Hi All . . .

I have a question I'm hoping someone can help me with. Over the past few days searching through various hosts, I've noticed some hosts have services called "automated hosting" . . . what exactly is this? How does this differ from "virtual" hosting ??

Has anyone used or have any information on the following hosts?

http://www.cheaperhost.com/

http://www.hostgateway.net/

http://www.hostapex.com/

I've come across other "automated hosting" hosts, but these are the ones I remember right off hand.

Thanks in advance for any and all info, it's appreciated. ;)

~*~ Velvet ~*~

According to Host Gateway at http://www.hostgateway.net/whatisit.html:


Automated hosting is, by logic, the complete automation of web site hosting on the Internet. Automated Hosting, Inc., the primary founder of this technology, has defined automated hosting through several products and services. Current products being offered by Automated Hosting, Inc. include an automated support chat, where the need for live technicians is virtually eliminated. Other products include an automated response system, completely automating sales and technical support email, an automated help desk, and an automated ordering system, completely automating the entire ordering process.


To me, it sounds like a great strategy for losing customers. I know my customers wouldn't tolerate this. ;)

I'd be interested to know how Host Gateway can offer 20Gb of transfer for $6.95 per month, how Host Apex can offer 20Gb of transfer for $9.95 per month and how Cheaper Host can offer unlimited transfer :D :D

Seriously, though, check http://www.unlimitedtransfer.com before signing up, and remember that most hosts pay $2 - $4 per GB of transfer.

Good Luck
Matt

Thanks for the input Matt & alchiba . . . it's appreciated. ;)

Yes alchiba, I did notice that at Host Gateway . . . and couldn't understand the "reasoning" behind such a setup, it didn't make sense to me. :confused:

Are the Automated hosts just lazy ultimately? Is it that they want "mass" customer volume without the hassles of dealing with customer problems/questions?

I wonder if "automated hosting" is a trend we'll see more of in the future?

~*~ Velvet ~*~

I'm sure automated hosting sounds great to the people running the company, but I wonder if they will have any customers in the long haul. People like to no someone is behind the seens taking care of them.

SO does automated hosting work well or can someone go set their email address to anotheremailaddress@therehost.com and pretend to be another customer.

"Hi, I forgot my CP password, can you resend to real address@host.com"

"This is the AUTOMATED HOSTING system, your username is BOB and your passowrd is BOB'S PASSWORD. THank you, good bye."

I doubt that will happen with the already well istablished 'forgot your password' systems, but I seriously doubt the quality of service a semi-AI can offer.

In a word, don't. They are very good at automatically billing you, but providing you with account details and support are where they are somewhat lacking.