Has someone first hand experience of a good Java (servlets)/Oracle host allowing advanced work?

I am now using a major host (for several years) for .NET, MS SQL, but I want to develop solutions (or test them) in Java, Oracle and determine the suitability of Cocoon and other XML related technologies.

I want a good host though. I have been developing sites since 1999, and I have seen first hand good and bad hosting companies.

A good company has working servers (24/7) and 24/7 tech support with a 60 min response time, and flexible contracts.

When I see "minimum term 12 months", on the day of signing up, I start to question the service.