DISCLOSURE: HostDiscussion.com is hosted on a virtual server powered by Virtuozzo.

FUEL PRICES PUT DATA CENTER WASTE IN FOREFRONT.

So you are now paying more at the pump. You are considering a fuel efficient car, public transit, walking, and maybe even working from home. Have you considered you can also help reduce power consumption and help the environment by choosing a Virtual Environment? 

BUT I NEED A DEDICATED SERVER.

Not really, your web site can run just as well if not better in a virtualized environment. The assumption is you need more processing power, more storage, more bandwidth than you really need. Web Hosts are partially to blame. In the shared price wars, companies are over selling their services. If everyone took full advantage of all of those services provided, the Web hosts would go BROKE. They are gambling on the fact that you will not ever come close to the promised resources. And the reality is, you DON’T.

I can assure you, if just 20% of their customers fully used the promised resources, the Web Hosts would quickly change the plan offerings and put a halt to overselling.

ENTER VIRTUALIZATION TECHNOLOGY.

For those of you who don’t know, Virtualization allows a single computer to run multiple operating systems at the same time, with little loss of performance (if any).

Mac users are very familiar with VMWare Fusion or Parallels. Both allow you to run Windows or Linux or Ubuntu or any OS they choose – all from their desktop. 

Besides more efficient use of power and hardware, what are the benefits of a Virtualized Hosting environment?

VIRTUALIZED ENVIRONMENTS WORK BETTER THAN A DEDICATED SERVER.

Don’t believe me? Then why are IBM, Sun, HP, and all major corporations quickly virtualizing servers? The reasons are simple:

x Reduced Cost
x Performance Matching
x Reduction in Power Consumption
x Quick Platform Migration
x More Servers per Rack Unit
x Superior Automation tools such as Reboot /  Reloads / Repair

It’s pretty clear of the advantage virtualization brings to the table.  Cost per Rack Unit has to be the single greatest factor.

MORE PROFIT PER RACK UNIT FOR WEB HOSTS AND MAJOR CORPORATIONS Read the rest of this entry »

Las Vegas, NV / LTPACT 2008

This week I am attending LT Pact 2008 in Las Vegas. I just attended a presentation by James Staten, Principal Analyst – Forrester Research Inc. which covered cloud computing. It set my wheels in motion and actually made me think about the future of Hosting as we know it.

Before warning you about this new monster and threat to Web Hosting, I’ve been told by my good friend John P. (CMO at Layered Technologies) that there is really nothing to worry about if you are a Web host as long as you start dabbling and learning right now. Note to web hosts: Start learning about cloud computing ASAP.

If you aren’t familiar with cloud computing, here’s a brief layman’s explanation. Take a whole bunch of servers and make them work as one giant cohesive machine at a price that is cheaper than current solutions to consumers for just a single dedicated server.

Now that you know what a cloud is, how can it benefit you and your business?

Let’s pretend you run a successful online store.

Problem:  Christmas is your big sales time of the year. Last year you ran a special offer that bogged down your shared web hosting account.

Solution: Cloud Computing.

IT’S CHEAP.

Break out your credit card and head over to LayeredTechnologies.com or Amazon.com or any number of other providers offering Cloud Computing. Select your options (at LT you can get cPanel installed for a few bucks more per month) and then wait for the setup emails to arrive.

Purchasing and provisioning takes roughly a few hours from Layered Technologies. It may take longer from Amazon as I’ve no experience with them. You have now purchased a slice of a Cloud. Yes, a slice. You didn’t think you would get the whole pie for $49.95/mo did you? That slice is scalable though and you can own the entire pie if you would like. I’ll explain more below.

SETUP IS IDENTICAL TO A DEDICATED OR SHARED HOST. Read the rest of this entry »

I would like to introduce myself. This is my first official Blog that I’ve spent more than 30 seconds on (going further than TEST TEST 123 which is my normal Blog).

My name is Chris Henning and I am the founder of FindMyHost.com and HostDiscussion.com. I’ve been in the hosting business a very long time (since 1998). After my failed attempt and being the next Tiger Woods, I was offered a job at a Web Hosting company. I learned a lot while at the un-named host (Catalog.com) and have taken that to form FindMyHost and its’ various sister sites.

I look forward to meeting and talking to everyone on HostDiscussion.com. If any one is attending Hosting Con 2008 in Chicago, let us know and we will plan to meet and maybe share a drink or two.

Next week FindMyHost will be attending the third annual LT Pact hosted by Layered Technologies in Las Vegas.

If you haven’t attended one in the past its definitely worth the trip.  It’s also not too late to attend this year with applications still being accepted.  Click here for a free registration.

LT Pact last year opened the doors to the entire hosting community (previously LT customers only) and it was great to see quite a few non LT customers take part in the conference.  This year is no different and we expect to see a mini Hostingcon in the making.

One notable speaker I look forward to listening too again is Andy Schroepfer from Tier 1 Research.   His insight into our industry is spot on and talking with him away from the stage was even better.  Being able to pick his brain and get even more insight to the direction of web hosting is great.

Stay tuned for updates from LT Pact next week and if your attending stop by our booth and say hello.

I must admit, I was one of the 8+ million that got their hands on the new Firefox 3 yesterday.

I am not usually one who gets excited about a internet browser release but after I loaded the new version up and checked out the new features I was impressed.  The new version is very well polished and more importantly and what did it for me works with our Absolute NewsManager program, which previously was the only program that had me going back to IE daily.

Thanks to all who have helped develop this great browser and for those who would like to get your copy and check out the new features visit: http://en-us.www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/features/

1. Getting Started

There are several ways to use FindMyHost as your number one search for a quality web hosting company. Here is a informative guide and tips on how to get started.

To start things off , have you registered a domain name for your website? On the top right side of FindMyHost homepage you can easily search for a domain name and check to see if it is available. We recommend you purchase a domain name from an Approved Host or an ICANN accredited agency to ensure your domain name is securely purchased. ICANN Registrars are clearly listed in all report cards under the Domain Name category. Another key point to remember is that the majority of web hosting companies offer domain registration services and you will often find that a domain name is included with the purchase of web hosting.

The next step, if you have not already done so, is to make a list of services and features you require for your website. Here are a few basic requirements when making your list:

How much are you willing to pay? Web Hosting caters to everyone. There are web hosting companies that offer free hosting, budget hosting (usually under $20/mo) and higher end Virtual Private Server, Co-Location services and Dedicated Servers. There is a plan to suite all needs and knowing what you can afford will help you narrow your choices.

How much disc space will I need? Depending on the type of web site you are building, most sites don’t require much more than 10MB to build. Extra features such as photo galleries, databases, etc require more space. Always over estimate or select a company who can accommodate your expansion in the future.

How much traffic will your site receive? When starting out, this question may pose as a difficult one to figure out as you may not be aware of how popular your site will be. Always good tip of advice, always over estimate to ensure you don’t incur any additional costs.

What web hosting server should I choose? You have the choice between UNIX and Windows NT. We have compiled a compressive article on the two here that will inform you of the features that are offered between the two. The server quality are equally the same. It’s a matter of selecting the right server that will accommodate the features you have planned for the site.

2. Search Approved Hosts Report Cards

Now that we have a list of features you are looking for, you can move into searching the FindMyHost Network for Guaranteed and Approved Web Hosts. A great place to start is to enter your requirements into our Approved Host search query. You can find this search engine on every top navigation bar as well as our homepage.

Search results will only yield hosts who meet your criteria. You can review their detailed report card by clicking on ‘view complete report card’ and you can review features, server requirements, and servicesfor each web host. Don’t forget to read consumers reviews submitted by current and past customers,read the company interviesw with their CEO or Sales Director and get a general feel of the company’s offerings. If you require further information on the company, we have listed their sales email for you to send them some further questions, and you can always click on their company name and it will take you directly to their website.

3. Review Homepage listings for Special Offers

After reviewing the report cards, visit our homepage and take a look at the special offers available. Special Offer banners and Text links are positioned all over our network as well.

FindMyHost partners with companies willing to offer special deals found only on the FindMyHost Network.

To receive any of the specials, you need to click on the offers you are interested in.

Read the rest of this entry »

Each month FindMyHost, Inc. promotes the latest and greatest web hosts who have shown to exemplify quality within a particular solution in our industry.

With the release of our new Approved Host Report Card system over at WebHostReportCards.com, we are going to pass along the opportunity for consumers to nominate their web host. The web host with the most votes in a given month will receive the Editor’s Choice Award for the following month.

To nominate your web host for an award visit: http://www.webhostreportcards.com/nominatehost.aspx.

We’ve implemented the following guarantee’s on our main network in an effort to better assist consumers with their web host search and buying decision.

WE STAND BEHIND ALL WEB HOSTS WHO ADVERTISE ON OUR NETWORK:

1. We will not accept advertising in our marketplaces or on any of our network sites from a Web Host who has not passed our Approved Host program.

2. Web Hosts found to violate the Approved Host bylaws will be removed from the site.

3. Guaranteed Hosting complaints are forwarded to inside representatives at the web host in question. Should you ever need help in resolving an issue, simply fill out our easy to use form. Once verified, your request is sent directly to our inside contact.

Regards,
Richard Guzzo
FindMyHost, Inc.

If this is your first time visiting HostDiscussion.com, welcome and thank you for joining us in our Web Hosting, Web Development and Industry News community.  If your a avid reader or participant in our community, you’ll see we’ve made some exciting changes.

Here are some of the recent changes we’ve made to better help the Web Hosting community:

1. New Design

2. Improved Categories and topics so we can better assist those who are searching and reviewing web hosts.you’ve visited our community in the past, you would’ve agreed with me that it needed some help with the design.  The FindMyHost Network has always tried to be different from the rest and were excited to bring this new design to

3. Community Blog – All members have the ability to take part and post their thoughts on our wonderful industry.

4. Opportunities for Web Hosts to showcase their services (Increased Special Offers categories, banner visibility and textual listings available).

Feel free to drop us a line anytime with your feedback or suggestions, we are always looking at ways to better serve our active members and we hope you enjoy the new design and features.

Regards,
Richard Guzzo
FindMyHost, Inc.

We are often asked by consumers, what should I look for when selecting a web host? They are often in luck, because FindMyHost, Inc. and its network launched back in January 2000 with its revolutionary web host ‘Approved Host’ testing program. You ask, what is this testing program? Well, in simple terms we take the leg work out of consumers search and worries if the web host is going to meet their expectations. That’s right, we play consumer and sign up for an account, go through all the normal steps you would and ensure what they promote meet a high standard within our industry. If a web host promotes 24×7 support, were on the phone at 3am.

The number one concern when testing a web hosting company is are they a viable business that can sustain the ups and downs of our industry and provide you with a quality product and service for years to come. You may ask, what does that mean? Well we’ve tested thousands of companies over the past eight years and seen our fair share of fly by companies (up one day down the next). As a consumer, this can be difficult to spot but our testing program is design to avoid these pitfalls.

With that in mind, be sure to search our network when selecting a web host and feel free to contact us at anytime if you have any questions.

For a full list of testing features we cover visit: http://www.findmyhost.com/how_we_test.asp.

Regards,
Richard Guzzo
FindMyHost, Inc.