Can anyone recommend a good third party web host. These are my company's requirements:
1. ability to load and run custom perl applications
2. provider will need to install perl modules from a list I give them in order for my application to work.
3. 24/7 support
4. ability to integrate credit card acceptance NOT paypal
5. able to acquire SSL certificate
6. DB backups/Site backup service available
7. Must be US based server and provider
8. allow monthly billing but with quarterly/bi-annual payment option available
9. website will host a timeclock for employees to sign in and out and will be used to host a reservation system as well a normal 16 page website which offers a static side and a flash side.
10. host must be a listing with BBB

Any ideas would be helpful. Thx in advance

Almost all of them will usually provide all of you're requirements except maybe the installation of additional perl modules and the DB/Site backup service.

With these types of requirements though, you're probably better off just getting a dedicated server type account so you're in full control of the system.

Hard to believe that noone took this opportunity to rant or rave about different web hosting providers

Well, honestly it's a rather boring conversation and has been beaten to death in the past. It's like debating vi versus emacs as a editor of choice amongst users, just a dead end topic with no real answer. The real answer is to find one that suits you and your own needs.

The reason for this thread was to get some host names to check out. I thought this way would be more beneficial than googleing and trying to wade through the trash. But evidently I was wrong in thinking I could get some help here.

Actually a google search brings up a lot of sites dedicated to compare different web hosts. A quick search brought up these top hits:

http://www.hosting-review.com/
http://www.findmyhosting.com/
http://www.comparewebhosts.com/
http://www.hostchart.com/
http://www.webhostingratings.com/

Most of those comparison sites are shilling for one or more hosting companies; beware.

I didn't offer any recommendations because I am not satisfied with any of the hosting companies I have worked with in the recent past. I would like to move from the one I am with now, but can't find anyone any better.

You might look at hostgator.com. They seem to be getting the best overall reviews right now.

That's why it just takes some digging to find the perfect host.

That's why I stopped using these types of host providers, bought my own servers and put them in a local co-located facility with a few friends. I got everything I need with full control of my own servers.