I am taking on more clients and want to outsource all email to an established company so I can focus on what I do best. What are some excellent companies with great customer service for this service?
Alright, I do not know why but all my technicians who I had hand picked right here from WHT started to leave one by one. I definitely do not think its due to price or work-load cause ALL of them first worked as staff on our help desk for a week and then fixed price themselves. I did no barging at all ~ so I suppose it was a personal problem.
I'll never forgive myself for this, but I took someone's advise and thought to give a shot at outsourcing technical support. I went up to this company called "OnLiveGlobal" - they are all Indians and thats what I needed exactly cause 50% of my customer base are Indians; I assumed I had a perfect match. And was just dreaming of all the money I could save in the process...
First Day - excellent work; all support tickets are being answered within 20 mins and resolved withing an hour - WOW!
Second Day Now comes t - excellent work; all support tickets are being answered within 20 mins and resolved withing an hour - WOW!
Third Day Ticket is open 2 hours... 3 hours... I reply and resolve it eventually. A few more tickets are opened in the process and I resolve all of them.
Then I ask for a refund on the 4th day of the service (doesn't their website say 7 days money back?) just due to the lack of service (forget satisfaction for now ). The guy named 'Sooraj' says I'll be refunded in 24-48 hours; alright I'm cool.
48 hours passes by, nothing done. I check MSN, no one is online! All the reps have probably blocked my address and/or deleted me completely of their contact list. So I find this user "onliveglobal" on WHT and PM him and ask him for some help regarding the refund. No continuous response - I fill a dispute in PayPal and now you guys have to read this... its hilarious:
I have censored and clipped a lot of personal information in the quotes below.
... We did get start working on their services as per our SLA. We did work on their Helpdesk and resolved tickets ABC-123456, XYZ-123456, PQR-123456, ABC-123456, XYZ-123456 and many others which are unlogged for over 2 to 3 weeks from Jan 03 and after nearly one month of using our services, the buyer claims saying he is not satisfied. ...
After reading this; instead of getting upset or whatever, I was just laughing for a full minute.
I am sure many of you will state that out-sourcing is wrong from the bottom, right and I couldn't agree any less - I wont do that mistake again (and wont dream of saving loads of $$$). I have already picked a few techs again and all good and going now
If the OnLiveGlobal representative even replies to this thread and tries to prove a point, I least care. Who ever reads this is gonna have a laugh and thats what I care now...
Just after that incident I did come across a few other companies; ThinkSupport, TouchSupport, BobCares, etc and heard that their near to perfect. I haven't lost complete faith over the outsourcing phenomena but lets see if I choose to outsource later on for something else...
I have a few servers that host my sites, but managing the mail servers has been a pain. The configuration files are arcane and sometimes I just can't figure out why a mail doesn't show up for half an hour or more.
I looked at FuseMail but read recent reviews of them having delayed delivery and account throttling issues... so I ruled that out.
MailTrust looks clean so far, and I can do $30 per month for 10 mailboxes.
I use my dedicated server to host my own large site and web forum, and I want to stop hosting my own email server so I don't have to manage it. I want to use Google Apps for Your Domain to manage my email, pointing my MX records to Google. However, I am not clear on how this will effect PHP scripts sending email on my server. My vBulletin installation sends 1,000+ email notifications every day, which far exceeds Google's 500/day sending limit, so I obviously can't use their SMTP servers. If I'm sending mail from my own server via PHP, though, and my MX records point to Google's, how can vBulletin send an email from an address at my domain? I've been reading up on how email works, but I just can't seem to figure out how this works...
I'm looking for a dedicated hosting server to store more than 800GB in video. This video will not be played back, this place is just to store and where people can download.
As far as I can tell my only solutions is dedicated, but if anyone can offer me a better solution please let me know. Before I had this videos on different servers but the company does not allow me to keep them for storage.
I need to know the top 3 hosting companies in the US, and why you like them.
I like aplus.net but after doing some research I found out that this company is a nightmare.
Please, I need help really fast! Thank you all in advanced for your suggestions.
I'm with burstnet and they're pretty good, however I do have some downtime and that's really my main issue. I need my sites to be online 24/7, or as close to that as possible.
I have a budget of around $80 per month, which isn't much, but I don't need any top of the range server, I'd love to go with singlehop, they look amazing, but their pricing is out of my range.
Can anybody recommend any good companies, with good uptime and a reasonable support team? It would be brilliant if they had some sort of remote reboot facility, as waiting for the company support team to reboot can be a pain...
I don't need much, the server is just to host my person websites, project ideas etc. I need around 1TB bandwidth, 100GB diskspace maybe... I could probably manage on shared hosting right now, however I need the freedom of my own dedicated. I've had a bad experience with VPSs before, so they're out of the question.
I've searched, but burst seems to be my only option, which is disappointing.
Requirements: <$80 P/M ~100GB Disk space ~1TB bandwidth ~10 IPs.
After several issues with our shared hosting provider, I have decided to recommend we move our site to a VPS solution.
We are a video/media production house and although our actual site does not demand many cpu/memory resources, we have a huge need for ample disk space and FAST data transfers up and down.
We are constantly uploading video files for client approval, receiving files from animators/designers/etc., delivering files to clients, etc. and need FAST and RELIABLE hosting to accomplish this.
I may end up using a content management system for the site itself, probably Drupal, but our actual web content is minimal. Most of our traffic takes place behind the scenes as data transfer.
I simply don't have the bandwith onsite to run my own server, so I would like to try the VPS route. I don't think we have money to budget for a dedicated server.
One last question. Do any VPS solutions offer a media streaming server for Flash streaming?
I have a 1u server that I'm looking to colo. I looked around the forums but I can't seem to find exactly what I need.
I'd prefer if the hosting company was large, owned its own datacenter (as opposed to leasing), offered proactive (automated) monitoring services, remote reboot, and a superb network with little or no downtime.
I like liquidweb but it looks like they only have 500gb / month up and down or a dedicated line capped at 10mbps line. I need something in between, around 1000GB / month up and down with 100mbps port. Support doesn't really matter, nor does price.
I'm having some trouble finding a hosting company that will let me send out bulk mail to my single opt-in (and CAN-SPAM compliant) list of 500,000+ subscribers.
Could anyone here recommend a hosting company that would be able to handle that? I put in a request through WHT's quote request form, but haven't gotten any replies to my query.
I know that there must be a host out there who is willing to let me do it, I just need to find it...
BTW, the list is scrubbed, and I will make every attempt to keep the IP's 100% clean, as I have a vested interest in making sure that my deliverability is high, so it's not like I'm going to "spam and run"...
I have the dev machine and will need a database server and a web server (I may also want a middleware server but am undecided as of yet).
I will be using Akamai for video.
I am trying to decide about using a hosted facility or not during development (probably a few months or so). Ultimately, the site will wind up at one due to support, back-up, load handling, etc. But, for now, I am wondering if it is the way to go?
I have looked at Dell's site. As I see it:
1) option one is to buy a 24U rack and 2 pizza-box style servers. Put it in my home for pre-release development then, when I am ready, move it to a hosted facility.
2) Option two is to rent server space at a hosted facility and upload changes accordingly.
The issues for me are - good hosted facilities are expensive and many of them don't allow remote desktop to a server. On the flip side, I have found that some larger hosted facilities (where the site will ultimately end up) won't allow me to bring my own hardware. So, once I buy the Dell gear, it will be pretty much useless once the site goes to the hosted facility.
Regardless, I am leaning towards buying a rack and a few servers and having that level of control over my hardware during development. Its an expensive initial investment but I feel like it will save me money and headaches down the road? I'd be very interested in experienced advice along these lines.
The domain I want to use for email is now linked to my Hostgator account. But I'm interested to have a look at other solutions that have a better or a more user friendly way of managing email, I want to be able to make variations, e.g. news@domain.com, spam@domain.com etc...and it would also be a big plus if I could view them all in their own respective folders using only one login.
A while ago when ajax was still new I saw an email provider that provided a completely ajaxianed interface. I can't remember what it's called but I'd like to have a look at it again so if someone knows what I'm talking about...
I recently moved our e-mail from our dedicated server to now being handled through Google Apps premier.
I changed the MX records with our DNS provider, and have them now pointing at the Google mail servers. Thus, any mail sent to our e-mail addresses are now properly routed to the Google servers.
HOWEVER, if people use the 'contact us' form on our website, those e-mails still get routed to the old e-mails system, hosted on the machine itself.
Is there a DNS cache on this machine, telling it to send the e-mails to itself?
Or, is this just something we can't fix, since the machine doesn't look to outside DNS, since it's trying to send mail to the domain it hosts?
I forgot to mention this is on CentOS 4.4, running WHM as well,
Does anyone here have any experience outsourcing server management? I've setup and run my own Linux server and configured my own database and PHP and Apache but I just don't have the time to keep everything running, backed-up and updated.
I'd love to have someone who I could just send jobs to, such as upgrading to PHP 5.2.2 or figuring out why Postgres doesn't start up correctly or why the logs aren't getting rotated automatically anymore or making sure the backups are happening or recovering from a hard disk failure, etc. I'm sure I could figure all this out (maybe on the second or third tries too), but I just don't have the time or the expertise these days.
I know this is the Web Hosting Forums; but I'm hoping you guys can help me out with a related problem:
I am looking for a good, high quality email host. My wishes/requirements:
- IMAP [required] - SSL encryption [required] - Good, server-side filtering/sorting [required] - Procmail/Sieve [both pluses] - Hosting on an OSS stack [a plus] - No bandwidth limits [1] - No message transfer limits [2]
[1] I have 350-400 Mb of email stored at the moment, and I take backups. I hear good things about Fastmail; but I fear their bandwidth limits wouldn't cut it, even at the Enhanced plan (three backups, and it'd be done, basically).
[2] I am not referring to attachment/message size limits. I mean caps on how many messages I send or receive in a given timeframe. If the limits are really high (in this, Fastmail is fine), then I don't mind. But I've seen some hosts that have pretty low ones. Subscribe to a couple mailing lists and...poof.
I currently am running an email server on a VPS (Postfix/Dovecot/Procmail). But if anyone has any suggestions, I'd really like to hear them.
I'd like to start an ongoing thread here listing the 'Good Hosters with Good TELEPHONE tech support'. In other words, out of the 1,000s of host companies, this may cut it down to less than a dozen.
( And for all you Hosters out there who really want your company to grow, and want to know how, - it's easy: just read here.)
Good telephone support is the #1 ultimate requirement, because:
-It's a lot faster and easier for both the user and the host company, because you can state and answer all questions and clarifications on the spot, you don't need to continually pass new emails with new questions and clarifications, back and forth for days on end, until the issue is solved. It saves tech time and user's time. And saves a lot of nerves.
- It's the best way to sort the good guys from the bad. A bad company isn't going to bother to answer the phone, - or will make you wait way too long, - because they are likely getting endless complaints. The good guys are always ready to answer the phones, with a friendly voice, - because they really WANT to please the customer.
- If a company can't be bothered to pick up the phone, we can't be bothered to even consider them. They're a joke, and so won't be listed here on this thread. (So, before adding or listing any Hosters here, please verfify that they do have Good, quick, friendly, telephone support,; ideally 24/7, but 9am to 10pm might be acceptable, if it was supplemented by some emergency contact. AND:
- Hoster ALSO needs good EMAIL support (and preferably, Chat online, extended hour availability). (I spend a lot of time overseas). It sems all emails should get a non-automated response within about an hour, - and then support should jump on fixing any problem.
I only need support a few times a year. To answer some questions, or fix a problem, or do an install. That's lesss than 1 hour total, so any company paying maybe $18/hour tech support should be able to handle this. It IS reasonable to charge a custm for extended calls, beyond say, 90minutes a year, IF you don't count the 80%? Of times an issue is the Hoster;s fault of stmg gone wrong, and don't count the 'hold' times.
ALSO IMPORTANT: - Uptime - site Speeds - Monthly plans, no contract (Only a dishonest host will try to force you into a contract, where they can then ignore you.) - Reasonable price. (? Maybe $12 to $18/month for a basic business site. We don't need massive bandwitdths, - we all know that's an overselling scam, and can't ever be delivered.) - a good upgrade plan of bigger options. Maybe even VPS. - Dedicated IP, and availbility of SSL -PHP 5, mysql, phpMyAdmin, etc - cPanel ( Some Hosts are using problematic panels, like Hsphere, which are slow to load, slow in operation, require many more clicks, have too many options, spread apart on many separate pages. Time is money, and this really slows down the ability of a small business to manage his own site in effective time. For example, one WHT user wrote somewhere: "I don't feel that HSphere's interface is nice at all, although I have worked with cPanel and DA all my life... I just found it to include un-necessary features or split features up in to different hard to find pages, such as backups - mysql backups you had to find on a completely different page than file backups, and then there were options to have it in the home directory or server-end backup, in which then you had to wait a good 10 minutes before it was ready. cPanel, just hit backup and hit download and instantly it does everything you need...".
I have used several hosters. Currently on Aplus.net and Godad, which have phone support, and mediocre service.
My LIST So Far: - Liquidweb: a very impressive company with good, 24 hour support. But to get dedicated IP, you need to go with their $25/month plan. Yikes! - NewIdeaHosting.com. A very small company. My call was returned, and the owner chatted with me for an hour on the phone! Plans have small bandwidth, but promises No overselling, and personalized attention. Extra $5 for dedi IP. He specializes in Small business sites, and small eCommerce sites. He has only 250 accounts, on 3 servers. He rents servers from the Equinox data center of Chicago. Seems exceptionaly honest. - MegaHosters. Excellent phone support and WHT reviews. But company was taken over by another company, and so may well go downhill in future. Another problem: uses Hsphere. - Steadfast. Has a good rep on WHT, and seems impressive. Tech answered the phone immediately, but they say they prefer emails. Sales phone has limited hours. Good price on $20 SSL. But, uses Hshhere. - JodoHost 24 hour phone. But, uses Hsphere. An Indian company with office in Florida, and good rep. I like the idea of outsourcing phone support, if it makes it more available and affordable. But, the accent on the phone was very hard for me to understand, so maybe this might not work..... - Hostgator. Yes, it's a big overseller, but seems to get good reviews/results anyway, and good phone support. - ? ThePrimeHost ?? Mostly good WHT reviews; some dissenters. Site says 24hour phone, but when I called on several nights, no one ever answered... - Can anyone add to this list? Please list only hosts that meet the above minimum requirements of phone support, etc. Especially useful is hosters you've tried. TO AVOID: - Avoid Arvixe. I had a horrid experience with them, here: [WHT forum]:/showthread.php?p=5097822#post5097822 - Avoid WebHostingBuzz. This company never returned my phone msessage inquiries.
I'm planning to launch an e-commerce website for photo and gift printing. I went on Google and found a few websites having Top 10 web hosting companies information. I am really confuse which one is the best for my website.
I'm not sure how many users and traffic the website will get and don't want to pay extra $$$s for VPS or dedicated servers
I am working on building another hosting companies which I will be hosting VPSs as well.
I am asking this from a customers opion.
with each plan should it be an = shared amount of the processor or should each person have a dedicated amount? For example say you got duel quadcore processors running 3ghz which would = like 24ghz total correct? Say you have 16 VPS on 1 server each getting roughly 1.5Ghz.
Ive done a few whois searches on some of our competitors websites. In the registrar details it has our competitors name as the Registrar and as the nameservers. How can we do this? so for example if someone did a whois on our clients websites, they would see something like this:
Registrar: OurCompany Ltd [Tag = OurCompany]
Name servers: ns1.OurCompany.co.uk ns2.OurCompany.co.uk
Do we need our own nameservers and dedicated server? We've just bought an account with openSRS so we buy our domains through them (if that makes a difference).