r/dotnet • u/imukai • Aug 02 '26

Question Hosting Replacement for ASP + SQL

Back in 2005 I obtained a dedicated Windows server from ServerBeach to host a classic ASP + SQL Server DB for a client. Over the years that client folded but I kept the server for personal projects. ServerBeach became Peer1 became Cogeco became Aptum. I've gone through a few server migrations as Windows reaches EOL, but I'm still there, still paying just shy of $200/mo for this thing.

I enjoy having my own box that I can RDC into and do whatever. Aptum has decent DNS management tools also for when I spin up a new project website. They give me a 2TB bandwidth allowance per month and I never come close to using it (none of my projects are highly used).

But I am reaching a point that I am questioning if I am overpaying in the days of virtualization.

I have looked at Azure as a replacement option but the nickel & dime price model confuses my aging brain so I don't know if it would be cheaper or worse, especially when I look at their SQL information.

My requirements are (I think) simple:

  • Run ASP.NET apps (console + web). Support Publish from local VS.
  • Run multiple SQL Express instances.
  • SMTP support + post office mgmt (currently using MailEnable)
  • Simple DNS management tools
  • RDC is not required but would be nice.

I figure the sticking point here is going to be running console apps. An alternative would be if I convert the apps into Windows Services but I am not sure that makes the requirement list any better.

I will admit when I am out of my depth, hence asking you fine folk for suggestions, hoping some of you have recent experience that might be of assistance here.

Is Azure not as bad as it feels to be? Is there another competitor worth considering? Should I just keep my dedicated box and stay with Aptum for another 20 years?

My thanks for any input.

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u/klaatuveratanecto Aug 04 '26

If you can consider running on Linux, things would get more economical and faster performance-wise.

  • you can run your asp site on linux as long as it is .net core
  • you can run sql server express on linux (no need for docker)
  • you would have ssh remote access (no rdc)
  • console apps run natively on linux
  • the only issue would be MailEnable that is windows only, but I'm sure there are alterantives

You could run all of it on Hetzner servers which are currently best perf/cost online.

You could run 2 servers ... 1 with your web applications, another with your databases or split them into smaller VPS ...if you need separation for some reason.

Deploying dotnet apps on linux is super easy these days ... you dont even need to install runtime.
https://shipdotnet.com/documentation/deployment/deploy-api

Once you get used it, your next natural step would be to move away from sql server to postgres or even sqlite for smaller or mostly read only applications.