Folks,

I am a real newbie here so pardon me if my questions seem strange :eek:

Anyway, I am debating whether I should go for a top of the line virtual dedicated server (~$200/month) or a low end pure dedicated server.

At this point, my bandwidth requirements are around 15GB/month, maybe around 10% cpu utilization, 128MB memory and 2 GB of space. I currently host about 60 customers (low volume basic web traffic) with limited mysql database, cgi, php and java servlet applications.

My concern with a ded server is that with the same price point of $200/month, how reliable would these servers be? For example, what about data back up options in the unlikely event of a hard disk crash or if it is hacked. Can one get such an option for that kind of money? For my current needs, I think I can easily cover all my requirements with a VDS server(though I dont get as much as a ded server of course), and get some piece of mind too.

Is my logic correct?

Thanks.

Originally posted by goacom
Anyway, I am debating whether I should go for a top of the line virtual dedicated server (~$200/month) or a low end pure dedicated server.Top of the line at $200? Not. More like $500 or more. As far as I've seen, $200 would be for a middle or upper/low. I could be wrong too :-)

Originally posted by goacom
For example, what about data back up options in the unlikely event of a hard disk crash or if it is hacked.Unless you've got a managed server, you'll be on your own for backups. Although, most providers also offer this (as well as other services) for a fee.

See for example Superb's top of the line VDS, which costs around $225/month
http://services.superb.net/sps/

Or remarkable hosting, which costs $199/mo
http://www.remarkablehosting.com/resellers.php

I have not seen any higher priced VDS.

Thanks.

Originally posted by goacom
virtual dedicated server (~$200/monthOoops. Sorry, I missed the "virtual".

Personally, I like pure dedicated. Guess I'm a control freak :-)

Well, why don't you gather up a solid list of requirements (including your backup concerns), and post a request in the Requests Forum (below the other forums), and see what providers here can offer you. You can take a look at the offers, weed out ones you don't like, search for info about the ones you do like, and/or ask about them on the forum (past experiences, etc.).

http://www.4webspace.com might suit you

I suggest you have a chat with Alex Llera of FocalHosting.com [allera here] - they are not the cheapest but their bandwidth is multihomed and outstanding, their tech support is just too good for words.

I have been in constant email and chat situations with Alex and he has been simply superlative in both competence and a very courteous supportive attitude.

My server has been with them for 35 days now with 0 downtime and not a single problem - he customized everything for me from the motherboard to the choice of software, installed them and whenever I need something he goes out of his way to see that my needs are met.

Their tech support alone is worth the price - the box and bandwidth you get free!

I know it sounds incredible that I should be praising them so much but everything I have written here has been said without any exaggeration

I have also heard good things about ispclub and rackspace

Cheers
Balaji