Well, ive come to the time where i must think about getting a dedicated server within the end of this summer. We now have a reseller account.

My questions.

1. I want a dedicated server that i can (bandwidth wise, hardware wise) upgrade at any time if needed, i want to be able to install any kind of stuff (like condfusion etc.) but want the server to be managed. What would that cost me, and how much would i get?
Im thinking of starting at a 1ghz server at 512 Mb mem and 80 GB of bandwidth.

2. How would i get the sites i currently host transfered with as little downtime (if not NO downtime) possible?

3. I want to offer the same stuff offered now, CPanel included.. Would the license to offer Cpanel higher the price of the dedicated server and how much will it cost to have a unlimited (yes yes i know *barf*) Cpanel license on the dedicated server?

4. What is the difference between colocation, dedicated, managed dedicated and what is the difference between the different connections?

5. What should i ask dedicated server providers, on what should i base my decision to choose a specific provider?

6. Looking at the specs above, could someone tell me what a good provider is to start?

Anyways, im a newbie to dedicated servers, i have read alot of threads but want to have as much info i can get before diving into such an investment. How lame it may sound, but i want to have it all, the best connection and the best support at the lowest possible price. yes yes, i know, LAME, but dont we all?

Thanx for the answers and the replies :)

1) Unless things have changed, coldfusion is a windows only product. As for cost on servers, it just depends on your budget...just remember the old addage. "You get what you pay for".

2) Well, if you don't currently own (or lease) the server you have now, then the only way I can think of is to re-ftp the data to the new server. You could possibly TAR up each directory and move them that way, but you're gonna need to make sure that your new server uses the same format. As for little downtime. Get the dedicated server at least 3 weeks before your scheduled move date. That way you have plenty of time to adjust for things. Get with whoever you get your dedicated server through, I'm sure they can help you.

3) Well, CPANEL by default is unlimited. You pay a monthly fee (it ranges from $50 to $100) and that's it.

4) Here ya go:

COLOCATION - You own the server and pay for rackspace and bandwidth. More expensive up front...MUCH MUCH cheaper in the long run.

DEDICATED - You lease the server from the company. Less expensive up front (typically) but over the long haul you pay more because you are paying for the server in addition to bandwidth and rackspace.

MANAGED - There are two types of managed servers:

(FULLY MANAGED) - The host does everything. They setup accounts for you, do full support for your server and keep the server up to date

(SERVER MANAGED) - The host keeps the server up to date with the latest patches and upgrades. IE Upgrading the kernal, APACHE, PHP, Etc. But typically no other support is provided.

5) Well, if you are like most people, you'll base it on price. My honest opinion is base it on performance. If you decide on serverhost (or anyone, I just picked them at random), do a search in these forums and look at the good and the bad. Get them to provide you with tracerts from INSIDE their network. Don't do a trace route to them and go WOW...I hit level 3...because the fact of the mater is you might go in on level 3 and come out on Cogent. Ask what others think. Remember you get what you pay for.

Bandwidth is not the end all. In reality your average server (at least ours) uses less than 50 GB of bandwidth. So when you see someone offering 450 GB of bandwidth remember that 400 of that you may never use...so you may be able to afford a better server with less bandwidth. Shop around. Remember there is no such thing as unlimited (and unmetered is the same thing just using a different word).

The key to bandwidth is that everyone oversells. If clients used their maximum amounts, then server hosts would go out of business.

6) Well, since I'm a provider I won't answer this. But I would suggest doing a search on whoever is recommended. Obviously a few bad complaints doesn't mean the company as a whole is bad...but remember that out of 100 angry customers, maybe only 5 will ever say anything. Just be careful.

Everyone wants it all for as little as possible. You are no different than anyone else, so don't feel bad. If you have more questions, just post and I'll answer as best as I can.

FWIW, just wanted to toss in that Cold Fusion is available for Linux, Solaris and HP-UX. :)

http://www.macromedia.com/software/coldfusion/productinfo/system_reqs/

Originally posted by Cruise
Well, ive come to the time where i must think about getting a dedicated server within the end of this summer. We now have a reseller account.

My questions.

1. I want a dedicated server that i can (bandwidth wise, hardware wise) upgrade at any time if needed, i want to be able to install any kind of stuff (like condfusion etc.) but want the server to be managed. What would that cost me, and how much would i get?
Im thinking of starting at a 1ghz server at 512 Mb mem and 80 GB of bandwidth.

I would recommend you go with a smallish sized hosting company or hire yourself an administrator. The reason I would not get a managed server at a larger company is that they often do not go beyond the realm of support. Whereas, smaller sized companies generally will do all in their power to keep you happy.

The best suggestion is to hire an administrator.

2. How would i get the sites i currently host transfered with as little downtime (if not NO downtime) possible?

This really depends on what type of server you are currently on. If you are on plesk, cpanel etc you can get scripts which will move sites from one server to another. The easiest way is if you are running a box without any control panel. You will need to provide more information on this.

3. I want to offer the same stuff offered now, CPanel included.. Would the license to offer Cpanel higher the price of the dedicated server and how much will it cost to have a unlimited (yes yes i know *barf*) Cpanel license on the dedicated server?

I dont use cpanel - nfi

4. What is the difference between colocation, dedicated, managed dedicated and what is the difference between the different connections?

Answered above - However good luck to you if you find a completely managed server.

5. What should i ask dedicated server providers, on what should i base my decision to choose a specific provider?

I am a strong believer in people only getting dedicated servers IF they know how to run them. If you do not know your way around a server - you will get unstuck and your business will fail. HIRE AN ADMINISTRATOR - an administrator will also hold your hand while purchasing your first dedicated server, and will usually have a good idea on the good providers.

6. Looking at the specs above, could someone tell me what a good provider is to start?

As above

Anyways, im a newbie to dedicated servers, i have read alot of threads but want to have as much info i can get before diving into such an investment. How lame it may sound, but i want to have it all, the best connection and the best support at the lowest possible price. yes yes, i know, LAME, but dont we all?

I would wait and learn first.

Anyways, im a newbie to dedicated servers, i have read alot of threads but want to have as much info i can get before diving into such an investment. How lame it may sound, but i want to have it all, the best connection and the best support at the lowest possible price. yes yes, i know, LAME, but dont we all?

:D Yes but your business plan will tell you what is right..... is NZ the only place where you have to predict how much TAX you will have to pay in the coming year? :D (LOL, i think it is)

Speak to your financial adviser with your business plan before jumping in both feet first.... :D

Your thoughts please....... :D

Originally posted by Cruise

4. What is the difference between colocation, dedicated, managed dedicated and what is the difference between the different connections?


Connections only depend on the provider you are going with, not with the type of plan. The difference between colocation and dedicated servers is that in colocation you own the equipment, whereas with dedicated servers someone else does. If something were to break in a colo situation, you would ned to replace it yourself (or pay to have it done). Managed dedicated server providers deal with the technical side of the server for you. The prices generallly are higher, as you are "outsourcing" the technical aspects of running a server.


Regards,

Jeff