Linux support outsourcing.... - UK Web Host Chat, Hosting Forum, Web Hosting Forum

toppairtel · 9th July 2009

Does anyone have any experience or recommendations on who/where to outsource Linux and general webserver support above the OS.

Administrator - If this counts as a request for service, please don't ban me. I do want recommendations but was hoping it was more of a discussion point than a request.

Tim - DR · 9th July 2009

Do you mean getting server management or outsourcing it to someone who works for you.

Example, you hire a company to look after your server and manage it, they keep it secure etc.

?

toppairtel · 9th July 2009

Sorry, was a bit confusing.

I mean that we want to sell more Linux hosted servers but have limited (and not regular) knowledge of it inhouse and rather than employ someone specificly with that knowledge at this stage use a company who will deal with linux OS issues on our customers servers.

Few! That was a deep breath.

Tim - DR · 9th July 2009

Well I would suggest you have two options.

One you can employ someone (perhaps on an ad-hoc basis) to help when needed.

2. If the servers are managed why not let the customers get the management from a "partner".

For example, you provide the server and the management is done through the other company, so client goes and signs up them (perhaps getting a cheaper price because of said "partnership").

That way you can still provide the server and the client can get support specialised to linux etc.

There are other ways but one of the above would be best for you and your customers in my opinion.

toppairtel · 9th July 2009

Can you give me tips on such companies on here?

Tim - DR · 9th July 2009

Well most of the guys on here are hosts themselves, but you can either have hunt for companies providing server management or pop a post in the requests section.

toppairtel · 9th July 2009

Thanks Tim, off to the requests section I go!!

Layershift Damien · 9th July 2009

Are you selling / looking to sell actual physical managed servers, managed VPS's, or linux based shared hosting? Each of the above will potentially put you on a different product path in terms of what you want to get from your partner/provider for this.

toppairtel · 10th July 2009

We sell space on a VMware platform, in which our customers can create (well we have to create for them, at the moment) as many servers as they like, or, the resource they buy will run comfortably. Previously we have focused on selling to IT managers who like to use Windows (for which we have a support team) but obviously in the web world lots of people use Linux.

We support platform and will guarantee that every customers VM whether Linux or Windows will be up and running and seeing the internet.

Some customers however will want us to support Linux at O/S level and at the moment we don't have enough knowledge of it inhouse. Also some customers will want support for applications common with web servers, such as Apache and java applications which we also need to gain more knowledge of.

So, I am wondering if we can get a contract with someone who can support our helpdesk staff, who are all pretty good with IT in general when a customer asks for something to be done. Or, should we continue to provide the infrastructure but say that for OS and above the customers on their own/recommend they speak to another company.

samb · 10th July 2009

Given what you've described we can provide what you're looking for on a partner basis - please take a look at our website.

othelloRob · 10th July 2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by toppairtel

So, I am wondering if we can get a contract with someone who can support our helpdesk staff, who are all pretty good with IT in general when a customer asks for something to be done

For how many clients / hours-per-month / virtuals ?

What level of access to the VMware boxes are you happy for a 3rd-party to have.

What liability insurance cover do you ave in place, and expect from the support company ?

Do you want to pay a fixed-fee or a per-hour charge ?

It's a service we provide to a number of hosts and isps, which can be tailored to your requirements

toppairtel · 14th July 2009

Guy's who replied saying they can help I will PM you are requirements. Thanks alot!

WebbyCart · 21st July 2009

Hi,

Are you able to select an outsource hosting company now? Are you looking for a company that will manage your server or outsource your support to your client or both?

Thanks
Bobby