When to move to VPS or Dedicated Server

[GuitarsCanada]

I need some advice on what direction to move my forum. I have had two different hosts in the last 3 years and now running into trouble again with load times. He claims I am on a VPS currently however I question that.

But when is it time to make this move to a more expensive server? My growth is steady but not insane. We gain on average 4-5 new members per day. Average around 5000 visitors (unique) per day. Currently 8400 members but around say 20% max active.

Current provider says we have 1GB RAM and that is the issue. Recommends 3GB minimum. All the rest of the parameters are OK in terms of size, space etc. Load times are getting worse. I want to do the best I can for my members but I want to do this one more time and not every 2 years. If I have to spend the money I will but I need to know what is required and not be sold a bunch of stuff that is not required.

Any experience from other owners would be appreciated.

[Trevor Hannant]

Who are you with? And what package do you have with them? I'd certainly look at moving to something with more RAM as soon as possible

[GuitarsCanada]

Who are you with? And what package do you have with them? I'd certainly look at moving to something with more RAM as soon as possible

Currently with a small outfit owned by one of my members. He rents space down in the states.

[CK]

Why don't you move to cloud based shared, I've recently made the switch and the performance gain is unbelievably noticeable. Should work out cheaper than VPS too. Is there any reason you specifically need vps?

[GuitarsCanada]

Why don't you move to cloud based shared, I've recently made the switch and the performance gain is unbelievably noticeable. Should work out cheaper than VPS too. Is there any reason you specifically need vps?

No reason for VPS specifically. I am just looking for the right "medium to long term" solution here. I am getting tired of having to address this every year or two. I need people that know what I have and know how to handle it.

[CK]

No reason for VPS specifically. I am just looking for the right "medium to long term" solution here. I am getting tired of having to address this every year or two. I need people that know what I have and know how to handle it.

Go contact Vidahost.com I always use sales@ or support@, you'll either get Dom, Seb or Darren they're all really friendly. If you're in the UK give them a call as It's free phone and listed on the website. I've been with them 3 years now, they'll give you honest advice about what they can offer that's best for you. Tell them CK sent you their way.

[Shamil.]

Where are most of your users located?

[GuitarsCanada]

Where are most of your users located?

90% of the members are in Canada. We do get visitors from all over the world, mainly the states.

[Dirt Bike Addict]

Like CK suggested, I'd look into a dynamic/cloud server solution, especially if you're still growing. We use a Dynamic Cloud server from 1&1 Internet and it's as easy as logging into their adminCP and adding (or removing) more RAM, processor cores, and/or hard disk space. You're files aren't changed in the process. We've already had to do it a few times.

Edit: Here's the link to the cloud server.

http://order.1and1.com/xml/order/CloudDynamicServer

[GuitarsCanada]

Like CK suggested, I'd look into a dynamic/cloud server solution, especially if you're still growing. We use a Dynamic Cloud server from 1&1 Internet and it's as easy as logging into their adminCP and adding (or removing) more RAM, processor cores, and/or hard disk space. You're files aren't changed in the process. We've already had to do it a few times.

Edit: Here's the link to the cloud server.
http://order.1and1.com/xml/order/CloudDynamicServer

Sounds good pricing wise but do you need to be an IT expert to manage it? I am pretty good with the software but know almost nothing about servers and management of them

[CK]

Sounds good pricing wise but do you need to be an IT expert to manage it? I am pretty good with the software but know almost nothing about servers and management of them

Comes with Plesk so you should be able to get your site working straight out of the box.

[GuitarsCanada]

Comes with Plesk so you should be able to get your site working straight out of the box.

Do they handle the transfer from the current provider?

[CK]

Do they handle the transfer from the current provider?

Open a support ticket with them, they might do if you ask nicely.

[Dirt Bike Addict]

Sounds good pricing wise but do you need to be an IT expert to manage it? I am pretty good with the software but know almost nothing about servers and management of them

They're un-managed (have root access), so you'll have to do everything yourself. And yes it comes with Plesk.

[CK]

If you're wanting hand holding I would strongly point you towards my first suggestion (go for Advanced Shared then once you're signed up ask to be included in the "trial testing")

See here.

http://forum.vidahost.com/index.php?threads/testers-needed.1440/