I'm pushing about 200 clients on my first server. I'm running a PHP optimizer on it, and it seems to be keeping the loads pretty low (0-2). However, at times it runs kind of slow, and I figure that it may be time for a new machine.

It's easier for me to go with a second *nix server, just because that's what I have now, and I'm kind of used to it. I have a friend though, who is a diehard Windows user, and swears by 2003 Server, so I figured that I'd look into a windows box.

So here are my questions. Is it worth the extra $20-30 a month (not including MSSQL server and control panel charges) to run Windows? Where can I find a good budget dedicated server? How will I manage both my linux and windows clients? I currently run WHMAP.

Thanks!

Ian

Windows Hosting only 10% of hosting sector - go for second Linux box.

Originally posted by qubefactor
I'm pushing about 200 clients on my first server. I'm running a PHP optimizer on it, and it seems to be keeping the loads pretty low (0-2). However, at times it runs kind of slow, and I figure that it may be time for a new machine.

It's easier for me to go with a second *nix server, just because that's what I have now, and I'm kind of used to it. I have a friend though, who is a diehard Windows user, and swears by 2003 Server, so I figured that I'd look into a windows box.

So here are my questions. Is it worth the extra $20-30 a month (not including MSSQL server and control panel charges) to run Windows? Where can I find a good budget dedicated server? How will I manage both my linux and windows clients? I currently run WHMAP.

Thanks!

Ian

Unless you have the resources to bring on a full-time Windows tech I would not suggest using it. Setting up 2003 server is nothing like what you may be used to at home and you can really screw things up if you don't know what you are doing.

I suppose if you have that many clients, running 2 servers would be a good idea. Running both Linux & Windows servers are ideal, that way you are appealing to everyone, but can you justify maybe not filling up a windows server - that could loose money?

Originally posted by qubefactor
How will I manage both my linux and windows clients?

Take a look at H-Sphere (http://www.psoft.net) a control panel designed to handle both Linux and Windows servers...

Ask yourself this: Do you know enough about Windows hosting to be able to support it and give your clients what they are paying for?

Do you think that by offering Windows you will increase your sales? Would it increase your sales by enough to justify hiring a Windows admin?

We briefly offered Windows hosting a few years ago and decided it wasn't worth it.

--Tina