Need some email/colo service -- recommedations?

[kno at jtan.com]

On Mon, Mar 01, 2004 at 08:31:01PM -0500, Johannes B. Ullrich wrote:
> 
> > ISP -- connection to internet.
> 
> are all 6 people in one location (one office)? If so, look at
> some of the business DSL lines. 
> 
> > Email 
> > Storage for offsite backup.  40 gigs would last a long time.
> > Maybe space for a web site. 
> 
> If you are on a bare-bones budget: I have had so far good experience
> with Valueweb.com dedicated server ($60/Month... 60 GByte disk...).
> The machines are very basic (Athlon Duron CPUs and the like), but
> will probably work well for you. 


Speaking of bare-bone budgets, there are some darn cheap UMLs out
there that you could use for such services.

http://www.redwoodvirtual.com

They are like a colo server in the sense that you get root access.


> However, this will require that you administer the machine yourself.
> I would recommend a dedicated machine vs. a shared system just due
> to security (in particular given the Valueweb pricing).
> 
> > Ideally, I'm looking for all this in one package -- an ISP who will
> > lease us a relatively small machine, at his site, with eg a 40 G
> > drive, who will provide and administer a few email accounts.
> > Locally, we'd use a web-based or POP interface (Outlook Express? <gag cough>)
> 
> Another option: With most business DSL lines, you get some basic
> e-mail and web space (however, usually much less then 40 GByte).
> 
> > I understand the ISP provider and the other services can be separated
> > but the fewer people to deal with, the better so my first choice is to combine them.
> > 
> > My goal is to not have to concern myself with this stuff -- 
> > that the ISP or co-lo provider manages the system.  I'll have plenty 
> > else to do.
> 
> sound attitude. Talk to your linux people ans see if they feel
> up to managing a server. One caveat: Don't have them talk you into
> hosting Web/E-mail in house. Bandwidth is expensive if you buy it
> "retail". Colocation bandwidth is much cheaper, usually easily making up
> for the hardware cost and 'rent'. In additions, while it may
> cost you, its easier to call up a Colo facility at 2 am in the moring
> to reboot/fix a server vs. having to drive into the office.
> 
> (expensive: $250 for a decent SDSL line, $1,000 for a T1 with 
> local loop charge...)