Mail & Web - Hosting my own vs. Net Hosting

[red-beard]

I'm presently using Network Solutions for my Webhosting and E-mail for the company. I have an older machine which would probably work fine as a web server and e-mail host, with the right software.

What are the advantages and disadvantages to switching to self hosting?

I'm used to using Outlook. I would love to be able to properly setup an Outlook server with OWA and OMA for our starting to expand business. I would prefer the address books to be available and searchable like they are with OWA and OMA. I like the ability to share files seemlessly inside the business, and store e-mail, etc.

My webhosting at present is limited (5 or 6 pages), but the pages could easily be switched over to my own machine, again with the right software.

Why am I thinking of this? Network solutions has offered a new service which gives you an Outlook Plug-in, and then you have most of the advantages of the Outlook server. It is about an extra $10/mth per e-mail account hooked up. At first we would only connect 2 e-mail accounts, but that is $240/yr.

Ideas?

Suggestions?

[HardDrive]

I have debated this for years. I have always used external hosting. Even using all open source software, its just never seemed worth it to do my own hosting.

Advantage? Absolute control over e-mail, unlimited domains/websites/storage.

Disadvantage? Your having a nice vacation half a world away, and suddenly your e-mail stops working, and your remote access is not working.

I have used a small, somewhat expensive company in Florida called Hosting Matters for years. This past year I tried using one of GoDaddy.com's hosting packages because it was so cheap. I was NOT impressed. Pain in the rear to get anything done, slow, just all around bad management software. Being cheap was its only positive.

[red-beard]

Network solutions isn't that expensive or extremely cheap. But I've been using it for 3 years and it has been reliable.

[Don Plumley]

I've always like the idea that the mailserver and webhost are in a 24/7 datacenter with standby power, backups, etc.. That's worth the $10 a month I pay for hosting.

Many of the other good webhosting companies are providing exchange server services. About the only thing I miss from my corporate days was how exchange server and BBE worked seamlessly. I've switched to using IMAP email which provides the web email, replication, etc. But I've not found a good addressbook substitute.

[stomachmonkey]

Originally Posted by Don Plumley

I've always like the idea that the mailserver and webhost are in a 24/7 datacenter with standby power, backups, etc.. That's worth the $10 a month I pay for hosting.

Yeah, that about sums it up.

[911Rob]

This has also been an ongoing challenge for me as well.
I have two accounts; my Outlook and a web-based account.

I've just resorted to doing my major email work from my home office base. A laptop can be used; but its too restricting for what I do. I need access to all my software and hardware when I do my emails.

"subscribed" for a solution? Thanks Red.

[Don Plumley]

Originally Posted by 911Rob

I've just resorted to doing my major email work from my home office base. A laptop can be used; but its too restricting for what I do. I need access to all my software and hardware when I do my emails.

Why is a laptop too restricting? I run a couple of businesses on my laptop. Have a monitor/keyboard at each desk, wireless access to local printers, scanners, etc. My laptop is automatically backed up to an online service so even if I don't have my computer, I can remotely access any important data.

[stomachmonkey]

Originally Posted by 911Rob

This has also been an ongoing challenge for me as well.
I have two accounts; my Outlook and a web-based account.

I've just resorted to doing my major email work from my home office base. A laptop can be used; but its too restricting for what I do. I need access to all my software and hardware when I do my emails.

"subscribed" for a solution? Thanks Red.

My primary box is a laptop. Sure my desktops can be more robust but I can, do and need to work anywhere at any time.

The limiter on laptops is slow hard drives and lack of ram, fix that and you are good to go.

[911Rob]

Maybe it's not the laptop per se, but all the crap that I do when I'm sitting at the box. I have over 100,000 photos saved onto an external hard drive; Iv'e got a ton of software that I use in processing listings, editing photos and building websites.

When I build a website I use 3 monitors and most of my data/software; otherwise I'm using 2 monitors and usually multi-tasking things like PPOT; ha.

I tried using a laptop and it just didn't fly? I'm at home 90% of the time, so that adds to the challenge of breaking away. I also take the summers off and minimize my PC use; no computers or phones allowed at the cabin. I usually go to my office about 3 times/week and answer calls & emails, but I take the summers off.

Maybe I should try this again; my investment company utilizes some excellent Power Point presentations and a laptop would be good for that. I just gave my last one away to my kid; ha.

Thanks guys!

[Seric]

I assume this is going to be using your existing internet connection? Is it dynamic or do you have a dedicated static IP? I have comcast and would have to bump up to the biz package to host my own domain server. F that.

I'd stick with external hosting, since as mentioned above, the up-time is worth it.

[campbellcj]

We host our own Exchange server etc. but have the machines and staff to handle it. For a single mailbox or home office I'd strongly recommend a hosted service. You'd want to outsource DNS and have offsite backup anyway so why host just the mail server. Plus hosting any sort of server attracts hackers and bots and worms like flies on $#!7

[slodave]

I have two servers running out of my house. I have never had a problem on my end while away. Both are Linux based and run older hardware. Backup batteries for both computers an other required equipment.

I'm not saying this is for everyone, but it does work.