explain to them what you need, and whether this solution will work or not. Attempt to compare Apples to Apples. SCSI drives are not like SATA drives....etc.
The main thing to do before contacting a dedicated hosting provider is to determine your needs. If you don't know what you want, then any offer will be viable.
Things to determine your needs:
1) How critical is your application? Can you handle 5 minutes down time? How about 1/2 hour downtime ? Can you handle a motherboard failure ? How long will it take to diagnose the problem and replace the board ? What if the data got corrupted and the OS/backup need to be reinstalled ? Who'll take care of restoring your server back to the state YOU WANT IT TO BE (watch out, many companies will offer restore service of the OS only and claim that to be 'managed' service).
2) Estimate your traffic for 1 year based on exponential growth:
- How many visitors a day?
- How heavy is the application, and how well designed ?
- How much bandwidth each visitor will use (easy to estimate in case of video streaming)
3) Decide on a budget or affordability scale. It might be affordable now, but will it be affordable when we grow ?
4) Pick a company that understands your application and concern itself with your success. I typically tell my clients, my success is based on theirs and I wouldn't do it any other way.
I could go on for pages about how to pick a dedicated server provider, but for non-technical person the challenge is great. You may want to consider finding a local neutral IT consulting company to help you choose the right dedicated provider. But my advise, don't fall for the cheapest ones nor the most expensive ones.
Last thing to add, you're likely going to find out REALLY how trully "managed" is your server when the whole machine goes belly up and data need to be recovered from scratch. Fortunately, this doesn't happen often
Tamouh
I would recommend taking a look at AxisHost (<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.axishost.com">http://www.axishost.com</a><!-- m -->). BaileyThey don't talk about dedi servers on their site, but they have been doing wp and hosting for a long time. They should be able to send you in the right direction anywaylaughingsquid.netMattAnother thing you can do, is order your servers through someone and get a third party management company. Like Platinum Server Management. They have many positive reviews. Rackspace is good from everything I've heard. WHT is on RackSpace.Acunett.com (<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.acunett.com/dedicated/fullymanaged.php">http://www.acunett.com/dedicated/fullymanaged.php</a><!-- m -->) has fully managed servers at a reasonable price. They have been around a long time and have a good reputation.Zapatab,I'd recommend checking steadfast.net, netwisp.com & maybe webNX.com -- I say 'maybe' webNX because I'm not sure Dan & them offer management with their packages.Enjoy & best of luck with the hunt What's traffic like in those two sites?thankschecking all the leads.The traffic is about 100,000 unique visitors a month. but according to my host the hits comes to around 9 millionIm sure anyone would be able to suit your needs.. Liquid Web would probably be best in your case.. They have an unmatched level of support with their dedicated servers...And the price tags and show for them Liquidweb is good for our requirements... but checking their reviews online here and elsewhere I'm quite nervous...I think I'm leaning more and more towards AxisHost... darn selecting a host is just like lottery ticket plucking. But here there's a lot more at stake... hope I'm not making a mistake...Other option will be unmanaged server + management service..that's true... but axis is something that is offering both... I'm gonna go for axis and come back here with my review in a month or two... either way I need to see if they are good before I go for a big event I'm organizing on my blog site.Go with rackspace. I've been dealing with them for years. Their support is unbelievable.Axishost isn't a bad choice, they are a good host. Tina works hard to earn the spot she's earned today and they do allot to please their customers..Another option, try checking out peerlessmachines.com, if you order a cpanel server they will manage it free. They seem like a really good web host, the people their are nice..
I have no experience with either host...
To take a side now, most dedicated providers charge an extra $$ because the server is "fully managed" try taking a look at platinumservermanagement.com they can fully manage your server for $29 a month for the first one and $19 for any other server. I use them and they are great. It would save you hundredes on your dedicated server. Wouldnt you rather save the extra $100+ the company will charge because its fully managed?
buying a server with cpanel and then going to psm would be a sweet choice and would save you tonsZapatab: how is your search going... I am in a similar boat. (if someone see's an error in what I say... please tell me... I need to know also). This is the route I am leaning towards: Platinum Server Management (PSM) - is basically a server management company. PSM recommends LayeredTech.com and SoftLayer.com. SoftLayer.com - obtain a (unmanaged) dedicated server for $259 (mth). PlatinumServerManagement.com (PSM) - obtain service for $29 (mth). Provide admin info to PSM. SoftLayer will handle all hardware upgrades / connectivity issues (ie: faulty hard drive / network outage). PSM will handle all software upgrades / patches. If the SERVER drops / stalls - you call PSM and they will contact SoftLayer for a REBOOT (ie: tech must physically touch the box) (obviously you can call Softlayer also). If a SERVICE drops / stalls (ie: Exim (mail)) - you call PSM and they will login into your server and RESTART the stalled service. (With ROOT access... you could do this also - not a biggie... only takes a couple minutes - but for $29 a month it's easier to make a phone call to PSM). For me... the big thing is server hardening / upgrades / patches / etc. PSM will perform these services for you... this allow you to do the easy stuff - like creating accounts and email addresses.more info: Calling SoftLayer.com - they "usually" recommend the 2 following companies RackAid.com TotalServerSolutions.com I checked out out - and they appear to be more expensive than PSM. Generally people have sticker shock when they see a higher price. PSM is substantially lower than the other two. Anyone have experience with RackAid or Total Server Solutions ?I agree PlatinumServerManagement.com is the way to go for a managed service, it would save you hundredes on your dedicated server provider charging you the extra bucks because its fully managed when PSM only charges you $29 for your first server and $19 for the restGreetings:
"Anyone have experience with RackAid or Total Server Solutions ?"
Both companies have a good track record with cpanel management.
Thank you.Sydi, Sorry have been away.I did call PSM and they recommended the same two companies given to you. But both these hosts have mixed reviews and the negative reviews aren't too good. I checked some negative reviews and realized that atleast in a few of them the Hosts were at fault.I'm talking to Axis and will most probably go with them. They offer fully managed solutions. And are quite economical though not dirt cheap which in any case would have raised a big red flag for me... the only thing I'm worried about is the "response times" of Axis... I have been with my present host Living dot for 2 years and their response times are exceptionally phenomenal... but they are charging a lot and I mean a lot. I'll have a living dot review up in a few days, since I found not much is known about them here on WHT.So for now I am seriously thinking about going to Axis even if their response times are a bit unsettling for me.Sydi, Sorry have been away.
I did call PSM and they recommended the same two companies given to you. But both these hosts have mixed reviews and the negative reviews aren't too good. I checked some negative reviews and realized that atleast in a few of them the Hosts were at fault.
I'm talking to Axis and will most probably go with them. They offer fully managed solutions. And are quite economical though not dirt cheap which in any case would have raised a big red flag for me... the only thing I'm worried about is the "response times" of Axis... I have been with my present host Living dot for 2 years and their response times are exceptionally phenomenal... but they are charging a lot and I mean a lot. I'll have a living dot review up in a few days, since I found not much is known about them here on WHT.
So for now I am seriously thinking about going to Axis even if their response times are a bit unsettling for me.
What company do you know that doesn't have mixed reviews? What company do you know has 100% positive reviews? One way or another, an apple is going to get smashed. One way or another, someone isn't going to like somebodys service. The only way for you to find out is by going with them yourself.
Axis host is a very good company, I never used them but they seem pretty good. I'd say going with them at this point would be your best bet.Frimon, It's completely an individual customers' pov. Sometimes negative reviews don't mean or matter much and sometimes they do. I haven't gone specific into what negatives I didn't like and what I just didn't care about. Yes no one will have 100% positive reviews but it's an every individual customer's perspective at the way they look at the combined impact of both the positive and negative reviews. Reducing as much risk as possible before going in for a host or any other thing for that matter is what one does and that's the reason why wht is popular because it provides both sides of the information. Though a lot depends as you say "by going with them yourself" and trying out... it would still be wise to analyze the reviews and calls (positive & negative) and then decide... that way atleast one can reduce one's risks.Let's quantify your needs here. You would like:
- 10mb/s of bandwidth
- 10 minute "Urgent" support
- 45 minute "regular" support
- managed backup services
- Free professional services to manage your server migration
- "Fully Managed" solution
- Management of specialized software like wordpress
- Commercial software like CPanel and Fantastico
- Dedicated use of $2,500 worth of hardware
And you want to pay less than $400/month for it. Personally, I'd be afraid of any provider who would do all this for under $800/month, and without a $1k setup for the effort.I'd check out Acunett. I have them managing my server is they are pretty good. They also offer managed servers but I don't have any experience with them on that offering.try caro.netWell for fully managed solutions use caro.net , there management service is excellent , highly recommended , We tested their service for our test server and they did a great job .Let's quantify your needs here. You would like:
- 10mb/s of bandwidth
- 10 minute "Urgent" support
- 45 minute "regular" support
- managed backup services
- Free professional services to manage your server migration
- "Fully Managed" solution
- Management of specialized software like wordpress
- Commercial software like CPanel and Fantastico
- Dedicated use of $2,500 worth of hardware
And you want to pay less than $400/month for it. Personally, I'd be afraid of any provider who would do all this for under $800/month, and without a $1k setup for the effort.
Bandwidth alone, that is dedicated (aka free of overselling) and of good quality would cost close to $400 dollars.I d suggest Rackspace, we have 7 servers over there... Their response time is TRUELY unique and HUMAN... No matter where you are, US or UK, there is always someone to help you... Our next server will surely be there...Try ISPrime or Natnet,both are known to be nice hosts,Natnet usualy reply to tickets in less than 5 minutes.I will recomend wiredtree.com. They are very good and their response time is very good.
Good Luck.
OluI do not see how us non tech people can even shop for a hosting company. I simply do not know enough to make the purchase.
I find like most other things, its what the hosting company does NOT tell you that is the problem.
I am thinking about switching to another hosting company and I am so confused and nervous that I can not decide what to do.
I am tempted to select RackSpace simply because I do not know what to do and I do not want to make a mistake.For dedicated server, I will recommend wiredtree.com. They are very good and their response time is very good.
Good Luck.
Oluas i said in my post "confessions of..." don't think pricewise, think solution. what would it be worth spending for you never having to worry. concern yourself with that first, then negotiate a price with someone who shows you that kind of support.Just to add to that a bit for GaryPilot, if you are confused about the different hardware or software options available, first decide on what kind of support and level of involvement you want from your provider. Then make a list of potential candidates that you think will be able to provide that and contact them. Any host worth going with is going to be able to explain what the different technical options are and will also be able to evaluate your needs to help determine what the best solution will be. That will help narrow down the field and make the search a little less overwhelming.I do not see how us non tech people can even shop for a hosting company. I simply do not know enough to make the purchase.
I find like most other things, its what the hosting company does NOT tell you that is the problem.
This is always a challenge. With literally thousands of dedicated hosting companies who come in different types and shapes. Because it is really easy for any company to offer hosting services through reselling, it becomes much more difficult for customers to really identify the right solution. To simplify things, dedicated server companies will be one of these:
A) Companies that own their equipments and networks. Typically, they have their own support.
B) Companies that own their equipments but use a 3rd party provider for their datacenter or network (colo). Usually they have their own support.
C) Companies that lease the servers from one of the two above and resell their services with additional bundles (self-managed dedicated reseller). They may or may not have their own support.
D) Companies that resell any of the above three, but they refer you to those (A,B or C) companies technical support for any help (commission reseller).
Once you approach a company, try to identify to which type the company belongs.
Determine your needs is most important. If you're not technically savvy, ask the sales person to create the solution for you. Then take that solution to another provider and explain to them what you need, and whether this solution will work or not. Attempt to compare Apples to Apples. SCSI drives are not like SATA drives....etc.
The main thing to do before contacting a dedicated hosting provider is to determine your needs. If you don't know what you want, then any offer will be viable.
Things to determine your needs:
1) How critical is your application? Can you handle 5 minutes down time? How about 1/2 hour downtime ? Can you handle a motherboard failure ? How long will it take to diagnose the problem and replace the board ? What if the data got corrupted and the OS/backup need to be reinstalled ? Who'll take care of restoring your server back to the state YOU WANT IT TO BE (watch out, many companies will offer restore service of the OS only and claim that to be 'managed' service).
2) Estimate your traffic for 1 year based on exponential growth:
- How many visitors a day?
- How heavy is the application, and how well designed ?
- How much bandwidth each visitor will use (easy to estimate in case of video streaming)
3) Decide on a budget or affordability scale. It might be affordable now, but will it be affordable when we grow ?
4) Pick a company that understands your application and concern itself with your success. I typically tell my clients, my success is based on theirs and I wouldn't do it any other way.
I could go on for pages about how to pick a dedicated server provider, but for non-technical person the challenge is great. You may want to consider finding a local neutral IT consulting company to help you choose the right dedicated provider. But my advise, don't fall for the cheapest ones nor the most expensive ones.
Last thing to add, you're likely going to find out REALLY how trully "managed" is your server when the whole machine goes belly up and data need to be recovered from scratch. Fortunately, this doesn't happen often
Tamouh