[mtigas]

For a VPS/dedicated where you're manually operating the server and database, #3 is generally given.

I run a couple of small boxes on Slicehost http://slicehost.com/ and their management interface allows you to bring up new boxes / close down boxes as you need, manage your DNS records, and etc.

If you require shell support, they do have an API to their management interface http://www.slicehost.com/articles/2008/3/26/announcing-the-s... — I've played with it just once, in Python, and found it to be extremely accessible.

The couple times I've needed support, I got resolved within less than an hour. Generally, I find that I can resolve minor issues within their management interface (reboot an instance, get shell access via browser if you have broken SSHD, etc.).

[mtigas]

Additionally, for $5 per box, you can store 3 backup images of the whole machine — and have two of them operate on a schedule (i.e., one image updates daily at a certain time, another one updates weekly at a certain time, and you can store another one manually before a large migration or upgrade if you want).

This has saved my ass before.