Hi Everyone.
I currently run a fast growing free hosting service under the name IsMyWebsite. Presently there are over 2000 registered users on the website and approximately 100 new ones joining every day.
While success is great, the load it is putting on the present server is not. When I first started, I formed a partnership with EvenHosting where they would provide the server and I would do everything else. The service caught on immediately and many of our first clients are still hosting with us 7 months later.
EvenHosting was a great host when I joined. The admin was very nice and we were able to work out the details quickly. But then a number of complications arose:
And thus, the options are either to remove clients or to find a new partner. As much as I don't want to upset EvenHosting, I also don't want to upset hundreds of people who will have to face rejection. And so, the decision is made.
I am looking for a new partner with a good quality server capable of hosting thousands of clients. I would like good uptime. I would like good security. I would prefer PHP 5. I must have WHM and CPanel - and really would like to create automated accounts. Two types of partners would work best:
1) A free host with similar values and goals. This would function as a sort of merger, and we would work together for the goals of both hosts. The user would be offered their choice of subdomain. Profits (above the cost of server maintenance and upgrades) would likely be split.
2) A paid host that would offer this mainly for their own fame. Profits would be split, and all clients who are ready to advance to paid hosting would be directed their way.
I will be deciding the partner based on:
Please indicate interest by PM. Post any questions below.
I currently run a fast growing free hosting service under the name IsMyWebsite. Presently there are over 2000 registered users on the website and approximately 100 new ones joining every day.
While success is great, the load it is putting on the present server is not. When I first started, I formed a partnership with EvenHosting where they would provide the server and I would do everything else. The service caught on immediately and many of our first clients are still hosting with us 7 months later.
EvenHosting was a great host when I joined. The admin was very nice and we were able to work out the details quickly. But then a number of complications arose:
- We could not get an automated script to create new WHM accounts, even though I tried about 5 different scripts there were permission denied errors. I would imagine this is probably related to the default chmod settings, which never got resolved. Thus I had to (and still have to) manually validate all clients.
- I could not use the PHP mail() function on the server so in order to send automated emails I had to route the system through another server. This is starting to present difficulties because the send limit for the other server is 1000 emails.
- The server I was placed had an uptime I would consider less-than-acceptable. Thus, much embarrassment has been caused when the server is down and I have no explanation. The server I was placed on was already shared with hundreds of other clients.
- One of our clients is able to use scripting tools to access the MySQL database and make himself a forum admin. EvenHosting's response was to terminate his account without addressing the problem. (Or if the problem was addressed, I didn't receive any notification.)
- There is a 'compatibility issue' with upgrading to PHP 5. This presents a disadvantage when appealing to new clients, and many clients are unable to use the service for this reason.
- The Fantastico has old scripts with known vulnerabilities. A hacker has used them to gain access and modify index files for a few client websites. The changes were restored from backups.
- The average time for receiving replies has gone from a few hours to 2 weeks! I have noticed on the internet, some negative reviews appearing about their service. They were not prepared for growth.
- The server is now over 96% full. The memory usage regularly exceeds the acceptable level. Instead of green lights on the status, I am increasingly seeing more red.
- EvenHosting was originally considering a deal where TLDs would be available for the base price of $6.50 - but they have since decided against that. I will have to pay the full price.
- They presented me data on the price of a new server with a number of possibilities. The only deal my contacts said was good was the most expensive for $299/mo - and still servers can be found for cheaper. There is no way I can afford that expense presently, and if I was to consider it I would need to make sure I could afford it for at least a year.
And thus, the options are either to remove clients or to find a new partner. As much as I don't want to upset EvenHosting, I also don't want to upset hundreds of people who will have to face rejection. And so, the decision is made.
I am looking for a new partner with a good quality server capable of hosting thousands of clients. I would like good uptime. I would like good security. I would prefer PHP 5. I must have WHM and CPanel - and really would like to create automated accounts. Two types of partners would work best:
1) A free host with similar values and goals. This would function as a sort of merger, and we would work together for the goals of both hosts. The user would be offered their choice of subdomain. Profits (above the cost of server maintenance and upgrades) would likely be split.
2) A paid host that would offer this mainly for their own fame. Profits would be split, and all clients who are ready to advance to paid hosting would be directed their way.
I will be deciding the partner based on:
- Server Specs
- Personality
- Availability (MSN Prefered)
- Previous Track Record
- Goals
- Values
- Website Features
Please indicate interest by PM. Post any questions below.
