From where should I buy the first server and collocation?
dnsworks: Personally I'd go with Softlayer. They have a stellar track record, and great pricing. Just like anywhere else, however, don't take their web pricing as law, but call them up and talk to them about your business.If you really want to buy hardware, I'd look at HP or Sun. Dell is cheap, and you get what you pay for. HP & Sun have very functional and reliable remote management cards that will help ensure a minimal of on-site management time (I've built out datacenters with 500+ HP servers remotely, only having gone on-site to supervise the physical work of my contractors.)As for colocation, that's a bigger question involving expected growth, your physical and network needs, your remote hands requirements, etc.