We have a modest sized drupal-based website with no bandwith issues. However, because we need port access for UDP data, we are considering moving from shared hosting to a VPS host.
I've looked about, and the cost of VPS hosts is typically much higher than shared hosting and, perhaps more important, requires a level of technical understanding of server settings, etc. that is otherwise unnecessary for our organization.
I am wondering if there are any organizations, resellers, etc. out there who have a full-featured VPS account and would be interested in reselling to us and providing very limited technical support (basically server configuration).
Offers or suggestions as to where we might go for similar services would be welcome.
By the way, our current host is Site5. Just to add to the collection of drupal-specific hosting reviews, I thought I'd share our experience.
We have been happy with the price and features, but have had considerably more downtime than one should expect. In particular, mysql is vulnerable to problems caused by other accounts on the server. It has been particularly frustrating to have support respond that "it's working now" only to have it go down again 1 hour later, evidently the problem not having been diagnosed and fixed. At this time, I've taken to bugging support about every single instance of downtime just to create a track record.
If it weren't for the issue with needing port access, we'd probably tough it out to avoid all the hassle of moving. And we still may not move, we are also thinking of setting up an old barebones desktop to serve as a relay for the UDP data to the website.
Comments
I'm considering Server
I'm considering Server Pronto now, because I can handle most things myself once I'm up and going, and therefore I am happy for the freedom of Dedicated and $30/mth is just nice. My approach then is if I get something really curly, I just pay the hosts to do it for me - I figure I have to cop that sometimes. BTW, this is dedicated hosting, not VPS.
May First / People Link might do it
May First People Link specializes in Drupal hosting and is a fair price for socially conscious hosting.
~ben
People Who Give a Damn :: http://pwgd.org/ :: Building the infrastructure of a network for everyone
Agaric Design Collective :: http://AgaricDesign.com/ :: Open Source Web Development
benjamin, Agaric
try this
Hi,
I setup www.plusnix.net specifically for Drupal hosting. I wanted a VPS solution myself and not finding what I was after decided to set it up and now have several running on there.
If you want any more info drop me a line at bernard@is-vision.co.uk.
Bernard
RimuHosting
I can't say enough good things about these guys. The let you pick your distro (from a handful to choose from) AND manage your DNS on THEIR servers so you don't have to go learn BIND. I've never had more trust in a hosting company and felt as confident in the service that I know I will receive.
Good luck,
Josh
VPS reseller accounts with advanced setup
You can check VPS accounts at http://servint.net
and one of their resellers with advanced server setup:
http://host8.biz/lighttpd-backend-and-pound-proxy
westhost.com?
I have been looking at westhost, they advertise all their plans as VPS although I am not sure how that is. Very good price though and pretty good reputation.
Westhost sucks
There are a lot of problems with WestHost that have been around for more than 2 years. Nothing is going to be improved.
Actual uptime is about 87%. Freezing problems are all the time, server just hangs up, unexpected reboots.
Censorship on the forum to cut those messages with problem descriptions.
Outdated software like Sendmail 8.12, mailboxes 20Mb. IMAP was installed only recently, and you are not allowed to have both the POP3 and IMAP access at a time.
Slowest and useless Panel manager I have ever seen. You can enjoy about several minutes seeing a 'please wait' message.
There are no real guaranteed amounts of RAM. A lot of users for one server.
Agreed
echo the concerns regarding Westhost- I just finished moving my accounts to a new host.
where did you move to?
Care to share which host you moved to? I am settling with DWHS for now which isn't too bad for shared but would be interested to hear about other good hosts for future. Thanks.