Hosting on IP? Is it required for good SE ranking?

Would virtual hosting effect SE ranking?

[tcman]

I host my domains on a virtual server. Its a name-based hosting system.

Is it that critical to host on a dedicated IP address for good SE ranking?

Does each domain really need its own IP for best SE ranking?

[Chris_R]

Googleguy has all but said unless you are CasinoPorno Hitler they will not ban your IP, but AltaVista has said the opposite.

Depends on the SE. Google could care les 99.99999% of the time, but you'll be lucky if inktomi and AV don't penalize you for having a number in common. They can't give good results by algo - so they resort to banning everyone and their mother's uncle - and tons of innocent people get caught up in it.