Co-locating servers

zetec452 · 18 May 2006 at 20:38

bigredshark said:
thats a bit ott, patch it and it's not a worry. we have most server behin netscreens and a few exposed, the only difference is the exposed ones don't generate a dozen odd attack detection emails an hour. none have ever been compromised.

I disagree.

A dedicated server with a 100mbit internet connection really should have a decent hardware firewall configured correctly.

Beansprout · 18 May 2006 at 20:45

just_grass said:
Yea that'll settle it then, We're going down the linux route. Possible debian or Suse.

Using awbs.com's front end billing and management system.

49pence.com's co-location.

dell or self-build server.

enom for domain registrations

All final decisions as yet.

Alex

Don't forget to budget for a cPanel license...they're not cheap.....

I'm curious as to why you're colocating rather than just getting a cheap dedi - what made up your mind?

bigredshark · 18 May 2006 at 21:09

JonRohan said:
I disagree.

A dedicated server with a 100mbit internet connection really should have a decent hardware firewall configured correctly.

a decent hardware firewall will cost twice as much as the server

a patched windows server isn't as vulnerable as all the linux lunatics would have you believe, besides, this isn't exactly a best practice setup...

zetec452 · 18 May 2006 at 21:15

Most decent ISP's will give you a port on a shared firewall which is usually going to be pretty beefy.

Not a huge fan of co-lo'ing servers unless there are some specific requirements. Im sure for what the OP needs a VPS would do the trick.

just_grass · 18 May 2006 at 23:11

nothings really swayed me at all...

I set out with mainly having the idea of a server used for webhosting, with software i choose and know whats what with it.

i just want to control as many aspects as i could, - and with someone else managing the server(s) - well thats something i can easily do myself.

As for a cpanel license - if u read the awbs.com's features - i'm fairly sure this covers the cpanel features?

And yes, i've already approached local businesses, - showing interest, and also approached a local web designer who is very interested in using my hosting for his designs.

Alex

zetec452 · 18 May 2006 at 23:44

If I were in your shoes i'd go for a VPS (virtual private server), it will give you full flexibility to install your own software. You will be on a big ISP run server so will have all the reliability you need along with an upgrade path to a dedicated server once you start making some dosh.

Beansprout · 19 May 2006 at 09:07

just_grass said:
As for a cpanel license - if u read the awbs.com's features - i'm fairly sure this covers the cpanel features?

From what I can see it doesn't give you a license, it only works with it. ie, knows how to use its API.

Beansprout · 19 May 2006 at 09:32

just_grass said:
and with someone else managing the server(s) - well thats something i can easily do myself.

You mean you can keep spare parts, drive to the DC, fix up the server with expensive accompanied access, or pay for the remote hands service (also expensive - and somehow you'll have to get parts to them).

If you get a dedi then hardware replacement is (normally) included in the price.

It's not server management as such, it's hardware management, and there's a lot to it

bigredshark · 20 May 2006 at 02:38

i'm going to say it again, what exactly are you offering that the big companies don't? why exactly would people choose to host on your server?

just_grass · 20 May 2006 at 07:42

bigredshark said:
i'm going to say it again, what exactly are you offering that the big companies don't? why exactly would people choose to host on your server?

I aim to provide lower priced and good quality hosting with average to good features. As it's more like a hobby, than a full business, i wont be wanting a huge profit from it - so i will be able to keep prices low.

The way i see it, is if i can at least break even, in the first year (inc server costs etc..) hen the subsequent years will be profitable to me. (all bar maintenance fees) - but the potential of the project is to bring in far more profit than just breaking even, so hopefully it will be successful.

I have been in contact with a local webdesigner - also as a 'hobby' after his job as a theatre technician - he is willing to use my hosting facilities to host his clients sites rather than 1and1, providing my facilities can match or beat the packages he uses.

Alex