Migrating site to a new webhost - suggestions?

I know there is a topic regarding web hosts already, but there are only a few posts at the end that are current, so I wanted to create a new topic.

The person who was hosting our website will cease it's hosting practice and hence we now have to move our website to another host.  Our particular situation might be unique in that we had no experience with setting up the current hosting.  The people who did our website redesign about 3 1/2 years ago are the people who coordinated the hosting of the site. 

What I know we need is the following:  A Linux based server, preferably with a Plesk Control Panel and MySQL databases.  We need nearly unlimited bandwidth and a decent amount of storage capability.  I am trying to get any additional info from our current host about specifications but contact has been tough to get due to our particular situation.

My main concern is support.  Since I have very limited knowledge on the process and our website is a very integral part of our business as it takes care of online sales transactions, I need to ensure that the transfer is done correctly.  Would one recommend hiring a Web IT person to oversee the transfer to a new host, or would the support team from the new hosting company be enough?

Any recommendations for hosts would be appreciated.  Our website is a bit more complex than what a godaddy or msn type of host could provide.

Jeff

I don't think you need to hire someone to manage your site's transfer to the new Web host.  Generally, a good Web host will offer to assist you step-by-step in making the switch to them from your current provider.

Two good hosting providers that offer excellent support, if you can tolerate not having Plesk as your control panel, are Bluehost and TotalChoice Hosting who both use cPanel.  Of these two control panels, most people agree that cPanel's interface is easier to navigate and more user-friendly.

Any particular reason you have a preference for Plesk?  Just curious.

Yann

No preference for Plesk.  In fact I really have no idea what the differences would be.  The recommendation for Plesk came from the person who dealt with our current hosting situation since that is what is currently used.

I'll take a look at the two sites you referenced above.  Thanks a bunch for that info.

Jeff

I think you should find someone who can take a look at your current hosting and determine if and why your current hosting is so "complex". I also doubt you need "unlimited" bandwidth, but that too should be determined from someone looking at your current situation.

You may not need to hire someone to do everything for you, but you may want to find some contact, perhaps a local web design company that could donate some time here and there when you need it, to guide you through this transistion process.