We are looking at different DNN and email hosting providers and right now are leaning towards using PowerDNN for our sites and Rackspace for email accounts.

Has anyone used Rackspace for DNN hosting? - what we are finding is that they seem to be great hosts but not overly experienced and supportive with DNN. We really want someone who knows DNN and will help trouble shoot and help find solutions to any little things that may come up. We are not a "we want figure it all out ourselves" kind of company. Has anyone set up and maintained sites on Rackspace?
Although expensive, PowerDNN seems to have the support that we need.

With email however, we really need reliability, speed, and it seems that Google apps or Rackspace is the way to go. We don't want all of our websites and email under one IP address when one accounts mishap can affect everyone else's spam reputation.

Does anyone have thoughts about the basic $20/shared hosting vs a cloud server on PowerDNN?

Any thoughts anyone can share woudl be greatly appreciated?

Thanks!

My choicw would be to go with a host that really knows DNN.

The basic shared hosting from PowerDNN is just fine. There support is very good!

I don't have any experience using Rackspace. But as far as I know Rackspace is good for development. I personally use ASPHostPortal.com for my DNN hosting, I found them on Microsoft Spotlight web hosting partners, also you can check their costumers reviews.

I have a very small company and the budget is very tight. Are there any less expensive options that work?

Yes, there are other options. Much of the cost difference, IMHO, is related to customer service and tech support. I don't think you can do better in that regard than the level of support provided by Managed.com (formerly PowerDNN).

If you google around you will find lots of companies. I did have a chance recently to meet the guys behind DNN4Less. They are nice guys and are serious about their business. You might want to start with the companies that support the DNN Community. These are sponsors of the recent DNNCon event: Applied Innovation, DNN4Less, 3Essentials, Managed.com Point Click) are supporters.