Hi,

I've really become interested in becoming a web host as a business BUT my idea on what hardware and software are needed are pretty much vague and cloudy up to now. I've read and heard so many different versions of what can be done so I'm a little (a little??) bit lost.

So far the answers have ranged from using my home pc to literally building a nuclear bunker. Ok, both are feasible but I'd like to start good. Like, I'd rather spend an extra buck and be good than have a shoestring and tape affair. I'm asking here as locally people really just want to sell and the heck with what the buyer wants it for.

Thanks in advance.
Oh, and a merry xmas and new year folks.

Kiggen, I'm not really sure what you were asking for. Are you looking for a reseller account?

Humm,
Well I would suggest you shop around for a nice reseller account and start that way *first*
This way you are only out so much per month for your reseller acct., and then your client accounts.
There are tons of good reseller plans, and also some will sell in bulk.
Build up a few clients and then look at getting a dedicated server somewhere in a good NOC.
There may be some good offers in the offers forum here, so check that out

Thanks folks. Sorry I wasn't specific about my needs and requests. What I was looking for (and still am) was a solution as to how to start hosting sites. I'm a dab hand at installing networks and turning tricks with hardware but I'm still soft on the internet. I wanted to find a way to be able to find decent solutions for local (Maltese) clients without it costing an arm and a leg. Believe it or not, almost all the local web hosts are on adsl or cable....

Looking around (pretty much in depth)(and in debt to you) it seems that I'd best find a good overseas host and become a reseller to start with then hopefully move on to leasing dedicated servers.

Again, thanks folks for the info and for taking the time to answer me.

Jiggy.

If your looking to host the sites inhouse download redhat 8.0 and install it as a server. Everything will be done for you. If your looking for a ousourcing idea I can suggest you find a reseller package.

**mod edit** NO self promotion allowed
Final warning! You can post one ad per week in the OFFERS forum only!

**mod edit** Final warning. You will be banned.

Yes - outsource the whole thing - find yourself a turnkey reseller program at least for your first few hundred customers. There are so many great reseller programs out there these days I could not imagine buying hardware, upfitting software, etc.

Then you can just focus on the sales and marketing.

A reseller program looks like it will be best for you. When starting out I will tell you there is allot of work and time that needs to e dedicated to keep your servers running and the customers coming. I would try to find a chaep and relaible provider of reseller plans.

The first thing I would do these days is to put up my own website if you don't already have one.

We got started (as designers) by signing up with a host that allowed us to have more than 1 domain. We put clients under us on the same account.

We then went to a reseller plan and from there our own servers.

It takes alot of work but it's worth it!