Hi folks,
I'm a college student based in Austin, Tx doing webdesign work for some extra side money. Just recently, I started a webdevelopment company with my best friend, specializing in web development for the areas of South Texas (Mex Border). We have hit a goldmine down there as many businesses and people are just discovering the internet. Quiero Internet...they say:)

Anyways, like I said, I've been doing some web design work for quite some time and have decided that it is time to make the move to also offer web hosting services. Now, I've heard about RackShack, and being in Texas--like RackShack, figured that that may be the best route to go. But, I'm kind of concerned about administering the Cobalt servers if I go dedicated. I've been hosting client sites on various web hosting companies like Forsite.net, etc., and want to finally move them over to my own dedicated server. I understand I can make some money by adding clients to this same server and also charge my own rates.

Aside from that, I'm kind of concerned about the learning curve needed for reselling and administering my own server. I have never used a dedicated server before and dont' think we really have the money YET to hire someone who does.

So, should I stay out of this idea for now and don't risk getting tangled up in a web of technicalities? What should I do?!
Thanks for any help!

i think you should stay away for now...

think about it, you're earning x amount per month per client, but losing all of that in way more work than is necessary. your core competency is designing, and i'm sure you charge a much higher per hour rate than you can get from dividing the monthly rate you would receive by the hours spent hosting that account.

try partnering with a trusted host perhaps? until you get the hang of what webhosting is about... remember, if problems happen (which they will) you basically have to take care of it as well, if you're kinda sketched out by the whole deal, your clients may not be impressed... :)

i'd say just find a host you can trust, and feel comfortable with, explain the situation, yada yada yada... :)

Aloha
curious
did you design the pearlharbor sit e
or help with it ???
its a super nice site
just curious

if you are doing small sites that are static and not to much RaQ's are pretty easy to run

but how much do you make in design ? is what you have to ask yourslef and will the extra few bucks ya make off hosting be worth the hassle

Weigh your costs AND time, how much are you paying your hosting company for X amounts of sites? How much would you pay if you had one bill to pay every month for a server, instead of X amount of bills recurring at different times? I say go with your own server, but the learning curve can be steep for a newbie, hopefully you have friends that have tried it. I know you would be able to find several people on here that would help with problems.

Originally posted by skunker
We have hit a goldmine down there as many businesses and people are just discovering the internet. Quiero Internet...they say:)

Good to know, we'll send a few designers down there tomorrow with the first flight. Just kidding :D

Anyways, those designs are really excellent. :stickout

It is a wise step to start your web hosting devisions if:

1. You can handle the server (at least you must know what is linux, name server, DNS ... etc).
2. You have enough customer to cover your server expenses.
3. You have enough budget (in the case don't have enough customer)
4. You have enough time to handle all the customer support issues.


If the answers are "YES" why not give yourself a chance, who know it might go very well since many businesses and people are just discovering the internet at your area.

If the answer are "NO" I would suggest you to go for a good host which can provide you a great reseller price, good support, and you can also learn something from them.


;) All the best!

It all depends on how good your host is... if they suck at support, then if you don't know how to do something, you'll be waiting forever..

The benefits of a dedicated server for "x" number of sites are enormous.. if you go to a company which is cheap, you can make back your money easily..


:D

Having your own dedicated server can be a good idea and very profitable - If you can find enough clients to justify it.

Find out a basic affordable server which is upgradeable and can grow with you since you are not going to start off with hundreds of clients. That way you lessen risk.

It is also important that the server comes with a good control panel and tech support. This will save valuable time and effort which can be instead invested in your web design business.

The best thing would be to draw up a business plan with detailed cash flow analysis to decide whether having your own server will be profitable.

Instead of going for posted rates, you can sometimes negotiate with reputable companies for better or more customised offers.

Cheers

Matra