What would you like to see..

[TomK]

I wanted to start a thread to gather feedback from existing customers, as well as potential customers, on what features/changes you would like to see to our plan offerings.

Today we offer 3 packages with panels, Power-1, Power-2, and Power-3, we include free Fantastico and ClientExec, and RVSkins for $1.50/month.

We also offer a Power-0 package without a commercial panel, for those looking for simple dns, mx backup, basic linux functionality.

Now, give us your feedback on what we are missing! More bandwidth? More applications? Cheaper VPS on a self-managed plan? Other locations in the US? Let us know!

Please post here or PM or open a ticket with your feedback!

Thanks!

[nadzri]

MX backup for domains hosted in the vps, maybe for a certain maximum number, say, 5 to 10.

Some flexibility in additional IP request, e.g. I may want just 2 but pricing is for 4. I chose a vps under Defender although PowerVps offered twice the disk space and other goodies partly because Defender's ip was 0.50/ip/month! :o

:)

[cprompt]

This is not as easy to answer as I first expected..
Unmanaged at a lower fee sounds an interesting option as I use my VPS as a backup to a dedicated server that is unmanaged anyway so I hope I would be able to cope with an unmanaged VPS or else my hosting customers are in big trouble!
However a lot of people come to the VPS market for the very reason that unmanaged is a bit daunting and fully managed servers are a bit on the pricey side so I wonder just how many customers would find an unmanaged VPS an attractive product.?
MX backup seems like the only feature that is missing at the moment that would be nice to have. More guaranteed memory would be nice but then my VPS is not exactly straining under the load at the moment so for me that wouldn't make me too excited!
I guess I'm just quite content at the moment.
I understand automatic VPS rebuilds are not possible at the moment? That would be a nice addition if I understand the current situation correctly?

[TomK]

This is not as easy to answer as I first expected..
Unmanaged at a lower fee sounds an interesting option as I use my VPS as a backup to a dedicated server that is unmanaged anyway so I hope I would be able to cope with an unmanaged VPS or else my hosting customers are in big trouble!
However a lot of people come to the VPS market for the very reason that unmanaged is a bit daunting and fully managed servers are a bit on the pricey side so I wonder just how many customers would find an unmanaged VPS an attractive product.?
MX backup seems like the only feature that is missing at the moment that would be nice to have. More guaranteed memory would be nice but then my VPS is not exactly straining under the load at the moment so for me that wouldn't make me too excited!
I guess I'm just quite content at the moment.
I understand automatic VPS rebuilds are not possible at the moment? That would be a nice addition if I understand the current situation correctly?

Our issue with an "unmanaged" VPS plan would be telling that customer when they submitted a ticket that it is an unmanaged service, even though they know that when they sign up, then they would get upset at us. :(

The rebuilds work just fine, the issue is with the licenses, as Virtuozzo on a rebuild doesn't know it needs a cpanel or plesk license. So once you rebuild your VPS you lose your license as well as all the features like the security, APF, etc that we add on.

I'd like to see a "sticky backup" feature, that once your VPS is setup, licensed, etc, you can say 'create a full backup' and then not have it rotate out and get deleted, this would allow you to restore/rebuild based on this backup. We've submitted the feature request to SWsoft.

[tojt]

Perhaps provide some cheap backupmx and dns for domains hosted at your vps. I know jvds.com offered this when I was with them..

Your plan-0 are an option, but a bit expensive just to backup some domains and mails.

So, A cheap and easy way to have backupmx and secondary dns, without having to use 3rd party providers would be great :)

[charles]

The rebuilds work just fine, the issue is with the licenses, as Virtuozzo on a rebuild doesn't know it needs a cpanel or plesk license. So once you rebuild your VPS you lose your license as well as all the features like the security, APF, etc that we add on.


PLEASE DO NOT ATTEMPT TO REBUILD YOUR VPS VIA THE POWERPANEL

I'll say it again for emphasis

PLEASE DO NOT ATTEMPT TO REBUILD YOUR VPS VIA THE POWERPANEL

A rebuild via the powerpanel is nothing like what we deliver. There are way more differences than you just clobbering your license and not have the security updates. You get a barebones outdated version of the OS and no panel installed at the very minimum. We have a big warning in our welcome emails against doing this!

We have plans to make this work as expected, but have a few more dependencies to put in place. Until then, just send an email to support saying you have anything you want saved backed up, and we can do a rebuild for you. This is neither hard, nor much slower than doing it yourself.

hth
charles

[charles]

So, A cheap and easy way to have backupmx and secondary dns, without having to use 3rd party providers would be great :)

The secondary DNS would be non-trivial for us to implement right now, but we do hear and understand this is a desired feature.

But why do you think you need a backup MX? Unless your mail server is down for more than 4 days, mail gets queued by the (and properly configured) sending mail server with repetitive retries for 4 days before being bounced. You chances of losing mail due to an outage are very very low. IMO a backup MX is not needed.

charles

[movielad]

Charles, I see your point about secondary/backup MX records, but backup MX can still be useful, however. Particularly if you heavily rely on mail. Sending mail servers can vary the length of time in which they attempt to resend mail (i.e. first they try a resend after the 5 minutes of failure, then 30, then 60, then three hours up until a day and so on).

My own system attempts a resend to the primary mail server at 15 minute intervals. I can also check mail via the backup MX if need be via POP3 or IMAP if I know the main mail server is going to be down for some time) or forward it to a completely different host.

M.

[charles]

Yes, I can't dispute that you can get your mail quicker in some cases (especially if you use an ETRN to get it from the backup MX when ready). Again, primarily personal opinion, I think it's hardly worth it (we are talking about a late email and not a lost email without it).

But point taken. As always, we take your feedback seriously and will explore this.

charles

[tojt]

But why do you think you need a backup MX? Unless your mail server is down for more than 4 days, mail gets queued by the (and properly configured) sending mail server with repetitive retries for 4 days before being bounced. You chances of losing mail due to an outage are very very low. IMO a backup MX is not needed.

charles

Well can´t say I agree with you. But I see your point though. The risk of loosing mail is very low indeed, since your uptime and service is great, and most mailservers are properly configured. But heck, not all are.

So personally, I like to know all mail sent to me, do reach me. I´m not sure, but a lot of mail servers under AOL, eBay, Yahoo! Groups, Amazon.com, are told to only try to send you email Once, and never again.

More mail servers that are not following the guidlines for mail server (RFC) can be found under http://greylisting.org/whitelisting.shtml

[csd]

Now, give us your feedback on what we are missing! More bandwidth? More applications? Cheaper VPS on a self-managed plan? Other locations in the US? Let us know!


Cheaper managed Plesk VPS :D

Some people don't need 10 Gb disk space, 150 Gb monthly transfer and unlimited domains. If you could cut down (just an example) burst RAM to 768 Mb, disk space to 5 Gb, bandwidth to 50 Gb and give a license for 10 domains, how much would the monthly cost be?

I would imagine a "slashfot effect" from WHT, if you or any other reputable any company, bring such a plan. After all, most people don't use their disk space or bandwidth to the limits! ;)

[Mike]

I myself would like to see the bandwidth bumped for each account. Most users wouldn't use it, but it's nice to know it's there and gives a user a great sense of stability when they know they have more then enough bandwidth...

For instance, when I was searching for a dedicated server, company one offered a nice package at my price range and had 1 terabyte of bandwidth to go with it. But on the other hand, for only $20 more company two offered the same package but with 2 terabytes. Now I know you guys can't offer this amount without it costing more then $100 per plan. But it would be nice to see some extra resources added in...

On the IPs, I feel the same way about being able to buy them in smaller blocks. I'd suggest starting with 2 IPs and going up to like 10. In blocks of 2 with 2 - 10, then offer a big block for those that need those extra IPs, like say 20 or so. Not sure how IPs and so on work with this, but it would be an idea. I'd purchase a big block of IPs if they weren't to much, just to know I have them and can offer them to my clients...

Really I guess more options is what I'm trying to say. So far I'm very happy with you guys and the services you guys offer. I doubt I'll use anyone else for VPS's in the future..

[nobody]

I myself would like to see the bandwidth bumped for each account. Most users wouldn't use it, but it's nice to know it's there and gives a user a great sense of stability when they know they have more then enough bandwidth...


I disagree, I'd rather have less bandwidth than see PowerVPS oversell like that. I certainly don't want a company that oversells a great amount.

I agree on the IPs. I think it should be 2 IPs, then 4 IPs then 8 IPs. 2 IPs would be for those just looking for an extra IP or two for a customer or some other reason. Four could be for anyone, like someone above, or someone that just wants to have a couple of spare IPs. Then 8, that would be for anyone with a lot of important sites and wants them on different IPs or some other reason (I'm not really sure why people would need 8 IPs at a time other than the above). I don't think there would be too many people buying above 8 at a time so if they need more they can just addon using the other amounts.

[Jad]

I vote for
Nadzri
Some flexibility in additional IP request, e.g. I may want just 2 but pricing is for 4.
I need only one single extra IP address.
is there any technical reason not to be able to install one single IP address?

[charles]

I vote for
Nadzri

I need only one single extra IP address.
is there any technical reason not to be able to install one single IP address?

No, its an administrative issue. If you want to pay for a single IP a year at a time, we can do that, but it's not productive for us to be making $1 invoices every time you need an IP.

hth
charles

[Evoleto]

Hello, my first post here.

I don't know how helpful could be this to all users, but maybe it can be implemented.

I'd like to restrict SSH only to certain IP addresses, but at my office they use dynamic dhcp, and there might be few servers I access and can ssh from there but they are unreliable. My idea is you guys setup a host allowing customers to ssh their machines from there. I bet your tech staff can do a good job securing this gateway.

Is this possible?

Thank you.

BTW: Although I've been a customer for almost 3 weeks, I can say that so far so good. Keep up the good work ;)

[charles]

Hi Ciprian

Yes, this is possible (standard linux tcp wrapper functionality) with the appropriate line in /etc/hosts.allow. Something like

sshd2 : your_ip

should do the trick.

hth
charles

[Smatrix]

A high-bandwidth but otherwise regular plan would be nice. As it is, I'm on the $44/mo. Plesk. I need more bandwidth than that (and the special thing for 250 gb/mo I need to fax an invoice). It's a great deal as you offer it. I may upgrade to the $84.50/mo plan, but I don't need 6 IP's, def don't need 20 gb space, and I don't quite need ALL of that extra RAM.

But I'd be interested in a plan with 500 gb/mo, 2 IP's, 10 gb disk space. It would be like specialized for people who need the extra bandwidth but not much else (and it doesn't work out cost-wise with adding pre-purchased). So something offering that for like $60/mo. would be great.

[charles]

Bandwidth can be added on.

http://www.powervps.com/extras.php


charles

[Mike]

500 GB
150 GB -
350 GB

350GB
50 /
7

$35.99
7X
$251.93

No one will pay that. ;)

Really no one is going to add bandwidth like that, no one does it unless they go over without realizing it and have to pay the $1 per gig fees... Realistically and economically it's a great deal cheaper to upgrade, but most of us wont unless we absolutely need it, or the price is right. ;)

[nobody]

I'd like a lower price on the addons all together. Not a whole lot lower but somewhat lower. Anybody else :confused:?

[Evoleto]

I guess gouping the addons in extra packages will help. I courious about the CEO & CTO opinion about this. It could be mutual benefit.

[charles]

What kind of groupings are you interested in seeing?

[Evoleto]

Well, mostly disk space and traffic together. I know is difficult to develop/reshape extras from my own offers, but maybe other people can come up here with some feedback.

[arazzz]

So far so good... Why just not ask - "cut the price by 90%, increase space and bw allowance by 200% and everybody will be happy!" :)

Seriously though - if somebody is upgrading from plan-1 to plan-2 and doesn't need some of the resources (IPs, for example)... Why just not tell support guys: "look, I don't need these 4 extra IPs - leave them to yourself, IPs are on short supply worldwide. I trust you'll add 1 or 2 of them to my VPS when and IF the need will arise."

Even more seriously: why are you asking only about new US locations? Are you planning to expand only US-wise/wide? What about European packages?

Thank you, CEO/CTO!

[charles]

LOL. You can't see the deleted post above but it was kind of funny. [OK, it's back now.]

Mike, we have tierred plans that give you plenty of disk and bandwidth. Feel free to ask us if you want some sort of special upgrade, but I can tell you that RAM upgrades wont happen unless you change plans.

None of you are using the bandwidth you think you need anyway. Check your power panel for your usage.


charles

[Evoleto]

Charles-

I want to come back to my first posts. My questions were regarding future plans I made, but the upgrades I might need are planned over several months, and if things go well with my biz, I must say pricing for extras should not be a problem for anyone.

So, I must say your pricing policy is very good (of course, cheaper service exists but they really LACK in quality) and the support and infrastructure are A+.

I must have been paranoid when I made my possible future biz plans and made those posts here :D

Thank you,

[Bogdan]

Hi,

I just signed up with PowerVPS and I can say that I am very happy with the service and with the support (especially as I am no expert :) ) but I would like to see the possibility to buy just on extra IP address. For example now I would need just one IP for a reseller.

You say that this will not be productive for you, but how do others do it then?
Also you say that you can't give invoices of just $1 but can you add the IP to the VPS plan so I will be billed together with the VPS? So for example I will be billed $45.5 instead of $44.5.

Thanks

[Tony]

Hi,

I just signed up with PowerVPS and I can say that I am very happy with the service and with the support (especially as I am no expert :) ) but I would like to see the possibility to buy just on extra IP address. For example now I would need just one IP for a reseller.

You say that this will not be productive for you, but how do others do it then?
Also you say that you can't give invoices of just $1 but can you add the IP to the VPS plan so I will be billed together with the VPS? So for example I will be billed $45.5 instead of $44.5.

Thanks

Hi Bogdan,

We can give you 1 extra IP if you want it as an annual invoice. =)

Submit a support ticket and we can get you sorted.

[attilas]

I would like to see pictures from the datacenter.

[arazzz]

I would like to see pictures from the datacenter.

I think PowerVPS are in Equinix datacenter. So just go to http://equinix.com and surf around - you'll find a couple of pics!

[charles]

I would like to see pictures from the datacenter.

Cameras are not allowed in the datacenter for security reasons.

charles

[Jim]

PowerVPS's support and server reliability are awesome!:D Prices are pretty good.

I chose PowerVPS for the VPS (wanted my own server) and the "managed" part of the service. I was simply a "reseller" with my previous provider but wanted control over my server. I have some Linux experience but I don't feel its enough to handle everything involved in managing my own server.

I would like to see more knowledge base articles, more tutorials, more explanations of how to do various things, etc. When I submit a support ticket, I would like to have an explaination of how to make the change, fix, upgrade, etc. so that I can do it myself the next time or, if I feel comfortable enough, to do it myself that first time. As I gain experience, I will be able to rely on my own skills and eventually upgrade to an unmanaged server. Also, the more experienced I become, the less time the Support team will need to spend with me.

[Mike]

Jim, well put. I'd have to agree 100% on this request.

I went through the knowledge base and was actually surprised to find a good amount of resources, a few I actually used myself and was very happy with the results, but after those few I was done. There weren't anymore, I'd love to see more tutorials and resources myself also. I love doing things to my server and learning how to do things to my server, that's one of the reasons I wanted a VPS.

[Bogdan]

I also have to agree.
Although in almost all my tickets I specifically say that I would like to know how the problem was fixed, I rarely receive this information.
I know that this would be a time consuming process for the stuff but I short explanation would be nice.

[Chris]

I also agree with Jim. Give us poles and teach us how to fish, don't feed us.

Also, a really small and "silly" request . . . I want an avitar on this forum. Please enable them. They help define "personalities"

[charles]

I also agree with Jim. Give us poles and teach us how to fish, don't feed us.

Also, a really small and "silly" request . . . I want an avitar on this forum. Please enable them. They help define "personalities"

Done. Personalize away.

charles
P.S. We agree about "teach a man to fish". If a support tech doesn't explain how he/she helped you, just politely ask them to.

[Chris]

Wow!! You're My Hero Charles :D

[TomK]

Wow!! You're My Hero Charles :D


Wow! Nice avatar! Great flick.

[Jon]

I would like to see pictures from the datacenter.


Unfourtuntely they do not allow cameras in the Equinix datacenter, or we'd be more than happy to take pictures for you.

Sorry!

[TomK]

Unfourtuntely they do not allow cameras in the Equinix datacenter, or we'd be more than happy to take pictures for you.

Sorry!

Welcome to last week.

:D

You can however, go to http://www.equinix.com and take the mpeg tour, it is pretty impressive.

[Jon]

Bleh. I really need to go to the last page huh?

[charles]

I think PowerVPS are in Equinix datacenter. So just go to http://equinix.com and surf around - you'll find a couple of pics!

http://www.equinix.com/prod_serv/ibx/features.htm

[gasxtreme]

there is also a great video about the IBX on the site :)
http://www.equinix.com/prod_serv/ibx/ibxtour.htm
-steve

[Robert]

Also... regarding the knowledge base.... it's been a personal pet project of mine for the past week or so. I've added several articles recently to it. I've still got a list of ones to write as well including:

- Setting up wildcard DNS
- Backing up Plesk accounts from the command line (handy if you can't get into Plesk for some goofball reason)
- A new security section (more details about how APF, BFD, SIM all work)
- Fantastico configuration (common setup issues, etc)

If you have anything you would like to see documented, let me know. I'll add it to my list. I would love to know what YOU would find useful. :)

[dean_dodd]

hi,

the new security section sounds good, could you include an article on securing SSH - changing the port and disabling root logins?

Thanks

[dean_dodd]

This knowledge base article

https://www.powervps.com/support/index.php?x=&mod_id=2&root=20&id=47

Could do with the location of the file changing to

/home/httpd/vhosts/webmail/horde/imp/config/trailer.txt

Just to make it a bit easier?

Dean.