Datagate www.datagate.co.uk

I work for a small web developing company, in Oxford, as a C# / PHP developer. I'm currently working with a client who has websites with Datagate already. It was requested that their new site is hosted with Datagate, fine - not a problem with that.

However, Drupal site is rather large and quite complex, so I needed a Linux VPS. I needed a VPS so that I could set up specific FTP accounts, specific permissions, private sections, secure sections, etc. I could list at least 10 more reasons why...

Unfortunately, when asking for root or even admin access, I was told "You already uploaded files with FTP protocol... You don't need admin access to server. It would just some mess without any gain." to which I asked why?

After a few further emails (which I polite may I add) mainly about a db error which I don't care about, this was final one (the '>' prefixed lines is my previous email):

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Hi all,

> Oddly this is not in my copy of database or as you say, .sql

> file.

No it is not irrelevant. The missing bits of database are exact reason why

website doesn't work.

Instead of asking for admin access, you should have corrected this error and if

something else picks up work on that too.

> At this moment in time it would be nice to have access to analysis the

> logs for this error, but this is irrelevant.

Yea, you mentioned you need some access to look at log files for errors, which

shows me you don't even know Drupal saves logs to database to which you have

access but

> This is not primary reason I need access.

> As well as previously said, I need to set specific permissions and set

> up specific FTP accounts etc, this was primary reason for

> getting a VPS, otherwise it may as well me on shared hosting and

> then function of website will be hampered.

First of all, you already have FTP account.

And I could have created new ones easily.

But instead of asking what you really need, you're just asking for admin access.

> Could you explain why it is that this level of access isn't available

> on VPS?

__________ is long time client of Datagate. We take care of their data.

This VPS is / or at least was supposed to be "managed" type of service.

Nobody in the hosting industry gives administrator access to client for managed

servers, regardless whether they take dedicated server, vps, whatever.

> Unfortunately __________ I do require this access to do the remaining work.

Imagine you had to set this up on shared web hosting. It's not like GoDaddy or

anyone else would give you access to fiddle on their hosting servers.

You do not require admin access on the server in order to put a website. Your

claims are just outright lies. What you really need to understand how to export

database, how Drupal works, basic troubleshooting and some reading skills.

All that being said, __________ decides for our client and she said.

> If __________ needs access to the server side, then I need an environment that can

support this

As I explained above, doesn't really need admin access he is only saying that

instead of correcting the error with database.

Any case, your intent is clear so he will get all access to the server.

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FYI, I believe GoDaddy provide VPS with full root access, but then again Datagates website says "Running a dedicated server is all about control, resources and flexibility. You have full remote admin control and unlimited flexibility over software installation... High-Performing servers include full root access and superior connectivity".

That is obviously a barefaced lie!

The passwords are also then included in clear text in the email, nice one.

So all in all, I wouldn't use this company if they were the last hosting company left on earth. Unless, of course, I wanted to be hurled abuse, then maybe...

I got stunned very bad on going over my monthly quote.

I'm paying £15 + VAT for a plan that includes 5GB transfer (hardly generous). I went over by 3GB and was charged £45!!!!!

Do not host with Datagate www.datagate.co.uk as they will overcharge.