this is what we need- we have 4 websites
cgi scripts ( form handlers), FTP, PHP 5, and MYSQL 4-5. The sites are not terribly big, but I am beginning to put video and audio on one.

I am not sure if I can say this part, Please forgive me if I step on toes.

we were with Wt. net and they were bought out by Nationwide. All of our pages were switched over without warning and it was not seamless! We had just finished working on the http://www.creativesculpture.com web site and after the switch everything broke. It was like starting all over again. then last week some people were reporting they could not see my site and when the clicked on the google search it said site not found. nationwide searched through my site and found something they did wrong redirecting some people to ... god knows. Now we begin working on another site that will have a shopping cart ( no secure server we are going through pay pal) and they tell me that this is no longer a part of that websites package. we are fed up and needing some recommendations.

Someone suggested Server Beach, and this is when I learn the difference between dedicated ISP and shared hosting. Seems I remember long time ago our sites did have a dedicated ISP, then techs and history seemed to switch to shared hosting. Which is fine for me, as long as it does what we need and is very dependable. With a dedicated ISP and Server Beach we would have to hire a system administator and extra money each month. the dedicated IP is 75 a month plus the cost of system admin. I realize we could put all 4 sites on that one dedicated server.

we are presently paying 104.85

The sites are http://www.creativesculpture.com ( this one we are adding the most to right now)

http://www.godsword.net ( this is the one we wanted to begin working on)

http://www.delaflor.com (as my husband sees what I am doing with the other two sites he is wanting to ad more to his site)
http://www.art-studios.com/ We don't really do much with this one. A few artist friends have their web sites on here, and we would hope to do some more with it one day.

I appreciate any help. Please understand I know just enough about all of this to be dangerous. So be explicit in your communication. I am not a web guru but am a sculptor who is trying to promote her work.

By the way. it is really important that all of this is working without a hitch because I have some big publicity coming up. I am not feeling secure about Nationwide, but don't want to have to go through a lot of glitches when moving.

thanks again.
Bridgette

I don't think you actually need a dedicated server. It's quite likely an unnecessary expense and complication. How much are you using in terms of space and data transfer?

You can install a shopping cart such as zencart or oscommerce yourself. They're free. Basically, they require php and a mysql database.

Rather than spending on the dedicated server and server admin, you could go for shared hosting and enlist the help of a webmaster to move your sites and setup the things you need.

Good luck!

Try sycoblue.com, i'm using them. They rule! Tell the owner that dizzybro told you about it if he asks

have the web master and I agree about the dedicated server. Just want to know what others are using. I hate to go through all of the trouble of moving everything without knowing for sure if a new hosting company is good and reliable. I'd have to go into each user admin panels to see the data transfer.

we have purchased click cart pro because we used it on another web site and liked it.

webfadds - This forum is NOT for advertising hosting offers.

isculpt - If you're still looking for a host that isn't dedicated, I would use Crucial Web Host. It's the people that I use, and they have worked very well for me. They've had 100% uptime, and their prices are very low for the amount of resources that they give you.

I think VPS would be all right for you. You may have it from A2hosting.com and Onthespothosting.net . Both companies are in the web hosting business for a long while and have a good reputation.

I think VPS would be all right for you.

A VPS still needs management, and while there are good fully managed VPS solutions out there, it's still an unnecessary and probably uneconomical hosting platform for the OP.

They've had 100% uptime

Over what period of time? How did you monitor uptime?

Hello,

In respect to your requirements, we can provide you with a fully managed dedicated server that will definitely meet up with your requirements. Following is the link which will guide you further -

http://www.bodhost.com/dedicated_hosting.shtml

For further information, please feel free to contact us through sales@bodhost.com or http://support.bodhost.com/

Hi,

Multidomain hosting is a good solutuon. Check Lunarpages, Host Color, Bluehost, HostMonster and etc.

You are sure to get all the features mentioned in a2hosting.com shared plans as they are known for delivering developer-friendly environment.
I'm personally using ahosting.biz shared plan , they have all you need as well and together with quality support it may work fairly well for your site.
Good luck in choosing your host!

Originally Posted by Jeyce

You are sure to get all the features mentioned in a2hosting.com shared plans as they are known for delivering developer-friendly environment.
I'm personally using ahosting.biz shared plan , they have all you need as well and together with quality support it may work fairly well for your site.
Good luck in choosing your host!

Moreover, as I know A2hosting.com supports PHP 5.2.x, MySQL 5.0.x, PostgreSQL 8.2.x, ROR 12.x. I haven't seen any other company that provides it.
Ahosting.biz has not only a fast and quality support but 99.9% uptime as well.

99.9% uptime guarantees are easily found, as they're all just monetary. What is important is the real life experience, over a decent period of time, preferably on several servers.

Originally Posted by ldcdc

99.9% uptime guarantees are easily found, as they're all just monetary. What is important is the real life experience, over a decent period of time, preferably on several servers.

I use the host I wouldn't like to mention here, as i'm about to switch and looking for a VPS plan, I've selected a few VPS deals:
serverpoint.com, good if you are on a tight budget, however you have to manage it on your own, they use Zeus.
vpsland.com offer affordable unmanaged plans.

onthspothosting.net provide both managed and unmanaged options.

You may check Eskhosting custom plan, very good company that serves well for me and already for my friends to which I ve recomended Eskhosting

Originally Posted by timbre

I use the host I wouldn't like to mention here, as i'm about to switch and looking for a VPS plan, I've selected a few VPS deals:
serverpoint.com, good if you are on a tight budget, however you have to manage it on your own, they use Zeus.
vpsland.com offer affordable unmanaged plans.

onthspothosting.net provide both managed and unmanaged options.

ServerPoint.com uses Zeus instead of Apache ... hm ... but why? Does it gives them the possibility to improve server perfomance?
Vpsland.com has only unmanaged solution but it could be good only for those who are experienced in VPS management.
Onthespothosting.net has nice VPS offers both managed and unmanaged and their prices are O'k.

Does it gives them the possibility to improve server perfomance?

That is exactly the reason. It is much more efficient, and can thus make them get more out of their servers, performance and/or money wise.

I too dont think you need a dedicated server. A good shared hosting should be enough and free you from the worries of managing a server. I receommend liquidweb, a very responsible company with great support. You can select one of their shared shoting or maximum a managed VPS. Hope this helps.

Originally Posted by ldcdc

That is exactly the reason. It is much more efficient, and can thus make them get more out of their servers, performance and/or money wise.

You know about that taking into consideration your own experience. I mean have you personally used Zeus?
I have seen providing of this kind of servers only on the web site of ServerPoint.com.

I mean have you personally used Zeus?

No, I have only read reports from people who have. I should have mentioned this in my original post.

To threadstarter: Please look at all companies you have been suggested, try to compare them and get as many information as you can of each of them.