I sell software and my site generates about 1/2 GB of traffic on an average day with spikes of 2 - 3 times that when there is a new release. My current hosting situation (sharing a server with about 50 other users for $15/month) is adequate on average days but when traffic spikes my site goes down. Do I need a dedicated server? I am a novice in this area. Other than high bandwidth, I have no other special requirements.

You need a lot of money.
So 1/2 GB x 30 so you need around 15 GB right?
You can take the easy way with a RAQ server. It goes for around $99 - $150.
Are you willing to spend that much?
I haven't used a RAQ before but it sounds pretty simple. It has a control panel and stuff so you can do whatever you need to and it's small, and cheap.

15 gigs/month isn't really enough to justify a dedicated server. If you go with a host that doesn't overload their servers, you should be okay. Look at http://www.venturesoneline.com or http://www.allaboutchoice.com; both of those have high-bandwidth packages for not-too-much money.

Or, if you wanterd to go with a dedicated server, you could take a look at serverhost.com. They are running an April special for $79/mo with 10GB transfer. Overage is $3/GB.

Dedicated server for 15Gb - no way. You can get more than that for very little price say $40/mth on shared hosting. Do some search and I am sure will find a reliable host who can host your site with good speed.

Thanks for the advice. Can you provide some links for shared hosting?

Originally posted by Bob H
Thanks for the advice. Can you provide some links for shared hosting?

Hi,
A great place to start would be taking a peek at this thread:
http://www.webhostingtalk.com/showthread.php?threadid=3053

It lists most of the hosts that frequent this board. :)

Regards,

It is not possible to list any since we are not allowed to. But if you will open your email option I can send you more details.

Bob H, please turn on your email option so that hosts can email you directly. Right now, hosts can't answer your post and offer you their plans since you have posted on a non-advertising forum. I also have some information that may suit your need; contact me if you want to.

cheers,
:beer:

Originally posted by dektong
Bob H, please turn on your email option so that hosts can email you directly.
Indeed. You would probably have received quite a few offers from hosts who meet your requirements had your email been active.

Best Regards,
Matt Lightner
mlightner@site5.com

A dedicated server might not be an absolute necessity. However, it sure is nice to have the freedom that comes with one.

But it will depend upon your pocket whether it can afford that freedom or not :)

I turned on my email option. Sorry.

My main concern is reliability, up time. When traffic surges, I don't want to be shut down.

<<ADMIN EDIT>>

[Edited by Chicken on 04-11-2001 at 09:54 AM]