Multiple Stores - 1 server?

Hi there- we have 3 different businesses and want to know the best way to set them up. 2 use zen cart and 1 uses foxy cart. In an ideal world, should each have their own server? I use host gator baby croc package right now to host all three.

I thought by splitting them I'd have better security. Also, all 3 will need SSL certificates and from what I understand you can only have 1 per server.

Please help-thanks!

You can have 3 stores, or 300 stores, on one server.

But I think you're talking about "one account", not "one server" ... since your "baby croc" hosting account is already on a shared server with hundreds of other websites hosted on it, whether stores or not.

If your concern is speed, that's a question related to the hardware on the physical server, not a Zen Cart question.
If your concern is security, there's a minor benefit to having your sites in separate accounts just because if you mistakenly give someone your login info to one account then they won't have access to the other one. But that's only if you practice smart password management and don't share passwords across accounts etc.

The short answer: as far as Zen Cart itself is concerned, it doesn't matter. The concerns you mention are down to your own preferences and practices.

You can have as many businesses on one server as you have room and bandwidth. On a shared server, each account generally has a specific size and bandwidth limit. (Those claims of unlimitied mean that they will charge you extra if your unlimited amount exceeds their limit.)
Several problems with your security logic, though. In an ideal world, your store would be alone on its own machine. Security would be just keeping up with current software and hardware versions along with server side security.
Many folks are on shared servers. That means you don't have any idea what vulnerabilities are opened up by other members on the server. If your shared server has someone running Zen Cart 1.3.8 or earlier, you WILL be hacked someday no matter what precautions you take in your share. If the others on your server are running FrontPage or WordPress, there are known vulnerabilities with those programs.
As far as an SSL, you can assign one to every folder if you want. Not a good idea, but basically you assign SSLs to a URL instead of a server.
My main concern in your instance is what else is running on this shared computer and does it pass PCI.
Secondly, I'd make sure you're not injecting a weakness with foxy cart. Not familiar with it but you need to check if there are known vulnerabilities.
I don't think they would, but don't let them tell you that you need to go to a dedicated server. The only reason you would need to change is if your server failed PCI.

Thanks for the info. I really am concerned about the SSL certificate matching the site name when customers are checking out. Also concerned about hacks / security.

I like the sound of a dedicated server. What are the pros/cons? I guess I could have all three sites on 1 dedicated server with SSL's dedicated to each folder?

I'm a noob when it comes to this- any advice would be very appreciated. thanks!

Razor_Emporium:

Thanks for the info. I really am concerned about the SSL certificate matching the site name when customers are checking out. Also concerned about hacks / security.

I like the sound of a dedicated server. What are the pros/cons? I guess I could have all three sites on 1 dedicated server with SSL's dedicated to each folder?

I'm a noob when it comes to this- any advice would be very appreciated. thanks!

MOST "cheap" hosting is on a "shared" server... and in many cases, even VPN (virtual private networks) are technically "shared", but are far more "isolated" from your "neighbours".

SSL will not prevent hacking - it is a transfer encryption tool, not a hacking prevention device. Your CUSTOMERS will appreciate dedicated SSL because it also helps identify the authenticity of your site, and encrypts sensitive data while it is being transmitted.

We generally advise our clients to take a WHM account with a good provider (Web Host Manager). This is a level "above" the widely-known CPANEL system, and WHM allows you to host several sites on different domains, each with its own CPANEL.

The host we use will set up a basic WHM panel for under £12 / month. Up to TEN sites can be hosted on their "basic WHM" platform. That equates to hosting each site for about £1.20 ($2) per month... (The system still has disk and bandwith limits, but we have managed to put 6 or 7 zencart sites on one WHM.) The WHM package is easily upgradeable, and as your business grows, you can spend a little more money for additional bandwidth and disk space.

If you are UK/EU based, I'll happily refer you via PM.