Hi,

I'm in desperate need of a new, reliable reseller account (or possibly a VPS).

A while ago I wouldn't have dreamed of saying something like this - even without naming names. I've been loyal the same company for years and it's actually very saddening to come to the realisation that the downward spiral isn't about to change.

*SLAP* "Please stop that, you're making me look like an idiot to my clients!" *SLAP* "It's not good, but I'll stay, I'm sure they'll stop slapping me in the face!" *SLAP* "They're really sorry, I'm sure service will improve..." *SLAP* "Well maybe they enjoy slapping me in the face. Hell, who wouldn't! But surely they realise that their business can't sustain itself by slapping customers in the face." ... wait for it ... *SLAP SLAP and more SLAP*

Anyway - you've heard this story a million and one times over, so on to the point:

I need an apache/cpanel/php/mysql/etc host with all the usual bits and pieces.

I am probably looking for around 5GB storage, 50GB transfer although I could easily start with half that with a company that will make it easy for me to move up to a larger hosting plan later.

As far as price goes I don't want to get ripped off but will happily pay a fair bit more than the bare minimum for a solid, fast server with excellent service and support, from a host with an established good reputation.

I have looked at the "find a host" link but it doesn't really help - I think really I need the opinions and experiences of others over adverts - but I realise that they are there for a good reason, and once I have made my decision I will happily click-through an affiliate link! :)

Anyway, help out a friend in desperate need, save my face from any more abuse and who knows, maybe I'll be left with some clients to transfer...

Any thoughts are most welcome.

Thank you.

You seem to be someone who knows what it needs in order to find a reliable host. That'sa good start.

There's plenty of reputable hosts on these boards, and a few gems in the Offers section.

As for you thinking you need a VPS, is there any reason for that? Do yuo have a somehwat large forum for example? If your processes dont use much cpu, I don't see a reason to get a VPS right now.

Best of luck :)

You seem to be someone who knows what it needs in order to find a reliable host. That'sa good start.

There's plenty of reputable hosts on these boards, and a few gems in the Offers section.

As for you thinking you need a VPS, is there any reason for that? Do yuo have a somehwat large forum for example? If your processes dont use much cpu, I don't see a reason to get a VPS right now.

Best of luck :)

I would have to agree you seem to know alot what you need already. You can also check out some directories like TopHosts http://www.tophosts.com or like the post above states, look around in the offers section of WHT. I am sure you will find exactly what your looking at a very good price. Good luck with your search!

You seem to be someone who knows what it needs in order to find a reliable host. That'sa good start.
Absolutely. I primarily host my own creations and sites I've built for clients. I'd consider running the hosting side of my business at a loss if only to save (what is left of) my reputation.

There's plenty of reputable hosts on these boards, and a few gems in the Offers section.
Thank you - I'll investigate.

As for you thinking you need a VPS, is there any reason for that? Do yuo have a somehwat large forum for example? If your processes dont use much cpu, I don't see a reason to get a VPS right now.
I agree, and no, I could happily fit into a reseller solution, it's just an idea as it would be nice to have a little more control over things and be able to host some more resource-intensive bits and bobs. Probably not the route I'll go down now, just a thought.

Thanks for your response. :)

May I ask what sort of budget you had in mind? Have you thought about an alternative like hsphere and leveraging a cluster for your business. I know JodoHost offers some pretty competitive packages and have a good reputation around here.....

*SLAP* "Please stop that, you're making me look like an idiot to my clients!" *SLAP* "It's not good, but I'll stay, I'm sure they'll stop slapping me in the face!" *SLAP* "They're really sorry, I'm sure service will improve..." *SLAP* "Well maybe they enjoy slapping me in the face. Hell, who wouldn't! But surely they realise that their business can't sustain itself by slapping customers in the face." ... wait for it ... *SLAP SLAP and more SLAP*

Sorry, dont mean to make fun of your situation, as I know this is your business we are talking about - but, boy did I get a good chuckle out of this....

Best of luck with your search and with your business...

Heres a good start:

HostVoice.com - Have hosts compete over your business.
HostSearch.com - Comprehensive Listing of All Types of Hosts.
ResellerGuide.com - Great Site. Must Read.

These three resources should keep you busy. I'm very sorry that your former company is "slapping" you around. Any quality host should know that the customer needs should met and exceeded in a timely fashion.

Personally, the longer I ponder on the issue, the more convinced I become that a VPS is not really a good replacement for a reseller account.

I've been loyal the same company for years and it's actually very saddening to come to the realisation that the downward spiral isn't about to change.Really sad to hear the promised changes over there (I think I know who's the host) are not becoming a reality, at least in a decent time frame.

If you're ready to pay a more or less similar price, you should have no trouble finding a good replacement for your soon to be ex-host IMO.

Just take your time, make a long list of possible hosts (for example by reading lots of threads in this section of the board, and noting each host that is recommended), and start a thorough elimination process, based on available feedback (use the search feature to the best of your abilities) and presales conversations. I know this is not necessarily a fast process, but it's one that, if done properly, you're unlikely to repeat anytime soon. :)

Good luck!

I have a few reseller acounts at different hosts

The one I have at Crucial Paradigm (http://www.crucialp.com) has been faultless to this point.

Good server .. Very fast and helpful support

I have an account at one of the well known names at WHT and their support is far from good.

Thats probably the biggest difference between all my accounts .. The support levels

A VPS is a lot more work than a reseller account even if it is managed. I would definitely stick with a reseller account until you become large enough to switch to dedicated.

VPS is a good start before moving to dedicated server. but you would be own your own as far as patching everything.

VPS - is also good if you use a lot of processor power for your sites.

VPS tend to cost a little more.

Personally, i like the reseller account this way i dont have worry about any patches. just the websites.

Xau

Hi everyone, thanks for all the responses so far - I appreciate it. I'm going to start having a look through some of your suggestions and will let you know how I get on.

VPS is a good start before moving to dedicated server. but you would be own your own as far as patching everything.


Personally I think there's no need for the in between step. High end reseller accounts and low end dedicated servers are almost priced the same and you're going to have to take care of just as many technical 'things' with a dedicated server as you would with a VPS.

VPS between $30 - $50 is ideal for someone who doesnt want to risk a full dedicated price (very few below $80)... especially if you do not know how to manage a linux server. This would allow someone to gain the knowledge of Server Management. with out some of the costs of a dedicated. once they have the knowledge then they should move to dedicated.

Xau

I'm still a bit lost in finding a good reseller solution.

I really want to go with an established, proven company, and I'm finding it hard to tell who is, and who is operating from their bedroom!

Also it seems that not all hosts have GD2 installed - which I definatley need.

Any ideas anyone?