Probably the startups that do something like this, don't really talk about it.
The negative replies here are one reason. Competitive advantage may be another.
Personal example: I had a dedicated rackspace server for about $650/month. I was doing basic web hosting, but also streaming video via Flash Media Server.
Now the video server and web server need not be on the same physical hardware. No more than 50 users simultaneously stream video. However, bandwidth overages pushed that monthly fee to over $1600 several months ago (and that was only two weeks into the month).
So, I switched from rackspace to some commodity php/mysql all-you-can eat webhost. I then set up additional video servers on Verizon Fios Business package, with a 35/35Mbps connection.
Now the video is not crucial to the success of the website, more like icing on the cake, so some downtime is acceptable in my case.
However, I do have a UPS that can run the server for approx. 14 minutes underload, which is enough time for me to manually switch to a backup generator.
Of course, I had all these things already (UPS,generator).
For me, it was a no-brainer. $150/month with 5 fixed IPs and I provide my own physical hardware PLUS unlimited bandwidth, versus $650/month.
The momey saved can be spent on hardware or software. As traffic increases beyond the capabilities of the Fios connection, I may consider rackspace again.
OTOH, I have several buddies that would be willing to colocate additional hardware at their FIOS enabled locations.
It simply depends on your needs.
Be careful with Comcast business, though. I believe they have some pricey install fees for business accounts, unless you sign a 3-year contract.
BTW, it is not in the garage, it is in a sideroom w/ it's own unit AC.
Right on - it is a good way to test a concept for some time, without suffering from high costs.
If/when it catches up, it will be time to externalize. I did something similar (~ same costs) for a project that was a huge gamble - risky, but with excellent returns if it succeeded. Turns out it didn't work, which was the most predictable outcome, but I lost much less with home hosting that with dedicated hosting.
Some people will say that's not trusting one's project. I disagree - like you allot time, you should allot a budget to any given project.
It should succeed or fail within the given budget (which can always be adjusted depending on the situation) unless you want to go bankrupt for a bet that failed.
The negative replies here are one reason. Competitive advantage may be another.
Personal example: I had a dedicated rackspace server for about $650/month. I was doing basic web hosting, but also streaming video via Flash Media Server.
Now the video server and web server need not be on the same physical hardware. No more than 50 users simultaneously stream video. However, bandwidth overages pushed that monthly fee to over $1600 several months ago (and that was only two weeks into the month).
So, I switched from rackspace to some commodity php/mysql all-you-can eat webhost. I then set up additional video servers on Verizon Fios Business package, with a 35/35Mbps connection.
Now the video is not crucial to the success of the website, more like icing on the cake, so some downtime is acceptable in my case.
However, I do have a UPS that can run the server for approx. 14 minutes underload, which is enough time for me to manually switch to a backup generator.
Of course, I had all these things already (UPS,generator).
For me, it was a no-brainer. $150/month with 5 fixed IPs and I provide my own physical hardware PLUS unlimited bandwidth, versus $650/month.
The momey saved can be spent on hardware or software. As traffic increases beyond the capabilities of the Fios connection, I may consider rackspace again.
OTOH, I have several buddies that would be willing to colocate additional hardware at their FIOS enabled locations.
It simply depends on your needs.
Be careful with Comcast business, though. I believe they have some pricey install fees for business accounts, unless you sign a 3-year contract.
BTW, it is not in the garage, it is in a sideroom w/ it's own unit AC.