Hosting Server

[dreamerofwords]

I am looking to buy my own web server in order to host my websites plus start a hosting service of my own. I know absolutely nothing about this but am learning a great deal as I roam the internet. I know there are hundreds of server options out there but which one is right for my own application?

[Exon]

I'm going to be starting up a new project in Jan. and will more than likely be buying from here: http://www.abmx.com/shop/ this December.

[jmweb]

I am looking to buy my own web server in order to host my websites plus start a hosting service of my own. I know absolutely nothing about this but am learning a great deal as I roam the internet. I know there are hundreds of server options out there but which one is right for my own application?
I would not suggest buying a server unless you are familiar with how to run one.

[Exon]

On the contrary I would buy one even if you knew nothing about running one if you were able to hire the expertise that comes with maintaining one, or if you were willing to learn about it and use it on your own before offering it to clients publicly.

I would not suggest buying a server unless you are familiar with how to run one.

[Trigger]

I would not suggest buying a server unless you are familiar with how to run one.

Agreed no sense in forking out hundreds of dollars per month on startup for something you are not going to use, you are far better off getting a small reseller account first. That way you get to learn all about the server and the quirks you can expect in the hosting biz.

It will allow you to establish your client base and determine how likely they are to use their allocated space and what specifications you need. As you need more space you can get a larger account from your provider or even spread the accounts arround with different providers.

If you go the server path straight up you will be payng not only for the server but support tech time and if you make a mistake (common if you are not 100% up to speed) downtime. Which not a good thing for your clients and can give you a bad reputation.

[GH_mike]

Just keep in mind if you go the server route to get some sort of backup in place, either tape or a mirror array or something on the box itself. Also consider the amount of sites, and what else will be running on it. SQL, DNS, Email, Web, etc? Consider CPU time and disk IO, also RAM. Those three are the most important. I would follow the reseller route first and start with your friends and family as they won't give you a bad rep. You can even find some good folks off the net or in forums like these that may be willing to "beta" test for you as you figure it out. Any server will run awesome when only a few people are using it, its when you get 100 or more sites that you run into issues. Dual CPU's help a lot too.

[Humbrol]

Getting your feet wet with a reseller acount is the way to go, gets you in the biz and get a taste of how htings work, then once you build up, the business will pay for itself.


Just keep in mind if you go the server route to get some sort of backup in place, either tape or a mirror array or something on the box itself. Also consider the amount of sites, and what else will be running on it. SQL, DNS, Email, Web, etc? Consider CPU time and disk IO, also RAM. Those three are the most important. I would follow the reseller route first and start with your friends and family as they won't give you a bad rep. You can even find some good folks off the net or in forums like these that may be willing to "beta" test for you as you figure it out. Any server will run awesome when only a few people are using it, its when you get 100 or more sites that you run into issues. Dual CPU's help a lot too.

[Rob T]

I'd actually suggest looking into a VDS - it would give you the opportunity to start learning server management and the necessary skills to run your own server without the expenditure for hardware. You should be able to get a small VDS from a reputable provider for ~$50 per month. I know a few companies will even manage your VDS for you - that might be an option to look into as well.

In any case, I don't think it's ethical to accept any clients until you have some reasonable idea of what you are doing. I primarily hosted my own stuff and stuff for friends when I got started. Once I felt confident I could manage my server, I moved up to hosting paying clients.

[axmxhosting]

Please start with a reseller service first, there is SO much involved in running even just one server it's enough to make your head spin. By trade, I am an IT professional by day and believe me it can be rough at times especially for one person when you have customers breathing down your neck about this and that problem.

Having a reseller service first allows you to not worry so much about things like support, server support and the like and allows you to concentrate more on the business aspect and relations with your clients; IMO the two most important things to fully understand before you venture out on your own hardware.

[aplushosting]

There is a LOT involved in handling your own server. I've been at this for 15+ years and managing servers/routers at aplushosting.com for almost 9, and I'm still finding new problems that come up, researching the solutions, etc.

Like others say, start as a reseller, etc.

[vispernet]

We decided to innovate using standard industry hardware and open source software to build a network infrastructure that is platform neutral.

[Dougy]

Why dig this old thread up to begin with? (Yes, yes, I did it again.)

[Rcon Host]

lol, old this thing is ancient... 2004 wow

[Frimon86]

I would suggest you start as a reseller and then grow your way up, this is how most people do it anyway. Unless you got unlimited money and its not a problem, then go with your own dedicated server and hardware. If money is not unlimited but also not a huge problem try doing a reseller account and working your way up. Hostgator.com seems good for reseller accounts and they know alot of stuff and include alot of stuff for you so you can still be compeititve with other big time hosts. Once you gained a good amount of ccustomers, move to a vps. Once you fill out your vps you can then purchase a dedicated server. servers4sale.com has some good dedicated servers as well as layeredtech.com you should try these hosts out. I also found managemybox.com also has some cali GREAT dedicated servers.

Hope that helps :P

[MaxHostingSale]

As for hardware, it depends on whether it will be a 1U rack, or a tower. A tower will be cheaper, and is similar to a normal desktop. The key thing is server management.

[Frimon86]

Anyone can get resonable server management, depending on if you have a certain control panel. I have always found http://www.platinumservermanamgement.com to be very resonable and very helpful and awesome in server management on cpanel servers.

[cdanik]

I would not suggest buying a server unless you are familiar with how to run one.


I agree. You should learn some things about have a server before starting one. You need to be prepared for anything.

[Frimon86]

Not really.

How can you learn by just reading? You need a live test so you can see how thigns work properly and or if you did the command right. Personally ordering a server with zero knowlage isnt a bad idea as long as your host is friendly and helpful in any way. For example, you can't expect to be good at basketball by looking at people play and reading some tips. You got to be out their playing and doing the things live as your learn... Just the way I look at things..

[ScalaHosting]

Not really.

How can you learn by just reading? You need a live test so you can see how thigns work properly and or if you did the command right. Personally ordering a server with zero knowlage isnt a bad idea as long as your host is friendly and helpful in any way. For example, you can't expect to be good at basketball by looking at people play and reading some tips. You got to be out their playing and doing the things live as your learn... Just the way I look at things..

That is 100% correct. You must fix some problems in order to learn.

[bermuda]

Well, I believe there are several factors in creating a nice and pleasant hosting server management and running. You should be accompanies by a vast knowledge of the materials, hardware and software, have several authority books to refer to while getting into troubles.

Also you must be joining hands with other pros as single person projects might fail due to many reasons.

[PWN]

for your needs, I would recommend a small reseller about 10 gb or so, for about 10$ a month. You can easily learn with this and you will have everything ready to go.

[Andy Choopa]

I agree you should try something dedicated before you buy. This way you can explore what works and what doesn't, and once you have it mastered, pick up a new one of your own. Plus its cheaper.

[jmcallister]

I have to second the notion. Your best option to get into hosting is to find a partner who you can work with, we get all our servers from softlayer and have had a very positive experience with them. Cheaping out on a server to begin with will cost you later. Best of luck in your adventure.