What Server Side Software is required?

For Hosting Site that emails.

[ibQuixote]

Hi,

Im getting some seemingly contradictory information from an ISP and from different developers. Im having a site built where various emails will be sent out by site visitors. I called an ISP to get hosting pricing and they said I would need a dedicated server upon which I would need to purchase server software to run the website.

A developer said they will code the site using php and mysql so the server needs to have the latest PHP 5 and Mysql 5, and also have the ability to run CRON jobs.

Another developer told me that I would never need to purchase any server software because wherever I host the site will in effect be "renting" me the software as part of my monthly service charge.

If I need to buy software, how much, about, will this cost? The site wont have a lot of traffic, do I need a dedicated server? Im a bit confused, and dont know where all this shakes out.

Many Thanks!

[ceestand]

various emails will be sent out by site visitors

Does this mean e-mail(s) will be sent out real-time while the visitor is clicking around the site? If so, the only requirement I can think of besides some sort of server technology such as ASP(.NET), PHP, is that the domain has an SMTP server. This is usually provided with managed hosting.

You don't need a dedicated server, nor do you need MySQL/CRON. However that you're getting such advice makes me think you're trying to do something more sophisticated than just send e-mail.

[raedthakur]

why make a site for users to send email,when you mentioned you are expecting very less visitors.

hmmm....somethings fishy about this
or maybe its just me ?