I want to start a small hosting company on a dedicated server from Burst.net running linux with the Smart Hosting Tool's Control panel. What do I need to know and how complex is it. I do know some about it but not everything. How much time does it take to manage it? Thank you!

Just a quick comment and question. I'm not sure many are all that familiar with the Smart Hosting Controller as it is relatively new (isn't it?). Why not use cpanel and WHM is it is a burst server?

Yes, Smart Hosting Tools Controller is new but it has some of the features I need and is cheaper. I am using http://www.burst.net but I am getting a discount if I do not use CPanel.

Can you please let us know which dedicated package deal at Burst.net you are thinking of getting? I can't see a very good deal there, and I am sure there is some other better deal you can get for the same price (including the CPanel and WHM if you want to)... So, just let us know what is the price range you are looking for and I will suggest some options for you...

cheers,
:beer:

My deal I am getting from them is not listed. It is only $100 per a month. It is 700 Mhz and runs linux. If you think I can find something better, let me know. They are willing to beat any others company price. Thanks

What type of CPU? Celeron? P3? memory? HD? IPs? Bandwith? Backbone connectivity? I heard burst.net does not really have a big backbone. If your server is located at burst.net data center, then you will only get a T1 connectivity. If your server is located at VDI.net, then you will get dual DS3 (see this thread: http://www.webhostingtalk.com/showthread.php?threadid=5905).

In any case, provide me some more information and I will help you look around...

cheers,
:beer:

At this point I am not looking for a provider, but to see if I can manage one. The next step would be to find a provider. So before I really start looking seriously, I need to know if it is possible for me to manage it.

Originally posted by everyone
At this point I am not looking for a provider, but to see if I can manage one. The next step would be to find a provider. So before I really start looking seriously, I need to know if it is possible for me to manage it.

Hm... sure.. Sorry... I guess I don't know why I get the impression you are looking for a better deal :).

Anyway, I don't know about Smart Hosting Tool (where can I have a demo?). But burst.net have some servers at VDI.net where you can just pay $25/mo extra to get Cpanel and WHM. Your clients might also like Cpanle better too...

Again, sorry about the wrong impression... :(

cheers,
:beer:

No problem. A demo is available at http://www.smarthostingtools.com. It is a lot like the Alabanza control panel. Let me know what you think of it.

Originally posted by everyone
No problem. A demo is available at http://www.smarthostingtools.com. It is a lot like the Alabanza control panel. Let me know what you think of it.

Well I like it, though it's more expensive than Plesk, I like their automated billing integration for just another $100. I'm not sure about the the license, though. Is $750 for unlimited domains under one server or what?

Anyhow, I see that this is not the first time you were asking bout smarthostingtool.com. At any rate, I guess you will be all set with simple administration using this tool (as well as others like Plesk and Cpanel). I would really look into their billing autmation, which I love!

cheers,
:beer:

Uhm 750$ is quite alot... especially if you know that burst charges 35$/month for WHM/cpanel...

Also, judging from comparing the demo's WHM/cpanel have tons more options, maybe not automated billing, but cpanel4 will have that (or so I keep hear ppl saying).

About http://www.smarthostingtools.com,
One thing that I'd like to know is how about if our box got crashed?
And we need to instal it into a new box.
Do we need to pay $750 again or not?

Hey. sodapopinski: No. You have the software. You can ask them to reinstall it again.
The reason I like this control panel is because it has many features and the ones I need. And with CPanel, I would have to use one like I was a reseller. I cannot make it fit my needs. I would need to pay the full price. With Smart Hosting Tools, I can have newsletters, add features like URL forwarding, shopping cart, etc. Right now, before all of this, I need to know what is involved with running my own dedicated server and what I need to know. I think Smart Hosting Tools is the way to go as far as control panel wise. I think Burst.net is a good deal...$99 for a dedicated server with 700 Mhz, 128MD RAM, 15.3 IDE hard drive, 30GB bandwidth, and 5 IP addresses. The normal price is $350. What do you think?

everyone,

What is that a 3 month special then the price changes back to 350 a month?

If not how did you get that price from them?

I am on a special service plan where I do some stuff for them and they give me that.

Originally posted by everyone
I am on a special service plan where I do some stuff for them and they give me that.

So... it's not actually $99/mo since you have to do something for them :) At any rate, it may be a really good deal (depends on what you have to do for them, though). But, you might be hosted with only T1 connectivity (see the link I gave previously). The more I think about it, the more I am sure that you will be hosted with their NOC having only T1 connectivity... since noway they will be able to offer such a deal on VDI network.... You can just easily ask them about this.... Beware, and good luck....

PS: pelase tell/update us regarding your experience with them anyhow... :D

cheers,
:beer:

[Edited by dektong on 02-20-2001 at 06:24 PM]

It is not something I have to pay for...Do you run a dedicated server?

Originally posted by everyone
It is not something I have to pay for...Do you run a dedicated server?


Hopefully starting this week... why? :)

cheers,
:beer:

I need to know what is involved with it. I need to know that I can do it. Let me know how it goes.

dektong: Actually we can give that deal on placing the machine in the VDI NOC. Please do not assume such things, unless you know for sure.

BurstNET™ is currently offering our new dedicated server clients a choice;
1) Place your server in the BurstNET™ NOC on our T1 line temporarily. This is being upgraded to a DS3 as we speak, and a 2nd DS3 is scheduled for install in a June 2001. Client choose this option if the do not want the server in the VDI NOC. Also, we have remote cold boot hardware installed in the BurstNET™ NOC, so you can remotely power on and off your machine by yourself, without having to contact us for a reboot....just a nice little bonus.
or
2) Place your server in the VDI NOC temporarily. It will be moved to the BurstNET™ NOC once the DS3 is installed. Clients choose this option that do not want to be on a T1 until the DS3 is installed.

It is important to note that the T1 is only at 20%-25% capacity, and has had spectacular perfomance with almost zero connectivity issues since installation three months ago. We tested this line before the DS3 was ordered, to make sure we would be satisfied with Sprint's performance. After testing their perfomance, I have only the highest possible praises to give their service at this point. We did have a slight billing problem with them, but that was cleared up with a simple call to Sprint.

Regards,
Sean R.
BurstNET™
System Administration

Does anyone mind telling me what I need to know?

Originally posted by BurstNET
dektong: Actually we can give that deal on placing the machine in the VDI NOC. Please do not assume such things, unless you know for sure.


My apology if I assume the wrong thing. I will be contacting you soon to compare your deal.

cheers,
:beer: