What do you guys look for in a host?

If a host offers UNMANAGED service, what do you expect out of them?

If a host offers MANAGED service, what is expected?


I would like to get your views and suggestions of what an excellent host would offer.

Include opinions on network/support.

Originally posted by Mrdredd
What do you guys look for in a host?

If a host offers UNMANAGED service, what do you expect out of them?

Include opinions on network/support.

I snipped one part, mostly because I specifically look for unmanaged servers at this point. Offering management at the price points a lot of the dedicated server providers do means that something has to 'give'. Those that do offer 'extra management' ala servermatrix are the ones that are doing it right. Just my opinion.

As far as what I look for:

1) A clear definition of Unmanaged in the terms of service. Specifically, I look for 'ownership' of network issues, hardware replacement sla's, etc...
2) Ability to purchase 'remote hands' administrative work - by the hour. It makes a good safety net - if you fubar something you can always pay the fee, and have it fixed. Never had to do this, but it's a useful safety net.
3) I expect to be able to call the datacenter and get a hold of someone in case I need #2 above, or just something simple like the server hung on a reboot.
4) I expect some sort of minimal support, even if only to guide me to a technical resource, of products that they sell licesnes for (urchin, cpanel, etc). Basic functionality of these products on the servers should be assisted with.
5) Ability to have a reboot request happen quickly.

That's pretty much what I've come to expect and look for.

Maybe I'm wierd.

-David

Unmanaged, I would expect good uptime from them. If it's managed then I expect quick responses.

unmanged - quick responses to hardware and network issues

managed - in addition to unmanaged, quick resonses to any OS or software issues/questions. Server should be secured and all modules kept up to date.

A fast and reliable network is a must. Pricing must be competitive.

i go for a Good 24/7/365 host with reliable IPS service.

unmanaged - reliable hardware and fast network with good peerings.

managed - same as unmaged + fast response and professional troubleshooting. software optimization is a plus.

Hrm, I guess we have different views of unmanaged vs managed. I've always said unmanaged when I meant the customer was responsible for all software issues (though I'd help if time permitted). However managed always meant if you needed your server updated, wanted X installed, needed help moving a customer over, etc. we were responsible for that.

So maybe I should offer unmanaged, managed, and super-managed?

Try, unmanaged, semi-managed, and fully-managed ;)

Question:

Are you willing to pay more for TRUE 24/7/365 support, which actually gets problems sorted out the *first* time you contact them?

What are some prices youd be WILLING to pay for this kind of machine:

P4 2.4ghz
1gb ram
80gb hd 7200rpm 8mb cache
500gb bandwidth
on a mix of Tier 1 providers based in exchangecolo

and support was available 24/7/365 by phone, email, and IM.
Problems were sorted out when we were contacted and you wouldnt have to follow up additional times to remind us to fix it, there was a 99.9% network uptime garauntee (which was stood by)
And the server was unmanaged.

And same specs, but it was managed which includes O/S upgrades, trouble shooting, software installs/config; basically running everything FOR you..
What would you be willing to pay for that, keeping in mind the support.

Think of prices which arnt "WHT Influenced"

This would be premium service...

Originally posted by Mrdredd
Try, unmanaged, semi-managed, and fully-managed ;)

I was thinking that, but when I first advertised semi-managed, I noticed that I was offering more than everyone else that offered managed, so I just started advertising it as managed too.

To MrDredd:

If I was buying that, and had a good budget, I'd probably pay about $200/mo for the box, add another $100/mo for fully-managed.

Agreed with linuxrigs on the unmanaged price, with a bit of leeway... But I'd probably go up to $200 more per month for 'real' management if I were shopping for it.

By real management I mean something more than the semi-management that some 'managed server providers' offer - including dedicated administrator times, IDS testing, monitoring, notification of security issues (newly released software), etc...

-David