Why did I move back?
It was an easy decision.
I only decided to leave MediaTemple after all of the horror stories of sites being down for days at a time. I however have never suffered from this. Apparently it’s because Cluster 2 on MT’s Grid Server is currently split into two different environments.
The one I’m on is the newer one, the one that’s more stable. More information can be found on MT’s blog.
So I decided as previously mentioned to move to the Fused Network, I heard great things about stable environment, great customer service etc.
Yes they do have a very stable environment. Well 100% uptime for about 30 days worth of service. And the customer service was very fast, the first problem I encountered was their promise of a free website transfer where:
… we’ll move your entire site, databases & content completely free of charge. After the transfer, we’ll ensure it’s in 100% working order so that you have zero downtime during the migration!
The first part of it beaing totally free was correct … although they struggled to move over what in my opinion isn’t a very complex site. It’s a simple Wordpress site with a few plugins running a MySQL database.
Fused tried to blame some of the plugins I had.
I wasn’t in any rush so left it to them to move, I think all in all they took two weeks before I decided enough was enough and I’d do it myself.
Took me 20mins, and I’m no expert. 10mins was transferring content, where I twiddled my thumbs!
CPanel
After all of my stuff was migrated, I started to use their server management software. Which is a rebranded version of CPanel.
I’d used CPanel before with my host before I was on MT. I never quite liked it, it just seems a bit too clunky. It’s a bit like a Citroen car, it has all the right intentions but is still plasticky and cheap.
I just couldn’t get to grips with it.
Cost
I also left MT due to cost. I could have halved my hosting bill if I left them, so that was another factor.
After spending a month on the Fused Network though, I wasn’t happy.
I loved the way that MT’s admin suite functioned, they’d put time and effort into making it a smooth experience. And I missed that. I also realised that I had alot more freedom and power with the Grid Server.
So I switched back.
MediaTemple
All of my files are currently on MT’s servers, to be truthful, they never left. However my domain is currently registered with the Fused network. As soon as my obligatory 60 days is up, I’ll be switching it back.
I’ve never had a host that is so reliable or as easy to get on with. MediaTemple is by far the best host I’ve ever been with, without a doubt.
If you’re thinking of switching hosts, go with MT. As a new customer you’d be safe from any of the issues affecting Cluster 2’s problematic environment.
David McKendrick - May 15, 2009
I’d just like to mention that according to our support helpdesk the move took roughly 48 hours initially with less than 48 hours afterwards of additional time troubleshooting the installation. I’m not sure where the image of two weeks was conjured up by you can confirm by looking in our client area.
The remainder (e.g. regarding cpanel & such) simply comes down to taste, quite frankly I can’t blame you as I’m not a huge fan of cpanel myself but as far as most people go — they love it.
It’s ten steps beyond MT’s panel as far as usability is concerned though, but they offer an entirely different product altogether.
Best of luck with your new package with them, sorry to hear things didn’t work out with us.
Jonny Haynes - May 15, 2009
Hi David, cheers for your comment.
According to your client area, I received my initial invoice on 22nd March, I presumed by using your offer code of ‘helpmemove’ it would have prompted you guys to ask me if I needed assistance. You didn’t. I left it approximately a week(8 days) before filing a support ticket on 30th March for assistance in moving. Your right, there we’re two days of support messages going back and forth to try and solve the problem, then there was a couple more days of investigation. But by 7th April, I decided to have a go myself.
It took me 20 minutes from start to finish as previously mentioned.
You’re right CPanel does come down to taste, I’ve never really liked it! I thought I could learn to like it, but I couldn’t. And I do know of people who like it, after all it’s way better than Plesk!
Best of luck to you also!
Jonny Haynes - May 15, 2009
I will add one further thing.
I am impressed by the speed of your companies response time and their willingness to assist.
David McKendrick - May 15, 2009
Jonny,
Ah, I do realize there was a gap between the sign-up and your submission of the ticket — we’re more ‘on demand’ folks as far as moves are concerned and that’s one of the things we’re looking to fix in short order with a couple of ‘move me’ forms towards the end of signup, vs. awaiting a ticket.
I can’t recall particularly why your installation wouldn’t work, if I do remember correct it had something to do with a caching plugin — and I assure you we made great efforts to sort it out. Anywhom!
Hope the new cluster works out for you (really do). It’s a great concept and hopefully the execution of their second one is superior than the first.
Tim Brazier - May 21, 2009
Jonny,
Have you looked at 34sp? I use them and they are awesome to be fair – ZERO downtime in over a year and their support is immense, they are quick (15mins to respond) and have the best automated ticketing system I have ever seen.
The only reason I think you would struggle is that they have Plesk as their admin suite.
Let me know if you’ve heard anything negative about them.
Jonny Haynes - May 21, 2009
Never heard of them, I’ll check them out. I’ve never had any downtime with MT either.