Web Hosting Talk : Web Hosting Main Forums : Dedicated Server : Does Price Really Matter - What makes you Really Buy

[JAMLayer]

Hi, I have always wondered if when buying a server you would prefer to pay an added premium, To ensure company profitability especially when they are new. Now i have tried both and the cheapest option does seem to work. But a premium price doesn't why can you help me.

[moonsoft]

I beleive that it all comes down to services.

1. What features do you have in your portal?
2. Can you expect phone support?
3. Can you get support 24/7?
4. What does support cover?
5. Network connectivity
6. Quality of hardware, new or recycled?

I think theres loads more but when you host for a cheaper solution you have to ask yourself where are they cutting costs?

[SiberForum]

I suppose those issues are:
1. Server configuration
2. Management level
3. Network related issues

[Sago-Sean]

Originally Posted by moonsoft

I believe that it all comes down to services.

I think there's loads more but when you host for a cheaper solution you have to ask yourself where are they cutting costs?

I agree, most places that offer that low of a price do not have many or any included services or their support staff is not up to par.

Newer hardware and reliable support staff are essential to an online business success and just like insurance, having those provides a piece of mind to focus on making your business great.

[w00ts!te]

When paying premium, I would look for a support team that will do all of the above with your server and also make you breakfast in the morning.

[FortressDewey]

I agree with Luke's statement minus the breakfast. The premium is going to relate to services regardless if you need them or not. I have found that when a client asks about these services or says he/she does not need them, that at some point they are glad they had them.

There is a definitely "insurance" policy when you have the additional service. When you do your shopping, look around to see who gives the most bang for the buck.

[millarch]

Originally Posted by w00ts!te

When paying premium, I would look for a support team that will do all of the above with your server and also make you breakfast in the morning.

I moved to another hosting a few months ago, after spending more than 3 years with one of the largest companies (and highly reccomended) in the hosting business. The company I was working with was reliable, but the bottleneck came exctally when it came to support and customization. My main concern was to be able to get rid of a ticketing system to communicate with the engineers and having to wait from 15 minutes to a few (or sometimes many) hours to get more pressing issues "escalated" to level 2 and 3 engineers.

With this new host (they are called UNIXy if anyone is interested) I have one point of contact available almost 24 hours a day (I don't know how they sleep!) with a blackberry ready to help my team on any issue. Their response time is impressive and they are always available to arrange any maintenance window to have minimum impact for my customers in my time zone (we are based in Brazil).

Another thing that surprised me was that they were open to build custom servers for me, tailored at my application needs, and at a similar price I was paying in my previous host. I was able to balance my budget into what really matters for me, as opposed to buy bandwidth I did not need just because it was in their "package".

I know the topic here is about paying a "premium", but I am sure one can get premium services without premium price, as I managed to do.

Cheers,

-francisco

[SenseiSteve]

Actually, there are quite a few quality providers right here on WHT who will customize a solution for you, if you just ask. Kudos on finding a host who supports you so well.

[millarch]

Originally Posted by SteveBloemer

Actually, there are quite a few quality providers right here on WHT who will customize a solution for you, if you just ask. Kudos on finding a host who supports you so well.

Yes, I know. actually I gave UNIXy a try because of good reviews I read about them here a few months ago. I am glad we have WHT, so we can try (or choose) the good providers and get a good partner. I'm sure there a few good companies in the market and it is always good to check more than one out. I'm on my 4th company so far, in about 10 years of hosting... I hope not to move again soon, it is a hassle.

[UNIXy]

Originally Posted by millarch

I moved to another hosting a few months ago, after spending more than 3 years with one of the largest companies (and highly reccomended) in the hosting business. The company I was working with was reliable, but the bottleneck came exctally when it came to support and customization. My main concern was to be able to get rid of a ticketing system to communicate with the engineers and having to wait from 15 minutes to a few (or sometimes many) hours to get more pressing issues "escalated" to level 2 and 3 engineers.

With this new host (they are called UNIXy if anyone is interested) I have one point of contact available almost 24 hours a day (I don't know how they sleep!) with a blackberry ready to help my team on any issue. Their response time is impressive and they are always available to arrange any maintenance window to have minimum impact for my customers in my time zone (we are based in Brazil).

Another thing that surprised me was that they were open to build custom servers for me, tailored at my application needs, and at a similar price I was paying in my previous host. I was able to balance my budget into what really matters for me, as opposed to buy bandwidth I did not need just because it was in their "package".

I know the topic here is about paying a "premium", but I am sure one can get premium services without premium price, as I managed to do.

Cheers,

-francisco

Thank you so much for the review, Francisco. I hope our service continues to improve and satisfy.

Best

[JohnJ]

If I were looking to buy a dedicated server, I would be looking for an affordable solution (not dirt cheap, but not insanely expensive). I'd look for a good support team -- preferably one that is available 24/7.

[JRSEOMarketing]

My philosphy in purchasing a dedicated server is: How much does the content/files I am hosting cost?

If i'm hosting data that is woth $100,000 to me... should I put it on a $55/mo server?

Or if I have content that means absolutely nothing to me, do I really need a $250/mo server? Pick your poison.

I have some servers that range from $65 - $200/mo. The more important data I have on the $200/mo server with better support.

A place I work at has a full cabinet that we pay about double the price of other datacenters. But the place we are at, we have a direct 24/7 line, and the place has an 8 year 100% uptime. We pay the extra price for support and uptime.