I've used AWS, DO, and most recently Rackspace Cloud for a big client. Rackspace is a great company to deal with if you're willing to pay. Essentially we migr

I've used AWS, DO, and most recently Rackspace Cloud for a big client. Rackspace is a great company to deal with if you're willing to pay. Essentially we migrated their servers to the non managed cloud, but at some point in the future if they require they can go to a managed service level and have quick access to great managed talent. I have been pretty happy with the experience so far, the SSD based instances perform faster than the older dedicated hardware they left. I'm surprised how many co locate their servers. I'm assuming you are reasonably close to the datacenter? In my case the closest data center is a good hour drive. Typically when renting most hosts can swap any part immediately with an identical. I'm curious if people keep an identical parts machine or similar?