Control panel-based dedicated server required

whytem · 8th January 2006

Hi folks

I currently have a reseller account with another web host. This virtual hosting setup has suited me so far in theory, however reliability and service has been suffering of late. Also I'd like to be able to install extra stuff, eg Rails, Postgres etc at some point, hence wanting to go dedicated. But to get me up and running initially, I need a control-panel based server that I know I can move my existing domains to with minimum fuss.

So I'm looking for the following:

* Hardware - fairly modest, something entry level (but modern!) is fine - only occasionally have performance problems with current server and that's likely something ancient that's being shared with *lots* of other folk.

* Bandwidth - similarly, I've currently got 80GB/month which I think I'm below (for now) so I guess something > 100GB will be fine.

* OS - I've been told that BSD might be more secure than Linux, and perhaps more familiar since I'm a MacOSX-based developer, but I'm fairly open-minded (not Windows!)

* Web/DB - need Apache, PHP4, MySQL4. If PHP5 is there as a CGI for testing purposes, great, but I can put that on later. Similarly if Postgres is preinstalled, all the better.

* Mail - not too bothered about the back end as long as it has reliable POP boxes - and ideally some setup that doesn't create system users for every mailbox. Mailing list support would be nice.

* Control panel - not familiar enough with all the different CPs to know exactly which one I want, but need something that will let me administer domains and subdomains etc - and I definitely need a domain login for clients to administer their own mailboxes etc. (I assume they all do?)

* Preferably no imposed limits on domains, mailboxes, databases etc.

* Reliability - would want 99.9%, and ideally remote reboot.

* Price - need an all-in price, no per-domain charges etc. Preferably no minimum term, or at least short. Probably unmanaged but would consider managed depending on price difference and what's included.

Sorry to be so verbose about it! This is the first time I've needed a dedicated server... I guess this is a fairly straightfoward setup, I was all set to order something online from eg Donhosts/1&1/Fasthosts etc - but I had a *really* hard time finding anyone with anything good to say about them, hence ending up here!

TIA, Matthew

nitrohosting · 8th January 2006

Matthew,

Quote:

Sorry to be so verbose about it!

Don't be! It's a pleasant surprise to see someone actually taking the time to think about their requirements and accurately conveying them on a forum

Will be in touch with a quote sometime soon.

Kind regards,
Kris

adamsmith · 8th January 2006

I guess you're looking for a managed solution where we take care of the general server admin and you just add your sites via the control panel?

Can I ask what your budget is?

whytem · 8th January 2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by adamsmith

I guess you're looking for a managed solution where we take care of the general server admin and you just add your sites via the control panel?

Well, it depends on what management is offered at what price. But not necessarily - I'm used to running server apps etc on OSX (ie BSD) - just not enough so to build a server from scratch. If it's working and stable with a CP to start with, I can take it from there with installing anything else I need.

And yes I know there will be engineer time to pay for if I break it and need help

Quote:

Originally Posted by adamsmith

Can I ask what your budget is?

I'm aiming for < £100/month. Hopefully lower.

MTIA, Matthew

adamsmith · 8th January 2006

In that case, we can offer you:

Supermicro 5014C-MT server platform
P4 630 3.0Ghz CPU
1024MB PC2-4200 DDR2 RAM
Single 160GB SATA HDD
1000GB monthly data transfer on a 100mbit port
APC remote reboot facility
cPanel

£114.99/month, £99.99 setup (prices exc. VAT). Free setup and 25% discount if you pay annually..

Server comes with reactive management - basic assistance free of charge, anything above and beyond is subject to our standard consultancy rate of £60/hour (exc. VAT). Server is supplied proconfigured and ready to go with cPanel and all associated services.

For further info and/or ordering, please email adam.smith@2host.co.uk.

WFCS · 9th January 2006

Hi,

We have a range of server offerings that may meet your needs. These can be found at http://www.serversimplicity.com

Do email or pm me if you need further information.

wise · 9th January 2006

Hi

We currently have a special on offer -

http://www.wisehosting.co.uk/forum/i...opic,76.0.html

* Pentium 4 2.4Ghz - with free Cpanel / WHM
* 512Mb PC3200 DDR RAM
* 120Gb IDE 7200RPM HDD
* 1000Gb Monthly Transfer
* Fedora Core 4
* 5 IP Addresses
* Remote Reboot Switch

Server is unmanaged - but we provide general support in settling in - ie nameserver setup etc.

Monthly price is £75 + £60 setup fee (vat included)

If you would like managed - we can provide a quote dependant on the level of support you would like.

We only have one of these servers left I beleive, to signup please use the following link -
http://www.wiseclients.com/signup.php?package=95

Let me know if you have questions!

edb49 · 9th January 2006

Matthew,

Here is an example of a specification that would suit you. We provide free SMS and email alerts, and full server monitoring included with this package.

Chassis: Dell PowerEdge SC1425
Processors: Intel Xeon 3.0ghz, 2mb cache
Memory: 512mb DDR2 ECC SDRAM
Hard Disks: 2x 80gb 7200rpm SATA
RAID Configuration: RAID 1 (Mirrored with 3ware Escalade RAID)
Bandwidth: 3,000gb bandwidth per month
Operating System: Linux - CentOS
Control Panel: Direct Admin
Payment Option: monthly
Cost: Setup Fee: £119.00
Monthly Fee: £89.00

More options are available at: www.49pence.com/DedicatedOfferQuote.asp

Why choose 49pence for dedicated servers?
1) Staff onsite. We are one of the few providers in the UK that have an office and our own staff at the data centre.
2) Superior network. Our network spans all major London data centres, and we excellent throughput and network latency. Our connectivity consists of 2000mbits Tiscali, 1000mbit Level3, 1000mbit Newnet, 1000mbit LINX, 1000mbit XchangePoint and 2000mbit LonAP - all adds up to the best network for hosting your server on!
3) Same-day setup. We keep a stock of the servers we sell, and aim to set new servers up the same working day.
4) We keep stocks of servers, chassis, motherboards, PSUs, hard drives, CPUs and RAM all in our onsite office. In the unlikely event there is a problem with your server's hardware, you can rest assured we'll be on hand with spares to replace the failed component.
5) We are an established provider of dedicated servers, and host over 700 servers in our current facilities. We have 1000sqft of technical space in London datacentres, and have diverse routing data centres and diverse hosting data centres. We don't put all of our servers in one site. Unlike our competitors we're proud of our extensive facilities - please call us to arrange a tour!
6) We include 24/7 reboots, monitoring of your server with SMS and email alerts, and primary, secondary and RDNS all without charge. These are delivered via our bespoke online control panel, unique to 49pence.

Contact sales@49pence.com if you have any questions and we'll be happy to help.

whytem · 10th January 2006

Just to say thanks v much to all who replied - great to see a forum like this where web hosts take an active interest (I didn't get any replies to emails I sent to the big companies, 1&1 etc).

I've now got a server being set up, but will be sure to recommend this forum to others looking for hosting!