6.Reliability and speed of access:Not only should the web host be reliable and fast, it should guarantee its uptime (the time when it is functional). Look for a minimum uptime of 99%. In fact, even 99% is actually too low - it really should be 99.5% or higher.
7. Data transfer:Don't believe any commercial web host that advertises "unlimited bandwidth". The host has to pay for the bandwidth, and if you consume a lot of it, they will not silently bear your costs. Many high bandwidth websites have found this out the hard way when they suddenly receive an exhorbitant bill for having "exceeded" the "unlimited bandwidth".
8.Disk space:Most sites need less than 10 MB of web space, so even if you are provided with a host that tempts you with 200 MB or 500 MB (or "unlimited space"), be aware that you are unlikely to use that space, so don't let the 500 MB. space be too big a factor in your consideration when comparing with other web hosts. 
9.Monthly/Quarterly/Annual Payment Plans:Preference is to pay monthly with all new web hosts until ur assured of their reliability and honesty.
10: Resellers?: The disadvantage of using a reseller is the possibility that you are dealing with people who don't know much about the system they are selling and who take longer to help you (they have to transmit your technical support request to the actual hosting company for it to be acted upon).

./bernard

On Tue, Sep 15, 2009 at 5:00 PM, Areba Collins <arebacollins@gmail.com> wrote:
1. Support, cause you will need help in case of trouble, find one that
has reliable, knowledgeable support staff. I prefer chat support 24hr
and it helps to first log in and tinker through, asking technical
questions to confirm the staff they have is on top of matters.
2. Resource allocation and limits, ask about the processors, how many
sites are shared on one server, memory, space. . . Etc. Avoid the
unlimited space simply because no hard disk exists that has unlimited
space.
3. Location. Matters because a company located in an 8 hour time
difference zone may not be able to give you all support services on
chat,
4. Payment method. Do they allow all cards? Is billing monthly,
quarterly or annual? Can i shift between these plans? Do they store my
card info? Im i safe that way?
5. Language. In case of help, do they speak in a language i understand?
Im sure you can add more. So far, hostgator does offer basic hosting
really nicely.

On 9/15/09, James Kagwe <kagwejg@gmail.com> wrote:
> Think my questions was poorly phrased. Say for example you have a
> website already designed and were sourcing for hosting services, but you
> also want to ensure that the SLA you will sign has good measurable
> metrics which would help you ensure QOS is maintained.
>
> What measurable metrics would you use?
>
>  Kiti Chigiri wrote:
>> check out http://www.phpclasses.org/hosting/  for metrics and stats
>>
>> On Tue, Sep 15, 2009 at 3:29 PM, James Kagwe <kagwejg@gmail.com
>> <mailto:kagwejg@gmail.com>> wrote:
>>
>>
>>     Have been wondering what metrics one can use to establish how
>>     effective website hosting provider is. Does anyone have an idea?
>>     Would be more interested in measurable ones and not just descriptive.
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