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Thread ID: 127316	2012-10-17 00:05:00	Webhosting/Email	swazi (16894)	Press F1

Post ID	Timestamp	Content	User
1307310	2012-10-17 00:05:00	Hi Our webhosting is currently with Vodafone on their $20 p/m Vodafone Internet Pack. We are upgrading our website and have just discovered that Vodafone doesn't support PHP (I have no idea what PHP is) and so we need to change. The developer is recommending Openhost. I don't know anything about them but I am happy to take his word on that. However, we will also need to shift our email to them. We have 6 users connecting through a variety of computers, phones tablets etc. Email for us as a business is absolutely crucial. (You will probably laugh at that as I have said we are with Vodafone which is continually having problems...). Do the different providers have different reliability when it comes to email and who is best? Do all their spam filters work the same way i.e all providers will not let through the same emails. (We get emails coming through from all over the world and Vodafone (I assume it is them) seems to randomly block emails from certain ISP's overseas). Do the different providers have different sized email inbox allowances (i.e. how much data can be kept on the server) and what happens when this is exceeded? Basically I want to take this opportunity to switch to a host who will give us the best email service. I realise probably I can keep the email with Vodafone and switch only the hosting to Openhost but I have had enough with Vodafone email problems recently anyway - but Vodafone will continue to be the internet provider). Another possibility may be switching the email to Google Apps (the free pack) if that is a good solution? Any comments or suggestions greatly appreciated. (Most of the above is over my head so would appreciate if you keep it simple...). Thanks	swazi (16894)
1307311	2012-10-17 00:17:00	The developer is recommending Openhost. Do the different providers have different reliability when it comes to email and who is best? Do all their spam filters work the same way i.e all providers will not let through the same emails. Do the different providers have different sized email inbox allowances (i.e. how much data can be kept on the server) and what happens when this is exceeded? Yes, reliability varies. yes, size varies. Yes spam filtering varies. Openhost has a good reputation and size is fine, if you do start using more space or traffic than the plan allows, they just notify you and you can choose to go up to the next plan. Nothing drastic happens, just the notifications. The only negative I can give about them is their spam filter is complete rubbish. Doesn't matter how you adjust it, nor backlist or whatever, it's crap. Webslice has an excellent spam filter in place. Openhost is also webdrive, webbase, Domains4less, Hosting Direct and Flexihost now.	pctek (84)
1307312	2012-10-17 01:11:00	PHP is for "server side" processing. So what is "server side"? When someone runs a web page, it's possible to have small bits of code running on the client, such as checking that all fields on a form are filled in correctly. This is "client side" processing. It only uses the local PC's CPU, and resources. At some point the client / person submit stuff back to the web server. The web server needs to handle the stuff sent by the client /person. This is "server side" processing. Now the server's CPU and resources are used handling the stuff that was sent. PHP is one of many different languages. Java and Microsoft's DotNet are also very popular. And there are others like Ruby on Rails, and Python. Typically PHP runs on Linux along with MySQL. It's possible to get free versions of this software. It's not uncommon to use Indian developers, as this solution is often considered the lowest cost bang for the buck. Java and Dotnet and not free; quite the opposite, they can be very expensive. Typically these are more complex systems than PHP, and almost always involve a development team and a database adminstrator. Personally I use DotNet and SQL server exclusively, but I work on large virtual systems with lots of redundacy. I've also been in the IT business for nearly 30 years.	kingdragonfly (309)
1307313	2012-10-17 01:16:00	For emails I'd recommend Google Apps or Microsoft Office 365. I've used both and haven't had any issues. Google Apps is free up to 10 accounts (last I checked), easy to set up and administer. With 365 I find you need a bit more experience to administer it as it is Exchange but then again it's Exchange and awesome :) No issues with Spam on either service. If emails are critical and you're changing Name Servers for your domain make sure it's done properly or you will get mail loss.	WarNox (8772)
1307314	2012-10-17 01:45:00	I'm with WarNox, change to OpenHost perhaps for your Web Hosting and use Google Apps for your Email hosting. As mentioned, a semi competent IT guy will be able to ensure that everything is in-place so that even during the state of migration, you don't lose a single email. If they can't do that, don't use them, use somebody who is able to.	Chilling_Silence (9)
1307315	2012-10-17 01:54:00	Thanks for your help guys. I will take either openhost or webslice then for hosting. I will try and weigh up the pros and cons of Google Apps vs one of the above for email as well. (Any standout reasons why one is better?). With Google Apps I am unsure what Gmail ads are? I assume you only see them when logged into gmail and so if using an email client you wouldn't get them? Given they are targeted ads I guess it means Google must read all your emails? I'm undecided if that is an issue or not... If emails are critical and you're changing Name Servers for your domain make sure it's done properly or you will get mail loss. This is what I am most worried about. How do you make sure you do it properly? Thanks again.	swazi (16894)
1307316	2012-10-17 02:35:00	+1 Openhost for hosting and .co.nz domain services +1 on Gmail/Google Mail Free for up to 10 users/mailboxes. 7-10Gb mailboxes. If you want to ensure smooth transition then pay someone who knows what they are doing (Pick me pick me!). This will require DNS changes well before, during and afterwards once all is bedded in, as well as setup of mailboxes and transitioning of users.	HAL9000 (12736)
1307317	2012-10-17 03:13:00	+1 Openhost for hosting and .co.nz domain services +1 on Gmail/Google Mail Free for up to 10 users/mailboxes. 7-10Gb mailboxes. just wondering.. why gmail rather than Openhost hosting the email ?? it seems to be built into their pricing Any recomendations for hosted exchange ?? This would be a good option for those who travel alot on business	1101 (13337)
1307318	2012-10-17 03:42:00	I'd use Google Mail for all the things like Sync, works well with iPhone, Android, and other portable devices. The fantastic webmail and anti-spam. Works with Outlook, Thunderbird... The whole "targeted ads" is only on the WebUI, and the whole "reads your emails to show you ads" is a non-issue. The emails have to pass through and they're held on their server anyway, same for if you went with any other provider, it's a matter of "Do you trust them with your information".	Chilling_Silence (9)
1307319	2012-10-17 03:48:00	Look at the HDD space the Openhost plan provides. Even the platinum hosting account only has 3Gb of Storage for all email, website code and website database (if any). Gmail gives you 7Gb per mailbox minimum. The aim is to ensure that your users have sufficient resources (storage space) to spport their mail requirements. Personally I prefer IMAP, especially when you are trying to support multiple devices per user. These days many people seem to want access via SmartPhone, Pads and PCs. IMAP gives you the ability to reflect changes through all accessing devices. Exchange has its quirks and requires significantly more resources which makes hosting options pricier.	HAL9000 (12736)
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