I’m on my way setting up my hosting company and start offering hosting services. To start I’m only dealing with Windows environment because that’s what I’m comfortable with and later down on the road I’ll provide Linux hosting packages as well.

Last month I have purchased Plesk for Windows and got my dedicated server and now I’m in the process of installing the Plesk on my server.

My question here is since I only have one Windows box, which SQL version should I consider to install? SQL 2005 or SQL 2000? Or is it possible to offer both with Plesk from one single box? Or if I only have to go with one or other, which SQL version will bring me more clients?

Please advice.

Thanks

I have been with plesk windows since the time it has launched.

Most hosting needs is satisfied by the SQL 2000, so i would suggest using a SQL 2000 + windows 2003 + plesk 7.5.5.

And if you can afford, go for dedicated sql server box, as it will help you to implement a centralized sql server when you grow :)

All the very best with your venture .

activelobby4u (http://www.webhostingtalk.com/member.php?u=112980), thank you.

Since I’m a newbie with Plesk and I see you're comfortable with this software, if you don't mind I would like to ask you few questions/advise:

Before I start let me give you some detail.

I have Plesk 7.5 for Windows Plus Bundle with Dr. Web Anti-Virus, SQL 2000 and 2005, ColdFusion, and a dedicated Windows 2003 Standard Edition Server.

My merchant account for credit card processing is all ready to go.

Now here are my questions:

1) Should I install SQL and ColdFusion prior to Plesk installation?
2) Should consider any extra firewall than what Plesk already has?
3) How can I automate my credit card processing system with Plesk?
4) Should I make the account setup and creation fully automated or should use an email based sign up form for the new clients and then create their account manually?
5) Should I consider having a toll free number?
6) Is it a good idea to turn on Anti-Spyware and Anti-Virus options for my hosting packages? Would this attract visitors?

Thanks in advanced.

I would suggest you MsSQL 2005 , you can create MsSQL database and tell it to act like SQL2000 !

Then again , SQL2005 can do everything what 2000 could and more.

tnx,

from what i have been told SPLA SQL 2000 lic will END at the end of 2006, so you will be forced to upgrade, so you better off going with SQL 2005 now.

i hate upgrades..:)