Background
I run a gaming clan who require dedicated hardware for flexibility in what server processes we run. After not being satisfied with previous providers in terms of support we decided to give 49 Pence (now RapidSwitch) a go in Nov 2005 and we’ve been there since. We rent a CentOS(64bit) AMD64 machine, with a gig of Ram.
Hardware
Whilst I’m fully aware I’m now cursing myself – there have been no hardware problems with what presumably is a Dell server (not 100% sure on this) in 16 months. This is contrary to the previous two dedicated server providers we have been with, where each server suffered a hardware failure within the first year (I believe in each case the machines were built by the companies themselves).
The AMD64 has been far superior to the previous Pentium 4′s we’ve had in the amount of slots it can serve, when running 32bit and 64bit server processes.
Sales and Support
I initially enquired after a special offer on forum2 and got a good quote from Paul based on paying a year in advance. They never seemed to get the billing quite right sending me monthly invoices when a year in advance had been paid. A quick email however was all that was necessary to have a credit note issued against these (costing them more in postage than me in time). This was repeated a few times throughout the first year.
When renewal time came in Nov 2006 I received another monthly invoice and after this mistake had been corrected the price had increased by £200 
– apparently the price I had originally purchased at had been a mistake but they would allow us to renew for a further year at the original rate.
I obviously appreciate them allowing this but it will probably mean that come next renewal (for a third years service) we will not be able to afford to continue which is a great pity. It also doesn’t seem to take into account the fact that two years on, when hosting game servers an AMD64 is worth considerably less to us than it was originally (latest Battlefield, UT2K7 etc) – still prices remaining the same year on year seems pretty standard from what I’ve seen of the dedicated server business and is understandable when you consider it takes a certain amount of time before the rental of the machine breaks even.
The little I have used support they have been pretty good. I messed up an SELinux config option causing the server to not complete startup and they were quite happy to go in and change the value for me so boot could complete. However I believe basic support is business hours only (not at weekends) so don’t make any changes that you might regret on a Friday unless you have an upgraded support agreement. We update CentOS ourselves remotely and always try to do it early in the week in case of any problems.
I believe one free OS reload is included if you really mess up.
Everyone I have run into has been helpful and detailed in their responses (including Ed, Elaine and Paul).
Control Panel
The control panel allows you to monitor your server and set up a variety of alerts, view bandwidth graphs and projected usage (very handy for those who don’t want to have to run MRTG or whatever themselves) view service updates, submit support tickets and update contact information. The control panel does more or less all we need it to. You can request a manual reboot from data centre staff and a KVM hookup (chargeable) should you require these. Whilst the KVM option is chargeable, it’s great if you’ve got the in house knowledge to troubleshoot if your server becomes inaccessible through load or won’t complete boot after an upgrade.
The main benefit to the control panel is you do not have to log into separate systems to achieve different things, something that is always a plus.
Network
For our purposes (gaming servers) where latency and routing is very important the network has on the whole been very good and I believe that a number of UK GISPs are based within it (including a couple who seem to have migrated in from other providers as we did). Upgrade work adding extra capacity has taken place to maintain the level of service and any issues tend to be notified in advance in terms of maintenance and as soon as possible in the event of problems.
One of our previous dedicated providers has actually started using Rapidswitch themselves, which I guess comes as a recommendation 
Downtime
The main instances of downtime encountered have been due to power failures or router problems of various types. In each instance Rapidswitch seemed to react pretty well when it came to resolving the problem, informing the customer base and checking the server was back online in the event of power failures. When network / other issues occur a full report on what occurred is sent to those who were affected which you should expect from any decent dedicated provider, even if its only a cut and paste job from what they’ve been told by the data centre.
Overall
In general I’m pleased with the level and quality of service received from Rapidswitch. The pricing error is unfortunate and I’ll need to discuss our needs with them in the summer to see if we can continue for a third year. Please do be aware that I have not tested their support in anger when using this review as a recommendation and have no experience of their managed support offering or their backup service.
Hi,
Do you still use RapidSwitch/49pence?
I’ve got a server that needs hosting, and I’m looking at either Redstation or RapidSwitch. I’m interested to know the access speed to your server, and is this a constant speed?
Thanks,
Matt
Rapidswitch reported to Police for data theft and sabotage
After purchasing 2 dedicated servers with Rapidswitch.com earlier this month, one running Linux the other running Windows 2008, a problem came up with one of the servers with installation of iso image.
Sales had said before purchase that install from iso of even operating system was possible through remote access system Rapidswitch.com claim that they offer and virtual cd drive feature. After spending 3 hours with Rapidswitch.com support trying to use this remote access keyboard and mouse system it transpired that it did not work properly, Rapidswitch claimed some cable problems, but in the end they said virtual drive could not work either. They also refused assistance in mounting the iso image. The technician at customer side claims that throughout this issue there was a some feeling of an attitude issues with at least some of the Rapidswitch.com support staff.
When asked to either fix the problem or refund the money for this server but everything was prepaid through VISA card, Rapidswitch.com technical support manager started a runaround of excuses in circles trying to avoid the issue of refund. When sent email saying they would have to refund money for the server/service that did not function as promised or otherwise be subject to complaint to VISA, they decided to terminate the business account, cutting off WITHOUT ANY PRIOR WARNING also the other server running Windows 2008 and that was in no way connected to the problem of the Linux server and which several people have worked on for 9 days configuring systems, data, databases etc., causing the organization thousands of pounds in loss due to loss of data that Rapidswitch have in effect hijaced.
Even after Rapidswitch.com was being made aware that their irresponsible action to cut the server off without notice was causing the organization thousands of pounds in loss as workers were cut off without notice and their data and all configurations are now lost, Rapidswitch still refused to reconnect the server even to allow recovery of the data. Perhaps they deleted all the data and cannot reconnect it?
As a result and on the advise of solicitors Rapidswitch have now been reported to the Maidenhead Police Department for data theft and sabotage. Police Case Reference is LC312112408.
Is this what the level of UK hosting companies is coming to?
Humm, interesting case. Seems like there tech support department chucked a wobbly.
Heads may well roll on this one.
Needless to say there actions are less then professional in this case. But I have heard bad and good regarding this company.
Personally I always prefer to have my own kit, which I tend to setup prior to sending for hosting.
Still at this time not sure where to send my current server for hosting. Many companies out there, but not many that offer the features that RapidSwitch do and for there price. But maybe this case shows that RapidSwitch are over stretching themselves.
The search continues.
Matt
tmpuls is not stating all the facts – far from it. See the post on ripoffreport for more.
Avoid RapidSwitch like the plague. They alter your billing details so that they can force recurring payments if they wish to.
I owed them £180 which I agreed to pay off in a £60 payment and a £120 payment. I paid off the £60 only to find out they authorised my card for recurring payments and took the rest.
AVOID!
Keep yourself away from rapidswitch , their staffs are not friendly !