5 replies to this topic

[market seeker]

I would like to know what most folks look for in a host. does most of your decision lie in the price or are there other factors involved.

[mcanerin]

I look for the following:

1) Unique IP Address
2) Access to logs, either raw or processed
3) Server security and stability - ie backup systems, etc
4) A minimum of 2 totally separate connections to the net
(not 2 accounts on the same phone line)
5) Access to CGI and option for Frontpage extensions
6) PHP and Perl available
7) Fast "ping" from server to area where most of the customers are.
(do a trace route)

There is always more to want, but if they give you this then chances are they offer the other stuff too.

One thing I suggest to people asking me this is to suggest Alabanza for wannabe web hosts, and one of Alabanza's resellers for those who want to ease into it.

I've used other hosts, and currently run my own server (I'm a control freak) but I was very happy with Alabanza.

You can do hard analysis on leading hosts by going to Netcraft (warning - tech stuff)

You can also go to Hosting Reseller to find respected web hosting resellers.

I'm very suspicious of hosting for less than $15 USD per month (I know how much it costs, and you have to cut corners to do it for less) and those that charge more than $35, unless you are getting it e-commerce enabled or using SQL or some other intensive or sensitive use.

Hope that helps,

Ian

Edited by mcanerin, 19 August 2003 - 05:07 PM.

[Mel]

A good technical solution and SUPPORT.

I agree with Ian that Alabanza hosted sites have a great technical solution, but the support from the individual companies using those servers for hosting varies greatly.

[mcanerin]

Agreed! The reason I ended up getting my own server was that the reseller I was with got bought by the local phone company and suddenly I was getting double-billed, and the service became very bad, etc. Note that this isn't Alabanzas fault (they don't deal with the resellers customers in any way) it's the resellers fault. Good support is very important.

There is a host called Q9 here in Canada - it has a reputation for cutting edge technology and best-of-breed systems, but I've had very bad experiences as far as customer support (specifically billing and legal) is concerned, and actively tell my clients to avoid them. The technology is important day to day, but when there is a problem, it's the service that counts.

Ian

[market seeker]

That helps alot.

I currently host only new clients and have decided to build a web page but drew a blank so I though I would ask what people look for. As I do research on the sites selling hosting. I notice that most are only ads for what they offer. They don't offer much information about the service or differnet areas of the service.

I think the program that I have is unbeatable on the net today and I want to explain why but I thought I might start with the areas most people are interested in. I will put the good and the bad out there and let the consumer decide after being educated. Whether they use my service or not .

[torka]

You can do hard analysis on leading hosts by going to Netcraft (warning - tech stuff)

Ian,

Thanks for this link! Interesting stuff.

I host my sites and all my client sites with pair Networks -- some on my account, some resold, depending on their needs. I'm not enough of a propeller head to try running my own server (yet -- working on it, though!). I like the ability to host multiple domains on a single account (at a reasonable price, especially with my reseller discount).

It was gratifying to see that they came out well in the rankings by failed request and connection times.

I've bookmarked this site. Will be revisiting to explore their content further (it's too late at night for much comprehension at this point...)

Thanks again!

==Torka