Finding and Selecting A Web Host
Why is this page in the Moodle Docs
If you are interested in installing and using a Moodle instance in your school, organization, or business, there are many things you must consider. Not only do you have to think about the technical aspects, you also should put some thought into how you would like to use the system, maintain the system, create the content, and support the users.
Depending on the scope and scale of your instance, and the technical expertise you can bring to the table, you may decide that you can host Moodle yourself or you may realize you could use some help!
In addition to technical expertise, there are staffing issues to consider. A developer will help you write code to enhance or add new functionality. Many installations find that they do not need a developer, or they can hire development on an ad hoc basis. An LMS/Moodle administrator needs to have a good understanding of the system side of moodle. The more this person knows about databases and general web applications, the better. If you don't have an IT person to run the server and manage security, then the LMS/Moodle administrator may need to oversee these important duties. Content creators usually assist instructors with planning and creating course content. Large installations may need dedicated IT staff and database administrators. Consider the mix of people you have to support Moodle in your organization. You may find that you can cover all these bases with your current staff. If not, you may want to look at a "full-service" host or a Moodle Partner.
Purpose
Serve as an additional guide to help users work through variety of questions, issues, etc. These pages will help to steer the user to helpful materials where the search engine may prove less beneficial
History of Discussion
Types of Hosts
Moodle Partners
Full-service hosts who are not partners
Hosting without service
In-house hosting
Choosing a Web Host
The User Experience
Link back to the Matrix? Can be helpful when not only looking for a web host that meets users needs
Finding a Web Host
May some generic info nhere as well as a discussion of MP vs non-MP
Criteria for Selecting Web Hosts
Here is the real meat and potatoes, which we can put here or actually put on additional pages (my prefs) SO a link to range of service, types of support, security, e-mail, mysql support, panels.... perhaps as well, pages on SLAs generally, boilerplate and guarantees, punchlists
