Becomming a webhost - your questions

Hey

I'm in the middle of writing about starting up a webhost, just a little article for people to read and get a real idea of what is required, I'm sure a few will agree it's not just as easy as it looks, and not the easy way to make some money. It requires time and investment, and can take a while before you see any return.

So, what sort of things would you like to know? If I don't hear many comments I won't bother publishing the article here, as that's a sure sign of no interest but if you are interested in reading something like this, let me know what you'd like to know on starting up a hosting business.

Look forward to your questions and I'll make sure i answer as many of your questions in the article as possible.



Regards

I know what I wouldn't like to see. Don't make it a how-to guide. Otherwise we'll see another group of startups. But just make it sort of personal, and make it pretty detailed about all of the troubles you went through. Almost like an autobiography about the business you made. Make sense?

Originally Posted by JamesH I know what I wouldn't like to see. Don't make it a how-to guide. Otherwise we'll see another group of startups.

Exactly.

Question though...
How much knowledge of server management is required?
Do you need to know how to use SSH well, etc?

I'm not interested in starting a 'host. It's just something I'd like to know.

Originally Posted by Indy Exactly. Question though... How much knowledge of server management is required? Do you need to know how to use SSH well, etc? I'm not interested in starting a 'host. It's just something I'd like to know.

You don't need any knowledge in server management, it just depends on personal preference. If you want to save money then learn how to manage the server, if not just pay a little extra for management. Well, WHM covers everything but there are some advantages of SSH that you can't do in WHM.

Sorry to intrude Jamie.

It really depends on what your role will be. Will you pay people to manage the server for you, or will you manage the server, support, billing, everything? If so, you'll need to know EVERYTHING.

Originally Posted by .amaZe You don't need any knowledge in server management, it just depends on personal preference. If you want to save money then learn how to manage the server, if not just pay a little extra for management. Well, WHM covers everything but there are some advantages of SSH that you can't do in WHM. Sorry to intrude Jamie.

Why would anyone want to host with someone who doesn't even know how to manage a server?

Originally Posted by Skribblez Why would anyone want to host with someone who doesn't even know how to manage a server?

Pretty sure 90% of the hosts don't know how to manage their own servers, so they buy management (which is why selling management is so popular and a HUGE money earner).

Scribblez, paying for management is popular. Not a lot of people choose to manage their own, most of the time it's probably just because it will save the company some time not having to worry about something.

Anyways, the e-book is coming along well, I've written the first few pages and really going into detail shortly about how hard it can be at times.

This book is not to encourage your average Joe to start up willy nilly to make some extra cash, it's going to show the benefits and the drawbacks of proceeding in the hosting industry.

The e-book will be published on www.businessnorthumbria.com once it is complete.

I would like to know the costs of setting up and running, how much time your going to need to put in, what type of laws that you need to look into, what TOS you need to have etc.

I've scrapped the idea of writing an EBook. I'll be submitting what I've written in a simplified version to my blog and also pitch it to another blog for hosting that helps people in hosting.

Regards