Help needed - think I need a VPS but from who?

[fishfinger]

I need some recommendations to help me choose what sort of hosting I need, and then for a host that I can start small and grow with. To start with I will have only one site (my own, which will be a small design/dev/SEO site) but I will be adding 5 or 6 more within 12 months, which will be far bigger, community-based sites. I don't have the money for a dedicated server from the outset, but I am prepared to pay extra for reliability and good support.

Am I right in thinking that a VPS would be better than 5 or 6 shared solutions to start with?

I need
- Linux, PHP MySql / htaccess
- UK DCs
- subdomains (with separate dbs e.g. free tools on my site)
- my programmer would prefer to be able to use Putty
- good support, managed server (i.e. latest patches etc)
- security certificate (at least as an optional extra for plugging in payment gateways)

Be greatful for recommendations / advice. I'm experienced in HTML and web marketing but know nothing about server OS and other issues so layman's terms please!

[monaghan]

I'm experienced in HTML and web marketing but know nothing about server OS and other issues so layman's terms please!

You DO NOT want a VPS in this case, perhaps consider a fully managed VPS where the supplier will do all the technical bits (but be prepared to pay well for this and ensure that the supplier is offering full management, not just remote hands or employ a server management company to manage the VPS)

Why would the developer want to use a remote shell? Most things a web developer needs to do are done on the source files which are then uploaded (exception is restore of very large SQL databases) For a production server, then your developer should only be touching it for new installs or planned site updates, not let loose with shell access.

Unless you really need full control, why not start out with a reseller account, this will give you a master web control panel to create seperate accounts for each new domain.

[fishfinger]

Thanks for reply, he says he likes being able to move directories and program dbs and do some tasks via the CLI.

I'm not offering hosting myself, so I don't want a reseller account.

I just need some names as a starting point! Anyone?

[monaghan]

A reseller account does not have to be used to resell, it is simply an interim level control panel between the server admin and end user accounts that allows you to create end user accounts without having to concern yourself with running a server of VPS.

We don't offer VPS's but you can give these guys a try VAServe LTD , not sure if they offer managed VPS's, but I guess they'll suggest someone if they don't.