AN Hosting started in 2001 as a small two-man operation in Chicago. The company grew quickly and was acquired by their parent company midPhase in 2005, which collectively operates a network of over 1000 servers. AN Hosting has a long list of awards for excellence in customer service.
Based in New York’s “Tech Valley” (Clifton Park), HostRocket has grown steadily using only private investors since their founding in 1999. They provide a variety of hosting and related services for individuals and businesses around the globe, including e-commerce functions, dedicated hosting and web site design packages.
AN Hosting Pros:
Highly rated customer service, including C|Net and BBB
Large, generous limits on space quotas and transfer rates
30-day money back guarantee
99.9% uptime guarantee
HostRocket Pros:
Hosting available month by month with no contract
No data transfer or e-mail limitations
Host multiple domains through one customer account
Money-back guarantee
AN Hosting Cons:
Limited customizable options available
Basic yet full “one size fits all” package
HostRocket Cons:
Additional costs for a few options otherwise included with other vendors
Must purchase 24 months in advance to get listed monthly rate
Basic yet full “one size fits all” package
AN Hosting Conclusion
AN Hosting is a good mid-range hosting provider for the individual who knows what they want and does not require much help in their setup. At the same time, the multiple awards for customer service will benefit the new users and ensure a pleasant experience. Their ownership by midPhase Services may lead to changes in terms of service at some point in the future.
HostRocket Conclusion
HostRocket offers a robust and feature-rich package that should satisfy almost any individual or business requirement. The variable-length term of service (with its graduated cost) is a plus not offered by every hosting service. While their list of included features is full and attractive, it does include some hidden costs that might otherwise be standard with other vendors.
