Hi guys,

I've been banging my head trying to find a hosting provider for my small business that uses .NET 2.0 + MS SQL 2005 (Full-Text Search)  and if i need to go with a shared server or a VPS.

 Let me give some more details: The website is basically a small dating site in that users can contact each other and share pictures. Similar to a Match.com but on a much smaller market. I only expect to have a MAX of 2000 users. They are limited to uploading 11 pictures @ 4mb per pic (Total: 44mb). There is a user search function that allows people to search based on user profiles. The website allows for users to pay to become a member which allows them more privilages.  

Can someone please tell me if I need a shared server or a VPS and why.

Can someone also please tell me if they know of a hosting solution that meets my needs.

Thanks in advance for your time and help!

I like discountasp for shared hosting. If you only have 2000 user then you should have no problem hosting with them.

You can try discountAsp ro manashosting.com

therocket2500,

Of course VPS is better. It is much faster and you are isolated from other sites/users. Also you have full administrator permissions. But VPS is noticably more expensive.

So it depends on your budget only. If you do not make enough money with your dating site - try shared hosting first. If the site is not just a hobby - VPS is your choice.

If you are just starting off, it is better to go with shared hosting as it is usually managed by the hosting provider and easier to manage and very inexpensive. However, if you already have 2000 users and you have also started earning revenue from your site, then it is definately recommended that you go for a VPS hosting. You know the advantages that comes with it of course.

I've hosted large communities with http://discountasp.net with SQL Server 2000 and 2005, even using Access and Ling to XML.

Definitely recommend them.
You get full access to the SQL Servers, remote data pumping is no problem, plus you have a very advanced customer API available.