EasyCGI vs. HostMonster vs. Netfirms Website Hosting Comparison
EasyCGI Website Hosting
Begun as a regional service provider in 1996, EasyCGI became a global web site hosting service in 1998. With three tiers of hosting solutions for a variety of business and customer needs, EasyCGI maintains its own data center and servers at the same facilities as their corporate offices in Pearl River, New York.
Pros
E-mail only accounts and web forwarding also available
20% discount for one-year advance purchase
30-day money back guarantee
99.9% or better uptime guarantee
Cons
Some hidden costs not included in monthly rate
Must purchase one year in advance to get listed monthly rate
Hosting is exclusively on Windows 2003/2008 servers
Conclusion EasyCGI offers a large amount of services in a variety of packages suited to the needs of a novice individual or a full commercial business. Although some details are tricky and some options are only available on more advanced packages, EasyCGI offers a reliable product with extensive online services and highly rated customer satisfaction.
In business since 1996, HostMonster has consistently ranked at or near the top in customer service and satisfaction. Based in Orem, Utah, HostMonster provides a robust commercial package featuring High Performance Xenon Servers that is well suited for both individuals and businesses.
Pros
Free domain registration for life and free privacy feature
Powerful CPanel user control panel for web site settings and options
Several e-commerce options included with package
99.9% or better uptime guarantee
Cons
Must purchase 24 months in advance to get listed monthly rate
Basic yet full “one size fits all” package
Conclusion HostMonster is rated as the #1 web site hosting service with C|Net, who strongly recommend their services for both individuals and businesses. With extensive customer support and a full portfolio of features available for their users, HostMonster provides one of the best all-around values for performance of any hosting service.
Based out of Toronto, Ontario, with U.S. offices in Buffalo, New York, Netfirms was founded in 1999 with the express purpose of providing hosting solutions for small businesses. Since then, Netfirms has grown into a worldwide provider and domain name registrar and hosts more than 1.2 million web sites.
Pros
Multiple packages available for business-specific needs
Environmentally friendly policies and practices
30-day money-back guarantee
Cons
Pricing slightly above average; cheaper plan available
Service in 12-month terms only, no other length available
Conclusion Netfirms provides some of the best options optimized specifically for small business needs. With features not as robust as some other hosting services, some of the specific tools available through Netfirms may benefit a business just beginning with their web site. Also, with the launch of Netfirms Green, they have begun an in-house initiative to reduce their environmental footprint and energy usage.