Any Good Forum Hosting?

**Dorms13** · 12-26-2012, 04:16 AM

I am going to host a big forum and need to find a good shared hosting account.
What are your views on Downtownhost.com website hosting solutions?
What solution will be better for running a forum: Shared, VPS or Semi-dedicated? Why?
Is it the host I can rely on?

**Don Quixote** · 12-26-2012, 09:28 PM

I have given this question quite a bit of thought and done quite a bit of research on it. My conclusion is that the best solution is a cloud server. My reasons are as follows:

A forum always starts small. So buying more than enough resources to get started is a waste of money. However if you start with a shared plan, you have a problem when you need more resources because moving up to a bigger plan may require migration to another server even if it's with the same hosting company. With a vps or semi-dedicated, you have a bit more flexibility but if the node you are on is fully-populated when you need to expand, you still need to migrate to another node.

True, hosting companies generally will help you with the migration. However, nothing is certain when you move things around, especially when dealing with a dynamic situation like a forum. If your forum is active, shutting it down for some time to do the migration is not a very good idea.

With a cloud server, you can scale up seamlessly. Of course, as with everything, there are still limits. However, like with the cloud server I am using, I can start with just 128Mb ram and scale all the way up to 8Gb which is sufficient to handle a fairly large forum. Additional disk space and bandwidth can also be made available with just a click of the mouse.

Another advantage of a cloud server is that the very concept of a cloud server is based on the idea that your data is duplicated automatically, so in case of hardware failure anywhere, your data is being accessed from somewhere else which is in working condition. Of course, again, there's no such thing as a totally crash-proof setup but with a cloud server, the risks are minimized almost to the point of zero.

On other advantage of a cloud server is that you can scale up your resources to meet with seasonal surges in traffic and activity. Then when the rush is over, you can scale back to more modest specifications. This means that you will only be paying for what you actually use.

To make even better use of a cloud server, combine it with AnyCast and a CDN service. AnyCast is a network where a visitor will be routed from the node nearest to them. Then when you have CDN active, your data will be served from the node nearest to the visitor, too. Both these features will improve your connection and page load speed to any visitor from anywhere in the world. A CDN will also act as a first line of defence against malicious attacks.

When you have a cloud server together with AnyCast and CDN provided by the same host, you have a good combination to put your forum. One such host is the one I am using now which is StyleXNetworks. They have a 50% discount at the moment so you can get started with them at a lower cost.

As for Downtownhost, I have no opinions on it since I have not tried their services before. They can be good but I have no reason to move from my present host since I am satisfied with my present host's service.

**Vanhoeck** · 12-27-2012, 04:46 AM

I suppose you need more reliable names to choose from. I recommend to try Kvchosting.com hosting plans. They are good in terms of network uptime, easy-to-install scripts, customer support and also pricing.

**akbarali** · 12-30-2012, 03:16 PM

In my view you should go for turnkey or godaddy and get a vps and test your site I think with a vps your problem will be solved also you can get dedicated server from softlayer who are the best providers but abit costly.

**host** · 01-04-2013, 03:26 AM

I suppose you should opt for a reliable VPS Server from Axelaris-Hosting.com ,they offer VPS low cost with a helpful support !

**Hrull** · 01-08-2013, 04:50 AM

No doubts kvchosting.com will meet your demands with their affordable prices and featured plans, you can use them for sure.

**johnthomas1433** · 01-08-2013, 07:26 PM

Though I'm not specifically naming any hosting companies, when it come to forum hosting, free hosting is not worth the time. Shared hosting cannot probably cut it. That shall depend on how fast you want your forum to grow. In my opinion, its best to go for a VPS to host your forum. It shall cost a bit, but its worth the price. Sometimes you may have to go for a DDOS protected server too, which cost more.

**GoJohn** · 01-09-2013, 05:55 AM

First of all I'd like to say that Downtownhost.com is trustworthy web host. They have been providing hosting services since 2001. Their US servers are stable and fast (according to customer hosting reviews).
Just choose VPS hosting, as it really suitable solution for running a forum fast and efficiently.

**johnthomas1433** · 01-09-2013, 10:57 AM

Originally Posted by GoJohn

First of all I'd like to say that Downtownhost.com is trustworthy web host. They have been providing hosting services since 2001. Their US servers are stable and fast (according to customer hosting reviews).
Just choose VPS hosting, as it really suitable solution for running a forum fast and efficiently.

Though I have not heard this web hosting company before, I'm quite with you in the case of the VPS hosting. Its always better to go for a VPS hosting when you want to host a forum. But using it in the starting up stage may sound to be expensive. So I suggest turning to a VPS after a few months of running the forum.

**FrankGG** · 01-11-2013, 08:40 AM

They have been providing hosting services since 2001.

Yeah, downtownhost.com is a good option to host web sites because they are time-tested.
I've searched in google nice discounts:
Refugee - 99% one time off on all monthly hosting plans
25off - 25% off for the life of your account with them.
Their website is professional and straightforward; they report the facts clearly and intelligently.