hosting for many domains

[Mogga]

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suggestions... but bear in mind I'm after something non techie - I'm really not after learning how to do everything myself.

[Ross]

Hi, Firstly here's a link to the definitive forum for web hosting http://www.webhostingtalk.com/.

What you need to look for is "reseller" accounts. These are accounts that allow any number of domains to be hosted on a virtual server with a restriction on disk usage and bandwidth. They were originally designed for web designers to be able to sell a complete package of web site and hosting, but they're ideal for anybody looking to host a lot of sites. In actual fact I signed up for a couple yesterday, the cheapest is $12.95 / month for 2gb of bandwidth and 30gb of disk.

A few things to consider :-
1) As with most things in life, you get what you pay for. If it's absolutely imperative that the sites are online 99.999% of the time then it's going to be expensive.
2) There are some considerations if you're thinking of using a US host. You get more bandwidth but there could be problems in getting rankings in the UK version of search engines, especially if you're not using ".co.uk" domains
3) If you're looking to get good search engine rankings by "carefully" linking some domains then it will be worth considering buying hosting from more than one company. Spread the domains around if you're attempting to "keep under the radar". In actual fact I signed up with 3 new hosts yesterday, that means that I now have domains spread around 9 different hosts

Oh, one last thought. Most reseller accounts seem to use WHM & Cpanel to control the domains. Both pieces of software are easy to use. It might be worth checking that your chosen host uses the same software.

Hope that helps

Ross

[CrazyGuy]

Originally posted by Ross
3) If you're looking to get good search engine rankings by "carefully" linking some domains then it will be worth considering buying hosting from more than one company. Spread the domains around if you're attempting to "keep under the radar". In actual fact I signed up with 3 new hosts yesterday, that means that I now have domains spread around 9 different hosts

I also went down that route in the same belief - but it became unmanageable and I outgrew hosted domains anyway.

I subsequently found several reputable references (eg GoogleGuy) that stated SEs don't care about shared IPs and virual servers. This is based on the fact there is so much pressure on IP space now that all the emphasis is on sharing. Given that Google seems to look at things like whois records to mark expired domains, you'd prob have to more than spread your hosting to cover those kind of cross-linking tracks.

Although I now have all my domains on 2 dedicated servers, I hedge my bets a little by putting the main "hub" sites on their own IP - but that's probably more emotional comfort than technically justifiable.

The fact you don't want anything techie probably rules out dedicated servers, but it's the best thing I ever did. They start as low as $99/month for a decent box and you can get 10 hours/month sys admin to take care of upgrades, security, support etc for another $99/box/month.

[Ecco]

The fact you don't want anything techie probably rules out dedicated servers

Not always the case. I'm not a hardcore UNIX nutter, but my hosts are, so I manage very well on my dedicated servers with limited technical skill...

...mind you, those hardcore UNIX nutters don't come cheap

[Bosh123]

Any one use WebFusion Reseller Package? Are they good/bad?
Do you have to be technical minded?

[CrazyGuy]

Originally posted by Ecco
Not always the case. I'm not a hardcore UNIX nutter, but my hosts are, so I manage very well on my dedicated servers with limited technical skill...

...mind you, those hardcore UNIX nutters don't come cheap

I should clarify that I was talking esp about Rackshack - where you get effectively no support from them. Some ded svr hosts may provide a degree of support.

I managed my own ded for a while with little skills - quite enjoyed it, but it was taking me 10 x as long as it should and 100 x as risky to install updates, patches etc.

I consider the $99/month I pay my sys admin guys to be one of the best investments I ever made I certainly value my time at > $10/hour. The RS forums and yor own sys admin are a great support/tech combo.

Don't want to sound like a RS rep here tho' - they have a very specific type of offer that suits some people, others not.

[Lea]

I use Neureal http://www.neureal.com/

They charge me Business Pro $17.95 per month For Unlimited Domains. I have about 40 sites.

Included I have subdomain creation
Site Templates
Amazon Shop
Email Services
Tracking
PHBB boards (discussion forums)

All I do is log in and pick what I want to do - so its VERY easy to use.

Lea

[Bob Saver]

Don't confuse rackSHACK (the pile em high, no support, cheap and cheerful gang) with RackSPACE (one of the most progressive hosts in the UK and who host at least one of the ASPs that I know of)

I met the MD of Rackspace the other day - he is a mad keen affiliate marketing fan - try giving them a call. If you want managed services they have a new fully supported bit which looks very good value for money. MD is called Dominic Monkhouse on dominic.monkhouse at rackspace.co.uk. Their serviced hosting bit is called ThinkWebHosting I think. Phone number at www.rackspace.co.uk - hope this helps

Bob (I'm not related to these guys in any way - just thought the steer might help)

[Shane]

I use http://www.ghoulnet.com/reseller.php3

I got a 20 slot reseller account with maximum 5 gig per domain and and overall 50 gig limit on all accounts combined, you get free mysql etc.. php.. etc in that.

the support is cool and on the ball, I had no real probs with them and I pay £29.99 a month for this,

I can add and delete domains from the account, add databases etc via an admin panel so it is easy peasy and I was a virgin when i started so it aint that hard to figure it out.

I am happy with them ..

[Frostie]

I use easily, and although the webside of things are very good, great response etc, I have been having loads of problems with the nySQL side of things.

Becuase of this I would NOT recommend them, and now I am on the lookout for a new hosting company.