Forum Hosting, Your Suggestion

[webcosmo]

I am trying to make a decision on a Linux forum hosting. As we know forums require lot of resources. As the concurrent user number goes up, it puts the server on test. Instead of learning hard way, like to hear forum owner's opinions.

Does anybody know which hosting V7n and DP using? They seem to be pretty fast with good number of concurrent users.

[Cal]

We are still in "research mode" with this side of things too. Looking at using the free phpBB 3.0 and 'possibly' Host Monster. I'd be interested to hear experienced campaigners feedback on what host they use for their forums too!

Regards.

[InFloW]

Originally Posted by webcosmo

I am trying to make a decision on a Linux forum hosting. As we know forums require lot of resources. As the concurrent user number goes up, it puts the server on test. Instead of learning hard way, like to hear forum owner's opinions.

Does anybody know which hosting V7n and DP using? They seem to be pretty fast with good number of concurrent users.

Well I know DP has multiple web servers and database servers to run their site. I imagine v7n is the same way.

Most people for forums start out shared then when they outgrow that environment they move up to their own server. There will eventually be a point where their own server is not enough and they separate the database and web server.

[Locomotive]

As far as I know WHT hosted on the Rackspace.com. I have a guess that V7 and DP forumds might be hosted there as well. Hope John answer that soon unless he keeps that in secret .
As for forum recommendations. I think that it depends ... on your forun size, software you have been using for forums etc....
I suggest you have a look at Serverpoint.com (they have separate offer for forum web hosting) or Santrex.net (they do not offer forum hosting separately, but have rich choice of web hosting packages).
Also software developers often post their web hosting recommendations on their web sites. Check that way as well.
Good luck

[webcosmo]

I settled with hostgator for now. Forum seem to be having fast page loads. So far so good. As the forum grows it will be on test for sure.

[lisabarley]

Just before you register and commit your sites to a hoster, you should ask the questions as on the following. The asnwer that they offer should be something like the response below. It is USELESS and POINTLESS to pay cheap but you lost all your data when a disaster strikes.

1) Is it not the webhost's responsibility to backup these "store" files?
A> Yes. The web hoster is responsible for all the customer data and files. They should have a backup plan in their mind and if a disaster strikes, they should bring your sites UP as soon as possible. A hoster without a disaster recovery plan should be AVOIDED by all means!

2) Do I seem unreasonable in asking for damages since they lost all this info, including 100's of customer profiles & outstanding orders?
A> You should try to ask for the compensation. Please read their TOS carefully.

[webcosmo]

Originally Posted by lisabarley

Just before you register and commit your sites to a hoster, you should ask the questions as on the following. The asnwer that they offer should be something like the response below. It is USELESS and POINTLESS to pay cheap but you lost all your data when a disaster strikes.

1) Is it not the webhost's responsibility to backup these "store" files?
A> Yes. The web hoster is responsible for all the customer data and files. They should have a backup plan in their mind and if a disaster strikes, they should bring your sites UP as soon as possible. A hoster without a disaster recovery plan should be AVOIDED by all means!

2) Do I seem unreasonable in asking for damages since they lost all this info, including 100's of customer profiles & outstanding orders?
A> You should try to ask for the compensation. Please read their TOS carefully.

Thats more like thinking like a real businessman You got very good points there. I haven't thought of this scenario, I will check now for sure.
Rep added.

[InFloW]

Originally Posted by lisabarley

1) Is it not the webhost's responsibility to backup these "store" files?
A> Yes. The web hoster is responsible for all the customer data and files. They should have a backup plan in their mind and if a disaster strikes, they should bring your sites UP as soon as possible. A hoster without a disaster recovery plan should be AVOIDED by all means!

No sane host is going to guarantee backups are 100% working all the time unless you're paying in the $xxxx.xx range for a shared hosting account. A host will make backups I am sure, but it's always good for the user to make their own from time to time as well.

Originally Posted by lisabarley

2) Do I seem unreasonable in asking for damages since they lost all this info, including 100's of customer profiles & outstanding orders?
A> You should try to ask for the compensation. Please read their TOS carefully.

No host is going to compensate for damages caused by down time or lost data. Any good host is going to clearly state they are not responsible for loss of sales or any form of loss due to down time or server data being lost.

The most you're going to get is a refund or credit for your account nothing more.

[lisabarley]

Originally Posted by InFloW

No sane host is going to guarantee backups are 100% working all the time unless you're paying in the $xxxx.xx range for a shared hosting account. A host will make backups I am sure, but it's always good for the user to make their own from time to time as well..

This is an excellent point. Even though the hoster will create the daily backup, it is HIGHLY recommended for you to keep your own backup as well. No one cares more about your data that you do!

Originally Posted by InFloW

No host is going to compensate for damages caused by down time or lost data. Any good host is going to clearly state they are not responsible for loss of sales or any form of loss due to down time or server data being lost.

The most you're going to get is a refund or credit for your account nothing more.

It all depends on the hosting company that you choose. Some of them do provide compensation in return of their failed disaster recovery plan. They will offer free hosting (in addition to the refunded hosting fee) as compensation. I love to deal with a company which truly cares about the customers' data. Some companies like http://www.asphostcentral.com is worth trying as they offer compensation of a failed disaster recovery plan. Companies such as http://www.DiscountASP.net, http://www.M6.net should be avoided by all means. Their websites have good appearances but less service.

[webcosmo]

Originally Posted by lisabarley

Some companies like http://www.asphostcentral.com is worth trying as they offer compensation of a failed disaster recovery plan. Companies such as http://www.DiscountASP.net, http://www.M6.net should be avoided by all means. Their websites have good appearances but less service.

There are quite a few Linux hosting we can rely on; more or less. For Windows hosting unfortunately I could find only one that met the speed, customer service I wanted; Interland.com. Its expensive but I would say they are the best windows hosting so far I have seen.

[~ServerPoint~]

That;s great that you find what you have been looking for. Could you please explaine what customer service is suitable for you?

customer service I wanted

It interest me as web hosting company representative first of all.

[webcosmo]

Originally Posted by ~ServerPoint~

That;s great that you find what you have been looking for. Could you please explaine what customer service is suitable for you?

It interest me as web hosting company representative first of all.

I will make it as point; hope they help.

- When I call I won't have to wait more then a minute waiting.
- I have seen two different customer service people of the same company (e.g. godaddy.com) give different advice for the same problem. This just shows they don't know what they are doing. Knowledgeable customer service is the key.
- Nice manure.
- Want to solve the problem from heart. Some problems are really complicated. CS often asked to solve problems which they have not faced before. In cases like that they should take the extra step discussing with other CS to find a solution.
- Not try to empty my wallet, but tries to help me find a better solution in a cost-effective way; when I need that.

[Luke Beale]

I have always found them to be a good web host.

Always solve the problems and always got fast servers and good uptime.

[jedi]

Originally Posted by webcosmo

There are quite a few Linux hosting we can rely on; more or less. For Windows hosting unfortunately I could find only one that met the speed, customer service I wanted. Its expensive but I would say they are the best windows hosting so far I have seen.

I agree with everything stated above.

[~ServerPoint~]

I will make it as point; hope they help.

- When I call I won't have to wait more then a minute waiting.
- I have seen two different customer service people of the same company (e.g. godaddy.com) give different advice for the same problem. This just shows they don't know what they are doing. Knowledgeable customer service is the key.
- Nice manure.
- Want to solve the problem from heart. Some problems are really complicated. CS often asked to solve problems which they have not faced before. In cases like that they should take the extra step discussing with other CS to find a solution.
- Not try to empty my wallet, but tries to help me find a better solution in a cost-effective way; when I need that.

Thanks for your detailed reply.

[C.Whyte]

I like Startlogic (sometimes). They have pretty good support. I've also heard GREAT things about HostGator

[CapsLOCK]

Try ServerPoint.com services as they provide forum-friendly environment and optimized for different web applications.
Price range isn't very high and they focus on good support.

[~ServerPoint~]

Thanks mate. But I just would like to add that all depend of the forum software you have been using

[alemcherry]

Originally Posted by webcosmo

I will make it as point; hope they help.

- When I call I won't have to wait more then a minute waiting.
- I have seen two different customer service people of the same company (e.g. godaddy.com) give different advice for the same problem. This just shows they don't know what they are doing. Knowledgeable customer service is the key.
- Nice manure.
- Want to solve the problem from heart. Some problems are really complicated. CS often asked to solve problems which they have not faced before. In cases like that they should take the extra step discussing with other CS to find a solution.
- Not try to empty my wallet, but tries to help me find a better solution in a cost-effective way; when I need that.

hmmm.. not more than a minute waiting? probably you will need a premium host!

Liquidweb is a pretty good host if you dont mind paying slightly more than the average rate. Good support and they dont ovesell.

[gannik]

Originally Posted by impala67

It depends on the size of it... if its big I'd host with Serverpronto dedicated box... if its just beginning i'D go with bluehost, Hostgator, Ipower...

Have you used them all?