Easy MODx host server? Reseller maybe?

I can’t get a new install to work on a dotster.com server and I had issues with another server install. It’s driving me crazy.

Is there a decent host server that will play nice with MODx?

I am thinking about doing more MODx sites but would like to find a smooth install method with a steady host provider WITHOUT all the 777/666, 775/664 or 755/644, Suexec or Suhosin, Register_Globals, php.ini and other permission issues. This shouldn’t be too much to ask for would it?

I also would like to avoid having different servers that would require keeping track of all the magic bullets that solve all these install hurdles.

Any thoughts?

Thanks!

Max

Do you have a preference to to the type of hosting? (Shared, VPS, Dedicated?)

I’ve had good luck with Site5 for hosting my sites and Wiredtree for my customer sites. Site5 uses suexec so the max permission is 644/755 but I just upload the zip, hit extract, and finish the install. I asked Wiredtree to setup my VPS server the same way and again the process is the same, upload, extract, install. No warnings, problems, or anything special to address.

AMDbuilder

Thanks,

I don’t build that many dynamic sites. I did do about 25 or so static sites this year.

I am thinking about streamlining the process and using MODX some more. But every host seems to have their own system, control panels, methods and permissions, etc. Its a pain facing all of this stuff every time. For instance I used the online support service with Dotster today but they could not really help with as they knew nothing about MODx. There is some confusion over the "Database login name" and "Database name" fields that have to be filled in on the MODx install?

I am no PHP or server geek, so some of this stuff is over my head. I just want to have the install process be smooth, quick and consistent.

I don’t really know what the ropes are with taking on a reseller service, but if it makes life easier then I am all for it.

If your doing 25 sites a year then you might be better looking into VPS server. If you were charging say 100$ a year for the website hosting the 25 sites should cover the costs and then some, plus you would have your own server to configure (or have support configure) in any way desired. Granted you could get away with using shared hosting, but if your building 25 new sites a year or more then I would suggest having a nicer server for your clients.

That being said if you just have a bunch of static sites (in your example 25 static sites) then that should run fine on a shared server. The main question is are you getting compensation for the hosting?

If your getting something out of the deal such as money then you will fall under the reseller category (as a heads up this will likely mean WHM/Cpanel... while it can be daunting to learn it’s not that bad) otherwise you can get away with just a shared plan.

Personally I have had good luck with Site5 and I know a few other users here also use Site5 so my general recommendation if you want a decent host would be to check into Site5. I would be more than happy to help you with any questions regarding their systems.

If you wanted to splurge and go with a VPS server which can be nice for running your own services (example I run Teamspeak on my server) and just having more control over things in general then I would suggest Wiredtree. A basic VPS server with them is ~44/m if you do like yearly payments and I think I have a code for 10% off...

AMDbuilder

Thanks for all the input.

All of this is a big fat question mark for next year. My primary service is photography with doing web sites on the side. Most of the sites I do is for another sole proprietor with whom I have a contractor agreement. But the economy(or lack thereof) has shifted so much that all of this is in flux.

But I might be setting myself up in a similar fashion so having a VPS might be worth looking into. I need to research streamlining the registration, file upload, CMS install, and hosting aspects to all of this.

Part of the problem for me is that I have not done many MOD installations. I am pretty good at producing custom photography, writing copy, creating designs and CSS. But all of the PHP, coding and permissions issues sometimes feels like quicksand.

After a quick look Site5 looks pretty decent though...

I know the ClientExec that comes with the reseller accounts handles account creation, billing, and support tickets from your clients if desired. It should automate most of the work load on that side of things, but you will still need to setup the modx installs.

One thing you can do granted I haven’t tried it is put a copy of the zip in a special folder on your server. All new accounts get a copy of that folder which is normally used as a temp page for new clients, but I think it could be used to eliminate one of the steps for setting up sites. You would just need to extract, setup the DB, and install.

Anyways if you have any questions on the technical side let me know.
AMDbuilder

Oh, the Site5 forums are great granted modx still has the edge