we intend starting an email service/website such as yahoo and hotmail obviously on a smaller scall and would like to know what kind of hosting do i require AND which hosting company would you recomend?

You really only need a VPS to start or a small dedicated you can upgrade as needed. Shop around and don't pick right away, do your research so that once your site is up you don't have to worry about moving it. There is no best host, only the best host for you as everyone's needs are different. Here are a few tips.

1. Contact the hosts directly via their website, chat, or email
2. Test the prospective host's tech support system, see how long it takes to get responses.
3. Review their Terms Of Service and ask questions, remember to get answers in writing before you sign up.
4. Ask for references, all good host will have customers who are willing to answer questions.

Find someone who will fit your needs. The best site to research on I think is http://www.webhostingtalk.com Take advantage of their search option to look up potential host. If you have questions about anything don't be afraid to ask. The only stupid question is the one you don't ask.

Hope that helps in some way and good luck on your new site

A semi-dedi can be an option here too. I have seem nice ones from Downtownhost.com at low price with many features. Think it'll help you.

thnx for the info.. Rep added.

Well, I don't think VPS would work for you. You need a high-end email server with advanced web mail software and at to do some tests to see how does the server work when it loads heavily.

I'd like to draw your attention to dedicated servers from Hqhost.net, Vistapages.com Ahosting.biz, because I have found them to be reliable, honest and competent.

Hqhost.net - has two Network bandwidth choices: PREMIUM, starting from $150 and VALUE, starting from $99, solutions - dedicated solutions for any sites. Their prices are not very expensive.

Ahosting.biz - has two DataCenters, in Charlotte and Orlando. I'd like to mention that they propose great abundance of dedicated servers.

Vistapages.com - their fully managed dedicated servers allow you the power of an entire server, just for your sites. Dedicated servers are the perfect fit for your demanding requirements.

I think that you can be happy as with VPS as dedicated server. Only one thing you need to remember: that must be allowed on the certain web hosting company.
That is important to rememeber.

Hosting requirements for this (at least to start with) are nothing too special - your own email server is an obvious one (VPS or dedicated for this). Beyond that the most important point for you is the webmail(?) software you want to run, and any anti-virus/anti-spam solution you might run.

For both of these (particularly anti-spam) there are a large number of possible solutions available, each with their own software and resource requirements. Assuming that you intend this to grow, you have to consider how you will scale it... obviously hotmail don't run everything off a single dedicated server :P

Another thing you will probably want is a backup MX - this will (help) ensure a reliable email service because emails will be delivered to it when you primary mail server is down (therefore it needs to be on a different network and in a different location etc.).

Dedis ... cheap and reliable that will fit all your needs are available from AYKsolutions.com, Rackspace.com and GlowHost.com. I think among their offers you will find the one that will be right for you. These companies offer even specials that make their services cheaper.

I'd like to suggest you to take in consideration dedis from Hqhost.net.
Vitally important fact is that support staff works 24/7 and the prices are really affordable. And the reason of your would-be choice is that USA-based data centers guarantee perfect accessibility to your site around the globe.

A semi-dedi can be an option here too

Semi-dedicated is just another form of shared hosting. No, it won't be a good option for the kind of service the OP intends to offer.

VPS or dedicated is the way.

Vistapages.com - their fully managed dedicated servers allow you the power of an entire server, just for your sites. Dedicated servers are the perfect fit for your demanding requirements.

You just took some words from their site and put them in your post? I'm sorry, but that's a ridiculous thing to do when pretending to recommend companies.

Here's the quote from http://www.vistapages.com/dedicated/...d-servers.php:

Our fully managed dedicated servers allow you to harness the power of an entire server, just for your site(s). VistaPages dedicated servers are the perfect fit for your demanding requirements.

I have not had a good exp. with vista pages.


My friend turned me onto surpasshosting which I love! Mainyl because of the fast support. Never had an issue with a server down, very dedicated. Great customer satisfaction. never heard anything bad said about the host.

I know ServerPoint.com provides various special servers (ffmpeg, eCommerce) and they might be also a good option for email hosting...

Am I right, ~ServerPoint~?

I know that GlowHost.com provides media streaming services with e-mail features on their shared hosting. FFMeg is good for youtube software. Compatible with it and is used for video sharing.

Free email service is a lot more complicated than you think. You will have all sort of abuse issues from plain spammers to Nigerian scam issues. Unless you have a team of highly qualified technicians and engineers, forget it.

I know couple of million USD+ companies starting the service only to realize that this is more headache than they thought. You really need a high quality software than can be deployed over a server cluster - which will cost you thousands if USD. From there, there is huge investment and maintencance cost.

I know that Serverpoint.com offers a comprehensive range of services. Also these services are really qualitative, because, if I am not mistaken, they have invested over a quarter of a million dollars into building the most reliable and stable network.

@OP:
Indeed ServerPoint.com is the company you need. They are able to provide you with what you need. This company is very stable and reputable. Never had any problems with them.