iffy webhost

[jenpen]

I have a new client who already has a hosting plan and wishes to retain it. I'm a bit concerned about this webhost, they seem a bit amateurish and have not been forthcoming with information. So I have quoted a "pain & suffering" rate for any of my time that this webhosting company wastes.
But before I even start, is there a list somewhere of back-end requirements for Zen Cart that I can send them and ask for confirmation that they can support it?

[dbltoe]

That's kind of like asking what kind of parking place you need for your vehicle. Your vehicle may be anything from a bicycle to a 18 wheeler.

1. If your customer has already been doing e-commerce with this host, it might not be too bad.
2. Is all the customer's processing off-site? If not, does their host's server meet PCI compliance? Regardless of online or offline processing, something will need to be done to protect customer data.
3. Assuming this is shared hosting, do they allow "baddies" (like FrontPage) that could cost PCI compliance failure AND leave the server open for hackers.
4. What versions of PHP, MySQL, etc. This can make a BIG difference in version, mods, PCI, etc.
5. See if you can get a free DNS report or DNS timing check. The report should be A or better. Here's what one looks like.

[jenpen]

Thanks dbltoe but your number 4, ie server specification-type stuff, is what I'm after. Some applications list the minimum requirements, but I can't seem to find a list for Zen Cart.
This is the client's first foray into e-commerce, so I have no idea if the host can or can't handle it.

[dbltoe]

The reason I didn't expound on #4 is a search of the wiki for server requirements leads you to Installation - Requirements.

However that page is over a year old and does not address PHP 5.3 which 1.3.9d is compatible with. Earlier versions don't play well with 5.3 nor do some of the mods. Many are finding their hosts are moving to 5.3 without notifying the customer.

[jenpen]

Thanks, that Wiki page was what I needed. I will have a better look through Wiki in the future.
My usual host just moved to PHP 5.3 and had to do lots of fixes on a few of my carts. It was a good learning experience for them and they have added some items to their upgrade protocols now.