I'm considering creating a web hosting environment, on my own server, where I can host my client's web sites, and would like any advice anyone has to offer. I'm not least bit interested in becoming a web hosting provider, just hosting my own clients.

   The reason for this is primary to simplify the experience for my clients. Right now, when I create a new website for a client, I have to explain to them not only my fees, but also the yearly domain name fees, and of course the yearly hosting fees. By hosting their web sites myself, I could simply include the hosting fee in my fee, and a yearly maintenance fee. Another option would be get a reseller plan with one of the established web hosting providers.

   I have about 10 clients, all small businesses, and about half of them just simple brochure type websites.

1. Cheaper and simpler for my end clients.
2. Easier access to DNN installations, no more FTP.
3. Better performance -reduced workload on the server relative to shared hosting.

1. Increased headaches for me.
2. Hardware & Software cost -I already have the necessary hardware and software.
3. Greater chance of web site downtime, due to power outage, hardware failure -no server redundancy.
4. Server security issues -I'm not sure where I want to put the web host, probably outside of my domain, or possibly in a DMZ.

   Also, I haven't found the bible pdf on how to setup and run a web host, so I'll have to do the research on how best to setup the environment. If anyone knows of any good resources that would be helpful.

Doubtful.  Unless you have serious bandwidth.

Those are serious cons.  Not to mention needing a decent uplink provider.  And if you don't know where to "put the web host" then you have no business even trying this.

Jeff

I have to agree with Mitch on this also, to go with a hosting provider for a server that you can fully control.   

A few years ago I was hosting client sites completely on my own servers in our office, but it became too expensive when considering equipment, time, and risks involved for a small operation.   It ended up being much cheaper and safer to just rent servers.

If you do not need a dedicated server yet, consider a Virtual Server approach.   I didn't check to see if 3essentials offers this option, but I have been renting servers from FullControl.net for nearly three years and have been very happy with them.  They do offer Virtual Servers as well as dedicated, and you can get a nice Virtual Server package for under $100.00 per month.   You can still handle everything on the server yourself, and install any software you like.  They also give you the SmarterTools Mail, Web stats, and Help Desk applications which are really sweet.      FullControl.net