Considering a new dedicated server plan

[TheSickBoy]

I'm currently on the Linux Basic dedicated server plan, and we've outgrown the RAM and CPU (and upgrading the RAM puts us close enough to the Standard plan in terms of cost that it may as well be a true package upgrade). I'm considering moving to the Linux Standard plan, but some of my staff members are pushing for a move to GoDaddy because it's cheaper.

Now, I love HostGator and have been a customer for quite some time now on both shared and dedicated packages, and I really don't want to leave. We're trying to cut costs as much as possible, however, and that's the only reason I'm even toying with the idea.

From what I can gather,

- HostGator is superior to the comparable package at GoDaddy in CPU. GoDaddy has more HD space, but that's not a concern for us. Otherwise the packages are very similar.

- It seems like HostGator's support (and more specifically: what you end up paying for it) is far superior to GoDaddy's nickel-and-dime-you-to-death rates. I've also always felt like HostGator's support is that of a mom-and-pop shop (a good thing), opposed to a nameless corporation with a bajillion customers that get ignored and/or lost in the shuffle.

- I'm under the impression that HostGator would be able to assist in moving our content over (please correct me if I'm wrong) to the new package, as was the case when we went from shared->dedicated. GoDaddy has no option for moving from one host to another, from what I can tell.

- HostGator's ToS is much more in sync with what we want to have the freedom to do, whereas GoDaddy is pretty dang restrictive. We're a community site, and I don't want to be in a constant state of fear that something relatively harmless getting posted will get our hosting shut down.

- HostGator has CPanel without it being a $X/month extra. It may be included in the price, but it doesn't make me weep about having to click a button with a big, fat dollar amount per month next to it for the software.

- GoDaddy has a weird backup addon cost, even if it's still done by me or my staff.

So my question is basically: what other reasons are there that I should stay with HostGator? I've got to have plenty of ammunition to make my case to fellow staff members (some of which are GoDaddy diehards ), as well as convince myself that the cost increase per month would be more tolerable than constant fees for things that, with HostGator, would be free or at least minimal.

[EarlyOut]

One more piece: GoDaddy is currently looking for a buyer for its business, so the future is murky, at best.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB1000...733196856.html

[quietFinn]

...some of my staff members are pushing for a move to GoDaddy because it's cheaper.

oh well... maybe you should fire those staff members, and get something cheaper...

[GatorSteveN]

Yes, we can move your data over for you for free within the first 30 days.

Most people use the secondary drive for backups.

I found some reviews online when doing a search. Here's one you can check out or feel free to find some on your own if want to be more neutral.

http://www.thewebhostinghero.com/com...s-godaddy.html

Also, not sure if I am suppose to say anything about this but since the Planet merged with Softlayer we have been getting dedis that have better specs than what is listed on our site.

Hope this helps...

[TheSickBoy]

Originally Posted by EarlyOut

One more piece: GoDaddy is currently looking for a buyer for its business, so the future is murky, at best.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB1000...733196856.html

Thanks for the heads up. I hadn't heard about that and it definitely adds to my decision, as I don't like swapping companies in those situations (I've been burned in the past).

Originally Posted by quietFinn

oh well... maybe you should fire those staff members, and get something cheaper...

I have a feeling they wouldn't appreciate that too much, but I'll be sure to mention that option in my debate

Originally Posted by GatorSteveN

Yes, we can move your data over for you for free within the first 30 days.

Most people use the secondary drive for backups.

(...)

Excellent! I was definitely hoping the transfer would be possible, as I never fully trust myself when moving large amounts of data to a new location.

We do indeed intend to use that second drive for backups, another reason we wanted to upgrade. Right now we're doing them manually, seeing how the WHM (and every ounce of common sense) strongly suggests not doing backups to the same drive, even if they are to be downloaded to another location at a later date.

As for that review, very helpful! I've mostly been looking at reviews of just GoDaddy, as I'm well aware of what the pros of being with HostGator are. Having excellent support is a big chunk of why I wanted to stay with HostGator and not go to hosts like GoDaddy or 1and1, which don't really have the greatest of reviews in that department (to put it mildly).

The potential of better specs than what is advertised would certainly be an amazing bonus, but we'd be quite satisfied even with the expected CPU and RAM.



I think this all pretty much seals the deal for us sticking with HostGator, but if anyone else wants to throw their hat into the fray, by all means. I get (HA!) to drive 2100 miles in the following week, but will certainly be going through the upgrade motions (assuming no showstopper of a reason pops up) after I arrive... bearded and smelling strongly of cheese. Glad to be stickin' with ya HostGator!

(god I love these gator emoticons)

[dysonvillison]

Also, not sure if I am suppose to say anything about this but since the Planet merged with Softlayer we have been getting dedis that have better specs than what is listed on our site.