Web Hosting Talk : Web Hosting Main Forums : Managed Hosting and Services : Perfect Dedicated Server / Server Management combo??

[neeljpatel]

Hi, I'm currently with Rackspace (who has done a relatively good job at managing my DS) - but i feel they are severely overpriced for the size of my needs. I have been reading many posts about getting a dedicated server from one provider and server management from another. I would like to get people's opinions on which combo (or individual if you only know one side) is best suited. I'm looking to spend about $300/month max (but lower is better!). I'm going to be running Django on the server if that makes a difference.

Cheers.

[cristibighea]

Well, you haven't mentioned any of your hardware needs, location preferred, what software will be running on the server, etc.

[neeljpatel]

Sorry, i'll be using the following software: (also will need support for) python, mod_python, django, apache, MySQL or postgres. I'm not sure what control panel i need. as far as computing power goes, single processor, dual core will probably be sufficient, but more wouldn't hurt for the price range (300/mth or below)

[cristibighea]

Well, you can contact some providers with your requirements, and perhaps take a look here: http://www.webhostingtalk.com/forumdisplay.php?f=139 at some 3rd party management offers, since these can sometimes be cheaper, and offer what you're looking for.

[roacha]

I am currently using DedicatedNow for my dedicated servers. The network speed and ticket response time is outstanding. I have used LogicSupport for managed services when I was short on time. They have completed software installs,security lockdowns, and configuration changes. They are great to work with, fast and very responsive. That combo has seemed to work for me...

[Raid5]

we use singlehop's paramount servers and it's worth it.

[Techark]

Some people have good luck using an outside server management company and if you find a good one then you are in luck.
However be aware that you can sometimes get caught in the cross fire between the server provider and the management company pointing fingers at each other.
Using a provider that also handles the management like you have with rackspace there is only one place the buck can stop.

[bdford]

However be aware that you can sometimes get caught in the cross fire between the server provider and the management company pointing fingers at each other.
Using a provider that also handles the management like you have with rackspace there is only one place the buck can stop.

This is a very good point and is an issue that I have run into in the past.

I currently have a fully managed VPS at WiredTree (http://www.wiredtree.com) and the support is excellent. They offer proactive management (patching, hardening, etc.) which is something that is hard to find with a lot of 3rd party management companies. WiredTree also offers fully managed dedicated servers that are well within your budget, so it may be worth giving them a shout.

I have also had good results with LiquidWeb (http://www.liquidweb.com), but have only recently started working with them.

[empoweri]

Originally Posted by neeljpatel

Hi, I'm currently with Rackspace (who has done a relatively good job at managing my DS) - but i feel they are severely overpriced for the size of my needs. I have been reading many posts about getting a dedicated server from one provider and server management from another. I would like to get people's opinions on which combo (or individual if you only know one side) is best suited. I'm looking to spend about $300/month max (but lower is better!). I'm going to be running Django on the server if that makes a difference.

Cheers.

You may want to look at VPS(es) to solve your problem. Good/robust undersold VPSes can match the performance of dedicated servers, but at much lower price point.

IMHO separating the server/management is more costly in the end.

[datums]

If you'd like support on the django side that might be a little tricky since that's more specialized support. Your budget seems reasonable.

[neeljpatel]

The VPS way seems better for us right now. I looked at WiredTree and their deals look well-priced and i'm going to be in contact with them to see if my django app will work. anyone have experience with wiredtree?

[bdford]

I have already posted my experience, but if you search through the VPS section of WHT, you can find a TON of great reviews about WiredTree.

Good luck! I am sure you will be happy w/ WiredTree.

[vpsRus]

interesting. i think you'll find wiredtree fitting for your needs. they are fully managed and from what i have read, very helpful.

[neeljpatel]

our site is torn between getting a VPS or a DS and we don't really understand what criteria we should be using to distinguish which type of server is appropriate for our needs.

[empoweri]

Originally Posted by neeljpatel

our site is torn between getting a VPS or a DS and we don't really understand what criteria we should be using to distinguish which type of server is appropriate for our needs.

As a general rule I tell our clients: Anything that is:
- high CPU usage (CPU bound)
- high IO usage

Isn't really suitable for a VPS, unless if you want to start scaling horizontally. This is because of the overhead a VPS creates. For example if you are need a 4 core or higher Xeon server with RAID 10, then stick with dedicated. In most cases, a server is under utilized (under 40%) and a VPS is much better suited since you can scale vertically very quickly.

Hope this helps..