Hello, I am currently evaluating dedicated server packages and I am seeking a little advice.

I have already determined that I need a managed server package. Pricing is not my top priority. Top service is my #1 concern. I am not a reseller I just want to move my site from a virtual hosting account to a dedicated server.

What are some services I should expect from a managed server account and what are some that I should definitely ask for. In addition what are some questions I should be asking to help differentiate between providers. Are there any typically non basic services which are worth additional costs.

I know this is a vague post but any assistance would be greatly appreciated. I just want to make sure I make the best possible decision.

Thanks
Dan

Greetings Dan:

Here are questions to ask where the more "yes" answers meaning more managed than less.

=== QUESTIONS TO ASK

Are you responsible for managing your network as part of this proposal?

What is your network uptime SLA?

Do you offer credits for downtime beyond your network guarantee as part of this proposal?

Are you responsible for managing the hardware we rent on your network as part of this proposal?

Do you have a hardware repair / replacement guarantee as part of this proposal?

How often will you replace the hardware (at no cost to us) you are renting to us a part of this proposal?

Do you do ping monitoring as part of this proposal?

Do you provide unlimited port monitoring (http, https, email, database, etc.) as part of this proposal?

Do you provide unlimited content monitoring of pages on our sites as part of this proposal?

Do you provide unlimited database monitoring for Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle, mySQL, PostgreSQL as part of this proposal?

Do you provide unlimited server performance monitoring watching for problems with server load, CPU performance, # of processes, disk space utilization, and swap space utilization as part of this proposal?

Who is responsible to respond to alerts generated by your monitoring system?

How quickly will you respond to emergency requests (server administration, database administration, software installation, server performance, database performance, etc.) as part of this proposal?

What ways must I contact you in order for you to respond to such emergencies?

Will you proactively install security patches and updates for the operating system and all known applications on the server(s) as part of this proposal?

Are regular vulnerability and security assessments included in this proposal?

If a fire wall is included in this proposal, how many firewall policy changes per month are included?

If advanced intrusion detection is included in this proposal, does it include monitoring by live, certified and trained individuals?

Is working (telephone conference calls, sending facsimiles, gathering information and sending it, etc.) with 3rd party vendors for the applications on the server (installed by you or other parties) included in this proposal?

Is installing software, generating digital ID’s, optimizing a database, and proactively performing day-to-day server management tasks included in this proposal?

Will you support all of the server software on the machine if you are made aware of the server software, version, and contact information for the vendor?

Thank you.

thanks so much!!! that will really help me out.