I have 3 friends/former business associates who have been sharing a server at a co-location facility. The one who once had that need no longer does, so the group is looking for new homes for a handful (4-5) of web sites.

I was the developer for the sites and still help out some, but have a new full time job. So here is the question:

Should I find them several web hosting plans specific to the individual site's needs (e.g. one needs 30GB xfer; one needs mail lists, etc) or try to get a dedicated or virtual dedicated server and set them all up there? Either way I go, I'll probably end up doing some support work, but if I go with a server, then I think I'd be the only support. If I do that, I would request free use of the server for personal sites, I think. Maybe I would charge if the workload was too much.

I'm just looking for any ideas or opinions on this at all. Thanks very much for your help!:)

If you are comfortable in managing a server, why not?
It's a lot more fun than a virtual account and more possibilities for your own sites.

Thanks for the input. I've just found out we have to be out of our current situation by end of month:eek:. I may just go for the simpler hosting option on that basis.

Some hosts can offer custom built plans, so if you find a host you think is good, you could drop them an email with a list of sites and their requirements, and you should be able to get a quote.

Alternatively buy a reseller plan which allows you to host multiple domains under one large account (like MCHost).