As a result of my experience with a number of host providers I would recommend the following minimum guidelines for your host provider (if you wish to proceed with that alternative):
1 - Blade server (ala IBM, HP, etc.) preferably Windows 2003 - where IIS and DNN will reside;
2 - Another server (either Windows 2000/2003) for DB behind a Cisco PIX; Their PIX must not allow Ping, etc only tcp/ip;
3 - FTP won't be enough ..... will require Remote desktop connection to DNN server (via VPN etc.);
4 - Host provider must be able to install, configure and manage your SSL (128 bit) certificates (may offer to purchase it for you);
5 - Bandwidth - outbound - a major consideration as all outbound traffic will be routed through the host provider's backbone;
6 - Host provider must provide software to monitor your domain's web site (primarily set alarm when your site is down);
7 - Host provider must provide SYNCHRONISED backup (that is both your DNN and DB are backed up at the same time);
8 - Host provider must provide SMTP access via port 25 (their virus protection must not block this port);
9 - Host provider must provide intermediate platform for pre-production testing which is configured SAME AS the production platform (you don't want surprises when you go to production);
10 - Power source backup in case of power failure;
11 - 2nd site backup/restore in case of catastrophic failure at main site of host provider;
12 - SLA (service level agreement) including quality indicators such as response times, etc.
As I have mentioned previously, these are minimum requirements.
Jacques Colmenero
Enterprise Architect - Strategik Information Systems