UK commercial web site hosts

[John Whittington]

Hi there,

I've been asked to set up a modest-size web site for someone and need a to find a commercial UK host for it. I asked Mr Google and am totally spoiled for choice - large numbers of companies offering what seem to be essentially similar services (and, of course, all very positive in what they say about themselves), for an incredibly wide range of prices. Any advice on what I should be looking for to help me choose between them - or, indeed, any specific recommendations (or the opposite)? Would I be foolish to just go for one of the cheapest ones that appears to be offering what I need?

Kind Regards,
John

[LoisWakeman]

John - go for a host where you have personal recommendations about the support level. A cheap host with crap support is not worth the money you save.

I know Kelvyn Sheppard does hosting, and I'd trust him to do a good job based on my virtual aquaintance for many years! (I hope he doesn't mind me mentioning that.)

I use Netcetera (www.netcetera.co.uk) who specialise in Windows hosting - just listen to the howls of derision that will get (but living in the real world and without my propellor hat on, that's what some clients need and I cut my teeth on ASP so stick to what I know). But FWIW, their support is good enough and a lot better than some.

If you are happy with UNIX hosting, I'd recommend Kelvyn though.

[John Whittington]

Hi Lois,

John - go for a host where you have personal recommendations about the support level.

As you can imagine, that' what I'm hoping to find here! As you'll see, Kelvyn has indeed responded to my message.

I use Netcetera (www.netcetera.co.uk) who specialise in Windows hosting ... If you are happy with UNIX hosting, I'd recommend Kelvyn though.

Right - that's two possibilities for me to look at. Thanks again!


Kind Regards,
John

[Kelvyn]

John, in the UK I use UnitedHosting who are not the cheapest, but have really good support, including an active support forum. The UK servers are really top spec and run Apache on Redhat Enterprise. They also have an excellent reputation for maintaining server security. As Lois says, I do resell hosting, mainly for my design clients, but you may prefer to deal direct with UH - it works out cheaper......

[John Whittington]

Hi Kelvyn,



Thanks for your response.

John, in the UK I use UnitedHosting who....

Thanks for that recommendation; I'll have a look at them too


Kind Regards,
John

[Jon Finch]

Hi John,

I've used 1&1 for quite a while now and they have reasonable prices and support is OK. I also used IOMART (now UFINDUS) and would recommend you avoid them like the plague.

Regards,