'Reputation key' for virtual private server providers'

Businesses should look to only purchase virtual private servers from reputable web hosting firms, it has been claimed.

Writing for Ezine Articles, industry commentator Paul Fuelton warned that some firms are not equipped to provide the comprehensive customer support service that growing business users require.

He explained how one close friend had a "devastating experience" after purchasing a virtual private server from a US-based provider.

When the server became unresponsive one morning, the web hosting provider was unable to provide any guarantees as to when normal service would be resumed, he added.

The server was eventually brought back online six hours after the problem was first reported, Mr Fuelton added.

He claimed that in selecting a virtual private server, businesses "need to rely on other people's knowledge and experience - there is no other way".

"Your own trial and error might simply be too costly of an alternative," Mr Fuelton said.

Last month, ITvoir Network's Pooja Vij claimed that virtualised technology can help small firms reduce costs.

Written by Chris Ball