If there a truly well ran Web Host out there?

Tired of crappy web hosts. Need a good one.

[Xylem]

Has anyone had GREAT service from a hosting company?

Service that makes you go "Damn, thats a well ran business"?

I am tired of loser Web Hosts and their excuses and idiot techs (can you say bitter).

Any help, ideas, thoughts, rants, or general info would be greatly appricated. I need to find a hosting service worthy of getting my business.

The Technologies I Need:

- ASP.NET 1.1 (On Windows Server 2003 *IIS6*)
- PHP (for forums)
- MySQL
- MSSQLServer (not currently utilized, but will be)
- Static IP
- Unlimited FTP
- Good Bandwidth Rate (with acceptable low cost (2.00per gig) overage charges)
- Control over all file permissions
- Multiple DNS for same account (current host lets me have 5 domains hosted per account. Can pay minimal fee for more)
- Control Panel for Web Administration
- Low Setup Fee
- 30gigs per month bandwidth
- Phone Support + Online Help Tickets
- Cost Efficient
- Unlimited Email Accounts (or a high number)
- Web Based Email
- Email Forwarding, Auto Responders, etc
- Server Side Includes

Thats the basics of what I am looking for.

I DO NOT want a dedicated server.

I am looking for opinions from people whom use this set of technologies with their current hosts.

Thanks a million!
-D.C. (Xylem)

[dvduval]

On first glance, it looks like you want to receive a great number of services, yet pay very little. It also appears you are asking for 2 hosts: one for windows(asp.net and mssql) and one for linux (php and mysql). Yes, php and mysql will run on windows, but not as good as linux.

Unfortunately, WebmasterWorld frowns on posting links to other sites, and hosting is one area that people love to advertise.

[BlueSky]

I think small hosts which are relatively new tend to have much better service than larger more established ones. Afterall, they're trying to cultivate a customer base in an over-saturated market. So, they often bend over backwards. As the smaller ones grow, their service usually gets less personal.

I think the poor service you've seen plagues the entire industry. Help desk is not a very luxurious position and not high paying either. It's a thankless job where the person is constantly dealing with problems and complaints. Many techs are inexperienced and use it as a learning ground while others do it as a part-time job. Just as they become pretty proficient, many will move on to better positions or open their own hosting companies. Some are even run or manned by very young teenagers who are just cutting their teeth in the business world.

Anyway, I recommend you do a search on like "webhosting" and look for forums where hosting companies hang out. Post your requirements and see who offers you a good deal. Then do a search on the net and visit their forums to see what kind of reputation they have. It doesn't take much effort to find out if they have a bad one.

[Xylem]

If anyone wants to sticky mail me their recommendations, that would be great.

I neglected to think about the Spam potential this thread could cause.

Thanks :)

[percentages]

>Phone Support

Phone support and low cost are very hard to find.

If you are prepared to live without phone support you shouldn't have too many problems with your other requirements :)

The problem with phone support is that hosting companies can't seperate out the rookies from the experienced webmasters and therefore the cost of offering good phone support services always drives the price way up.

What is the ballpark price you are looking to pay for these services?

[Xylem]

40 bucks a month or less.

I can live without phone support.

I have found a couple hosts that look good so far. However, after being burned several times, I am going the extra mile to find a reputable host.

One in particular fits the prerequisites so far.

I tend (this time around) to lean towards this particular host due to its longevity. Its been around since 1996. Thats comforting.

I am also seeking total control over my online presence. I want as much control as I can get my hands on. I dont want to have to bother some tech to do things I am capable of doing myself at a much faster rate.

Thanks for any help.

[dvduval]

And of course...there is a link to a host at the bottom of this page! I use WestHost. They did an upgrade a few months ago that led to some problems, but they seem to be doing great now.